Flor-Essence Detox/Cleanse

I decided to begin this year in a trendy manner.....with a cleanse/detox.  It had been something I had been researching for a while, and I found the program I wanted (with the help of my holistic healer). However, the timing wasn't right to begin (Holidays, where I was in my cycle, etc.).  Thus the trendy beginning to 2015.  I feel great!  I absolutely loved this detox program.  It is gentle, easy and has me feeling more energized, clearer, more grounded and all around better.  It was easy for me to adapt to this plan, for I already have a pretty clean diet.  The main things I needed to cut out were caffeine and alcohol, which I was enjoying the sugary kind (wine and champagne) over the Holidays.  Below is a day-to-day synopsis of how I felt during the purification program as well as a link to buy the kit.

I chose the Flor-Essence 7-day Purification Program for its all herbal, all natural and gentle detoxing properties.  This is a great option for people who are interested in beginning better health and cleaner eating without jumping off too high and for those who already have a generally clean diet and are simply looking for a little detox boost, like myself.  The program is designed to cleanse the colon, kidneys and liver.  It is important to eat real, whole foods while on the detox in order to reap the full benefits.  After all, it doesn't help to cleanse if you are putting toxins right back in your body.  The program calls for no sugar, alcohol, caffeine, or fast food.  Also drink plenty of water!!  It begins with tea, which can be made as weak or strong as you like, to be enjoyed in the morning (before eating anything) and before bedtime.  15 minutes after ingesting the tea, take the Pro-Essence supplement (kidney detox) both morning and night.  Then it is directed to drink the Flora-Lax before each meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Note: the Flora-Lax contains oats that are not certified gluten free so if you have a severe sensitivity to gluten you may want to find another cleanse.  It is believed that oats are tainted with gluten as they are cut using regular flour in the factory (unless certified gluten free).  Before I get into the nitty-gritty of it all I want to note that nothing in the program box tastes bad.  Everything is quite neutral in flavor.  However, be prepared to add some time to your morning routine with all of the drinks in the morning.

Day 1: I felt very motivated with high energy and a positive mood.  It began my week of having to pee all of the time...think pregnant lady...that's how often I had to pee.  I was also always thirsty, which went hand-in-hand with the instruction to drink plenty of water.  I had a slight headache on-and-off all day and slight soreness in my lower back.  I felt like I had enhanced sense of taste and smell and ended the day with massive sugar cravings, which I did resist.

Day 2: (Warning there is dialogue concerning bowel movements).  By day two the Flora-Lax started to do its job cleaning the colon.  I had two large bowel movements each day from this day on to the end of the cleanse, all of which were of healthier consistency.  (And that's it...no more poop talk...until my three-old gets out of school, I'm sure).  I slept really well the night before and woke up feeling rested, motivated and energized.  I did notice I had more body odor this day and for the rest of the cleanse.  My on-and-off headache continued.  My mood swings disappeared.  I was feeling great!

Day 3: This was the hardest day for me during the cleanse.  Even though I got to sleep in a little bit, I felt tired, cranky and simply "off" all day.

Day 4: I felt great!!  Positive, patient, calm and centered!  No more headache either.

Day 5: Another great day!!  I felt grounded, calm, focused and energized.  Love it!  I want to feel this way all of the time!

Day 6: I felt slightly off on day six.  I worked to keep grounding myself.  I felt a little congested through the night, and my son didn't sleep well that night, which means I didn't sleep well either.  I had my first acupuncture appointment (blogs on that subject coming soon), and felt generally tired and ready to nurture self all day.

Day 7:  The last day!!  I was back to feeling great!  Energized, focused and motivated!

Some small side notes: There are more Pro-Essence Supplements (pills) and tea than needed for the seven days and the Flor-Lax was short a serving.

Overall I feel it was worth the cost of the cleanse (under $40).  It is a great way to get yourself back on track or start getting yourself eating healthier and jump starting a healthier lifestyle in a gentle manner.  Below is a link to buy the 7-day cleanse.  Enjoy and let me know how you like it!  **As always consult with your physician before attempting drastic changes in your diet, lifestyle or if you have any medical conditions.**

**Do not cleanse while pregnant or nursing**

Buy Flor-Essence 7 Day Purification Program here

To Cleanse or Not to Cleanse…That is the Question.

(Photo courtesy of rawforbeauty.com)

I recently had a conversation with someone about cleansing and detoxing.  She was asking me, as a health coach, what I recommend.   Afterwards I pondered over the trends of juice cleanses, detoxing, fasting, etc.  It is the beginning of a new year, people are carrying some extra weight from the Holidays indulgences, and they want a way to “jump start” a healthier way of life.  Some people are even looking for a “quick fix.”  While I am not a fan or supporter of gorging yourself then doing a juice cleanse/fast and repeating the cycle, there are some healthy steps that one can take to get their health and nutrition back on track.

So what should one eat and avoid when trying to kick start their healthy lifestyle?  Let’s begin with the good stuff…what you want to put into your body.  I like the quote “Every time you eat you are either feeding disease or fighting it.”  Remember this when you eat.  Fill your diet with organic real/whole foods, lean meats, fish, foods that are grown not made or manufactured.  Avoid sugar, gluten, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, coffee (even decaf), deli meat, pork, and processed/packaged foods.  Limit your red meat to none or only lean cuts that are from 100% grass fed organic cows.  For example, a flank steak from a grass fed pasture raised cow every now and again is okay, especially if you are an “O” blood type and need red meat.  Also remember to graze throughout the day by eating 5-6 small meals rather than 3 large ones.

I recommend beginning with a “detox” by strictly altering your diet.  After 30 days you can slowly start to add some foods back into your diet.  However, it is best to keep overall healthy nutrition.  In other words, some goat cheese or a naturally sweetened gluten-free treat every now and again is okay, but keep the sodas, bread and refined sugar out for good.  I know we all indulge every now and again, but generally we need to keep a consistent healthy diet rather than a roller coaster of binge – cleanse, binge – cleanse, binge - cleanse.

What does this detox look like?  Begin your day with a glass of lemon water, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with water or a combo of the above.  In the winter I love a glass of warm water with lemon, ACV and a tiny bit of raw honey.  Enjoy a glass of Green Juice (LINK) for breakfast.  Homemade cereal (LINK) is a great option for a mid morning snack.  Lunch can consist of a salad filled with delicious vegetables and a lean protein.  An apple with almond butter makes a yummy afternoon snack.  Dinner can be Quinoa, a lean protein (like a fish low in Mercury) and a vegetable.  Drink lemon water throughout the day.  It helps alkaline your system, detox your body and boost your metabolism. 

(photo of my son enjoying green juice this morning.  This picture is simply to show how delicious it is not to promote a detox or cleanse of a child.  He eats what we eat, which is an overall healthy diet, not the standard American diet (SAD)).

Remember to talk to your health care provider before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle.  It is important to remain healthy and happy with the guidance of a professional that knows your medical conditions.

Healthy regards,

THRIVE: Natural Family Living