Top 5 challenges when starting a detox

Clean eating challenges you all the way but it is so worth it!

I have been testing NutriClean, a Nutri Advanced programme scientifically designed to help support the digestion and the detoxification function of the liver. This 14 day cleanse is an excellent way to reboot your body and get back into healthy eating mode.

I thought it would be useful to share the challenges I encountered during this detox and how I overcame them.

1. Reaching your daily fluid intake goal

This can be a challenge until it becomes a habit. My top tip would be to work out the time of the day when you are more likely to drink water and herbal teas. Although it is important to hydrate your body throughout the day, you may find a time when you can drink a whole pint quite easily. I tend to do this either first thing in the morning (before breakfast) or just before lunch.

I enjoy a pint of lukewarm water with the juice of 1/2 lemon and some grated ginger. I will then drink herbal teas and more water throughout the day.

You can also use an App on your phone to record the amount of fluid consumed in a day. I like Water Your Body for Android Phones.

2. Managing sugar cravings

When you embark on a body cleanse, we must say goodbye to refined sugar. Some people are brave enough to go cold turkey. But for the majority of people out there, it is easier to reduce it gradually. I used to have a serious sweet tooth and I blamed it on the fact that I am French and I grew up eating croissants for breakfast. However, I can guarantee you that you can control this. Fruit is a good substitute for refined sugar but should be consumed in moderation (up to 2 pieces a day). Sometimes, we think we need something sweet when in fact we are in need of distraction. Boredom can lead to overeating. So get active! Move! Take up a new class! You will soon forget about your craving. If this does not work and you need other ideas, read this great post from Jamie Oliver.

3. Resisting temptations

During a cleanse, you are relying on your willpower to resist anything you are not allowed to eat. Tough right? Well, preparation is the key to success. If you have prepared a selection of delicious dishes in advance, you will resist the take away brought home by a family member. Plan your meals ahead, prepare your shopping list and stick to it. Finally, plan a cook up session. This is when you allocate one hour or so of your time to make batches of anything that takes a little longer to cook . This means you will have a healthy choice when time is of the essence.

4. Learning to listen to your body

When you clean up your diet, you may worry that you will get hungry during the day. It is important to listen to your body and to follow a meal plan which should include healthy snacks. Eating protein for breakfast will keep you full for longer. Protein shakes are an excellent snack to have on the go. I recommend these raw superfood powders from Lifefood which contain plant-based proteins. Don’t forget to include healthy fat such as avocado, olive oil and coconut oil. They will also keep you satisfied until your next meal.

5.  Staying motivated

We all have good days and bad days. We are human after all. Some days, you may be tired because your body is working hard at getting rid of toxins. This is a good sign. But you may thinking “why am I doing this?”. Before you start the programme, it is a great idea to write down your goals on a sheet of paper and pin it somewhere visible. List the reasons why you have decided to do this cleanse. One off days, read your goals again and you will soon feel ready to get back on track. It is also useful to get someone to coach you. A quick phone call to discuss the difficulties encountered can really help. I am offering coaching to all my patients as it helps them achieve their goals faster.

I hope you find this list helpful. I have found this cleanse programme really interesting as it helps you to reset your body and your taste buds. It sets you on the right path. I am now full of energy and ready to share my knowledge about the power of natural foods on the body. You will have difficult days and great days. Don’t forget to reward yourself when you do well and be kind to yourself when you find the day difficult. Breaking habits takes several weeks. This programme is a great first step towards long term wellness.

The next programme starts on the 9h January 2017. If you wish to find out more it, contact me on s.olmi@savoirfayre.co.uk or call 07983 335 647.

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