Time for a simple mini-detox

Traditionally, this is the time for spring cleaning your home, but why not spring clean your body with a simple detox? This mini-detox can be done over a weekend, extended to a week, but is most effective if done for 21 days.

A detox is a way to give the body and the overworked digestive system a rest. It also eliminates foods that are addictive and cause toxicity over time and infuse your body with healing foods that elevate your energy and help heal and prevent chronic diseases.

Getting started

First you have to eliminate the 'bad boys'. We all know what they are: sugar, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, dairy and red meat. Give yourself at least five days before you start your detox to wean yourself off these foods. For example, if you are like me and drink three cups of coffee a day (yes, very un-yogic!), then start cutting down to one. If you reach for candy and chocolate every day, start cutting down on sugar so when detox day comes, it is not such a shock to your body.

D-Day is here

Begin your day with hot water and lemon. This will jump-start your metabolism, help your caffeine addiction and begin the cleansing process.

Eat less cooked food and more raw food. So focus on fruits for breakfast and fresh salads with fish and some 'food' like yam, coco or baked bammy for lunch. For dinner, eat very lightly. Vegetable and bean soups are best. Do not eat after 6 p.m.

Drop red meat and even chicken if you can. Get your protein from beans, seeds and nuts. Stewed gungo peas with brown rice and steamed veggies make an amazing, super-healthy meal!

Limit water during meals as it dilutes your digestive enzymes. Drink lots of fresh coconut water and green juices throughout the day.

Dry brush and neti pot. When detoxing, scrub your body with a natural dry brush (a loofah works great too) then rub your skin with pure coconut oil. Use this as a time to cleanse your sinuses too and do a neti-wash every day.

Practise yoga, breathing and meditation. You can't just detox your body, you have to cleanse your mind too.

Get eight hours sleep each night. Recharge your batteries. Get closer to nature. Honour your body as a temple of the Divine. After all, it's all you have. Happy Spring Cleaning!

Sharon McConnell-Feanny is a certified yoga instructor with more than 25 years experience in health and fitness; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.