Thinking of starting a health cleanse? Here are some tips from a Running Coach.
What the heck is a “Health Cleanse”? A buffed-up version of a shower?
Well… not really, no.
A health cleanse, also known as a detox diet/detoxification diet, is a short-term dietary approach aimed at eliminating toxins from the body and promoting overall health and well-being.
Eliminating toxins? Hm. Let’s think of it this way.
What is a Health Cleanse/Detox?
The concept behind a health cleanse is that our bodies accumulate toxins from various sources – such as processed foods, environmental pollutants, and even from medications.
These toxins we consume can potentially jeopardize our health and contribute to conditions like fatigue, digestive issues, and inflammation.
(Read more here: “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To Know)
And here’s where the magic happens.
Specific types of foods and beverages support the body's natural detoxification processes. These foods often emphasize whole, organic nutrients our body thrives on - like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and herbal teas.
For example, here are some tasty health cleanse meal ideas:
Sample Healthy Cleanse Meal Plan
Breakfast: Fruit Smoothie
Blend together any fruits of your liking, from green apple to fresh citrus. You can add water or skim milk for your desired consistency!
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad
An amazing chicken breast with herbs, salad greens, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and a dressing of your choice! Plate with steamed brown rice.
Vegetarian Alternative: Quinoa Salad
Combine cooked quinoa with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and fresh parsley! Plate with steamed brown rice.
Afternoon Snack: Mixed Berries
Enjoy a bowl of fresh mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. They are super rich in antioxidants and fiber.
Dinner: Baked Salmon w/ Roasted Veggies
Bake a salmon filet! Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
Bonus: drizzle the baked salmon and vegetables with a sauce made from fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Vegetarian Alternative: Tofu Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
To serve, place a serving of cooked brown rice in a bowl or on a plate. Top it with stir-fried vegetables and your choice of cooked tofu. Add seeds, sauce, and garnishes to your liking!
Evening Snack (optional): Herbal Tea
Choose a caffeine-free herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint to relax and unwind.
Additionally, you can superpower your health cleanse with supporting supplements. We recommend using Shaklee's 7 Day Healthy Cleanse Supplements - an all natural dietary supplement that works its magic in a week. Empowering your weight loss, sleep, and mood, Shaklee is the original health and wellness brand: ethically produced, vegan, and climate-neutral certified. Scientifically proven, they put their best foot forward, boosting your lifestyle with a money-back guarantee.
Maximizing the Benefits of Your Health Cleanse
Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support the detoxification process. While this sample health cleanse provides a general idea, it's important to tailor it to your specific dietary needs!
Lastly, make sure to REST! Once you’ve slept 8 hours and fueled your body with this nutritious food, you need to let your body recover - you know, winding down, watching a show, and getting some SLEEP!
To sum it up, a detoxifying diet can support your body’s pure health with nutritious, “cleansing” food. It emphasizes eating as a whole, keeping you feeling energetic and happy.
It’s important to note that a healthy lifestyle starts with a sustainable approach you enjoy. While a health cleanse/detox may be that answer, extreme or prolonged forms of detoxification may compromise your immune system - so do what feels good, and consult with your doctor or nutrition professional for specific guidance!
Our program, “The Running Start” is for people who want to learn how to run in a supportive group environment, with expert coaching, and customizable training plans that actually work - helping you achieve the best version of YOURSELF.
To learn more, click here to schedule a call with Coach Colin
