New Season, New You: Tips for a Successful Fall Detox

(Written by Natalia Hnatiw)

Long summer days are quickly coming to an end and fall will soon be upon us. It seems fitting that transitioning into a new season should bring on motivation to make any changes in your life that you maybe have been considering on making anyways. Let’s start with that diet of yours. All those patio beers and backyard barbeques may have been delicious, but they may have also left you not feeling at your greatest and most energetic. Whether you’re looking forward to the weather change, or your dreading the inevitable Canadian winter that is slowly creeping up, it’s still the perfect time for a fall detox.

The word “detox” may sound intimidating to some people but it doesn’t have to. Our bodies are naturally designed to detox and eliminate the toxins that accumulate inside of us everyday. It’s a good idea, however, to help with this process at least a few times a year and give our systems a bit of a break. It doesn’t have to be difficult and you don’t have to give up everything. You’re still allowed to eat, and eat well. You may just have to be more mindful of what you are putting into your body, as well as what’s being eliminated. Start off slowly, with a 3-day detox and see how your body reacts to it. If you see a noticeable change in your energy level and are finding it easy to maintain, consider extending it to a week or more. The longer you do it, the better you will feel. Want more motivation? Try doing it with your spouse or a friend, as they too could be in need of a refresher.

Side note: When doing any detox, you want to make sure that the food you are eating is organic. Conventional fruit and vegetables are loaded with herbicides and pesticides that slow down the system and inhibit the liver’s ability to properly remove the body of toxins.

Benefits of detoxing:
-Boost you mood and energy
-Increase your metabolism
-Improve your immune system

Follow these simple rules for an easy and successful detox:

Foods to include: Whole, unprocessed foods, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, cold pressed oils, fresh pressed juices and smoothies.

Foods to eliminate: Processed foods, sugar, wheat, dairy, meat and fish, alcohol and caffeine (including tea and chocolate).

Foods that naturally detox the body: Fruit, leafy green vegetables, garlic, beets, lemons, cabbage, broccoli, grapefruit and acai berries.

Fall Detox Juice:

1 large apple (cored)
½ beet
1 cup kale (packed)
½ cup parsley
½ cup mint
1 lemon (peeled)
½ inch chunk ginger
1 cup distilled water (or to desired consistency)

Place all ingredients into juicer and process. Enjoy!

This juice is the perfect energizer to substitute your morning coffee with. If it tastes too strong, just add more water.

Natalia is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and recent graduate from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She truly believes that good-quality, wholesome food is the basis of good health. With a focus on nutritional counseling, weight-management and mental health, Natalia uses her extensive knowledge to help others on their journey towards a healthy and happy life. She is currently working with Ara Wiseman Nutrition & Healing.