With bathing suit weather fast approaching, the temptation to detox might be strong. But while there are a lot of benefits to going on a cleanse, the process usually feels like torture. Detoxifying the body can help your organs work more effectively, increase your energy levels, get rid of extra waste, generally reset your body and, of course, help with weight loss. But most of these benefits pale in comparison to the one giant negative - no food! I mean, who actually wants to give up solid food (and fun) for an entire week or more?! Because you shouldn’t have to suffer to cleanse, here are some of the best ways you can feel the effects without going to the extreme... Just in time for summer.
1. Hydrate
This might seem obvious, but the benefits of water can’t be overemphasized. Water helps flush out toxins, moisturize the skin, reduce hunger, and improve digestion. Keep your water bottle close and drink consistently throughout the day to help reap the full benefits of this natural elixir. If you’re not a huge fan of water, drink tea instead. It’s loaded with antioxidants and helps keep you equally hydrated.
2. Eat Whole, Organic Foods
When you’re on a detox (or an anti-detox detox), follow the principle of less is more. Avoid putting extra toxins into your body by choosing organic fruits and vegetables, and stay away from foods with artificial ingredients and preservatives. Also, try to eat foods in their natural state - meaning, don’t get fancy with your cooking by adding a lot of extra, and unnecessary, ingredients. Think whole, raw, and simple.
3. Visit A Sauna
Saunas make you sweat, and sweating helps release toxins from the body. Visit a sauna to help flush out any excess waste you’ve been unintentionally carrying around (ew, am I right?). Saunas also help cleanse the skin, relax muscles, and promote weight loss.
4. Sleep
Lying in bed at night, I inevitably start thinking about all the other things I could be doing (most of them involve the Internet). Sometimes, going to bed early just feels like a giant waste of time. But don’t underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sleep has a lot of restorative properties. Sleep helps promote the growth of healthy cells, improves memory, reduces inflammation in the body, and helps reset your body and mind so you’re ready to take on the day.
5. Exfoliate
Exfoliating is an essential part of removing toxins from the skin’s surface. Gently scrubbing the surface of your face and neck with an exfoliating scrub will remove toxins hidden beneath your pores and improve circulation.
6. Eat Foods That Are Natural Detoxifiers
Instead of giving up food, eat foods that are natural detoxifiers. Green veggies, including asparagus, broccoli, and cucumbers, contain chlorophyll, and chlorophyll helps rid the body of environmental toxins. Raw garlic has a lot of natural antibiotic properties and helps detoxify the liver and digestive system. Lemons, artichokes, green tea, and grapefruit are all also great natural detoxifiers.