Happy New Year!
Here we are, a week into the New Year, and I’m back to reality. After a bit of overindulging throughout the holidays, including a November birthday followed up with a vacation into the New Year, I’m feeling a bit heavy. To be honest, I’m feeling a lot heavier, bloated, and sluggish. As I have gotten older, I’ve been giving myself more and more breaks (I’ll call it compassion) regarding the occasions when I’m not as strict about my nutrition and exercise as I should be. We all have our thresholds. But we’re just humans trying to get it right.
However, I’ll be trekking up the side of a mountain soon, and I would like to be more agile. Yes, you read that right. I’ll be on an 8-day trek of Mount Kilimanjaro next month! I’m so excited, but it’s coming quickly. After extensive research (which is what one does after deciding to travel halfway across the world to traverse 5 climate zones, freeze at the summit, and stand in front of a sign to take a picture), I have learned it will benefit me to slim down for the trek as 1) my body will be in a state of oxygen deprivation and having to carry less weight will ease the burden, and 2) there is a portion of the trek where I will be literally scaling the mountainside. A drop of 5–10 pounds will allow me to climb with ease. Well, as much ease as acclimatization will allow.
That said, I’ve decided to start a 3-day detox. Are you with me? I think we can all benefit from a regular detox. Detoxing is a great way to, as the name implies, rid your body of toxins, such as chemical additives hidden in the food and drinks we consume daily. This time around, I’ve opted for the 3-day Green Smoothie Detox. I’ve done several detoxification programs in the past, and they all have their benefits. Green smoothies assist the body with its natural detoxification processes via whole foods (green leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables) and a caloric deficit. Leafy greens are full of antioxidants and phytonutrients. The greens and other ingredients help eliminate toxins and promote healthy liver function. A healthy detoxification system (as some detox programs can go too far) can promote weight loss, increase energy, improve skin clarity, and boost overall well-being.
Reset your Body
I must say that although I love to eat (sweets are my downfall), I realize there’s a point where I need to give my body a break. I look forward to the increased energy and alertness I feel during and after a detox. Of course, the additional benefit of weight loss without counting calories doesn’t hurt either. In the past, when deciding to undergo a detox, I have generally opted for either the Lemon Kind 3-day CORE Nutrient-Dense Cleanse or for a 3-day green smoothie detox I created for myself. They are both convenient for a quick healthy meal replacement. Green smoothies can be a game-changer when it comes to weight loss. They are packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, which provide a wide range of health benefits.
Green smoothies are low in calories and high in fiber, promoting satiety and reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks.
The green smoothie detox program I created for myself generally consists of kale, yogurt (or kefir), banana, chia seeds, beets, tart cherry juice, turmeric, green powder, cayenne pepper, and almond milk or water. I don’t use all of those ingredients in every smoothie, but those are my go-to ingredients. They keep me full, are healthy meal replacements, and it’s also a way for me to get increase my vegetable intake.
You know what happens when you increase your fiber. Both detoxification programs are great at helping you push the reset button and restore a more balanced, healthy environment in your body. This time around, I have opted for the Smoothie Diet, which is a green smoothie detox that offers healthy green smoothies as meal replacements over the span of 3 days. Between the green smoothies, you can eat two solid food snacks in between.
Aside from weight loss, the 3-day Green Smoothie Detox offers several additional benefits, such as:
- Increased Nutrient Intake: I often make green smoothies and take them to work as a means of ‘eating more vegetables’. I work the night shift, and, as you can imagine, we resort to all kinds of measures to stay awake while also trying to maintain our health. Aside from the 3-day detox, if you regularly drink green smoothies, you can significantly increase your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients support overall health, boost immune function, and contribute to a vibrant complexion.
- Improved Digestion: All of those leafy greens in the smoothies are high in fiber. As you might have guessed, this aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. We all should want that. The fiber content helps maintain a healthy gut, reduces the risk of constipation, and supports a balanced microbiome. A healthy digestive system is crucial for efficient nutrient absorption and optimal weight management.
- Enhanced Energy Levels: This fact surprises me every time I undertake a detox. One might think you’d be tired, sad, and mad because you’re not eating. However, you’ll be surprised by the increase in energy, as your body is not being weighed down by food, additives, or toxins. The combination of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens in smoothies provides a natural energy boost. These ingredients are rich in natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals that help fuel your body and keep you energized throughout the day. Unlike processed snacks or sugary beverages, green smoothies provide sustained energy without the subsequent crash.
- Reduced Cravings and Appetite: Sweets are my downfall. And the only way I can stop my cravings is by not giving in to the temptation to eat more sweets. It’s a vicious cycle. Green smoothies are a great way to curb those cravings and reduce my appetite.
- Improved Skin Health: Green smoothies can have a positive impact on your skin’s appearance. The high antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common causes of skin issues such as acne, dullness, and premature aging. Regularly consuming green smoothies can contribute to a clearer, more radiant complexion.
To sum things up, the 3-day Green Smoothie Detox offers a range of benefits, especially if you’re seeking the added benefit of weight loss without the hassle of counting calories. This short-term cleanse replaces calorie-dense meals with nutrient-packed green smoothies, which are also low in calories yet high in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Additionally, the detox provides an opportunity to reset eating habits, reduce cravings for unhealthy foods (in my case, chocolate, cookies, and ice cream), and increase overall fruit and vegetable intake. By incorporating a variety of leafy greens, fruits, and other wholesome ingredients, the detox supports healthy meal planning (more like easy meal planning) and encourages a balanced diet. Overall, a 3-day green smoothie detox can jumpstart weight-loss efforts, promote healthier eating habits, and provide a refreshing and energizing experience for those looking to revitalize their wellness journey.
Detox Options
If you’re looking for a ready made, open and go Detox option, the Lemonkind 3-day CORE Nutrient-Dense Cleanse is a ready made system. It supplies you with eight juices for each of the three days. You simply drink one every 2 hours. I was surprised that I was not hungry, I didn’t get any headaches as some of my friends did, and I even failed to drink the last juice one day. They were smart in inserting chia seeds into the final juice of the day. Chia seeds not only act as an effective weight loss tool by curbing your appetite, they also expand as they absorb liquids within your body to create satiety. They, too are high in fiber.
The Lemonkind 3-day CORE Nutrient-Dense Cleanse also gives you the option to have raw fruit, steamed vegetables, a handful of raw nuts, or a small salad if you feel hungry throughout the detox. I learned this after the fact, but I never felt hungry. Well, I lied; after the third day, I was ready to return to food. CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve pressed the ‘reset’ button on your body! Now what? This is a perfect time to continue on your health journey with the Smoothie Diet.