“I don’t have time to do a detox diet.” This is what I hear from some of my detox newsletter subscribers. In fact, some of them tell me they are unsubscribing because they don’t even have time to read my newsletters even though they were interested enough in detox to sign up in the first place. This is like saying they don’t have time for health.
I am not unsympathetic, really I am not. I know what it’s like to be busy, juggling work, children, meals, partners, family, etc. I’ve been there too but it didn’t do my health any good.
We are all busy. Too busy. We have a hundred and one things to fit into our days so when you think about starting a detox diet the first thing that comes to mind is usually a list of reasons why it is going to be difficult. “What about work?” “What about my family?” What about preparing the meals?” The list of reasons to put off detoxing can go on and on. If you go on like this you’ll never get around to it.
Here are are a few tips to help you make the time for your detox.
1. Set aside time
It’s not a case of having the time, it’s about setting aside the time in your diary. Mark out a week for your detox when you look least busy, even if it means passing up on something else you had planned. Allocating time for yourself instead of tending to the needs of others often comes down to just making the conscious decision to take some time out. This is your health we are talking about.
2. Learn to say NO
Take a step back and have a look at what demands you are putting on yourself. What demands are others putting on you? Learning to say no can free up some of your time. You owe it to yourself. What would happen if you got sick? Think about it. Better to safeguard your health now.
3. Stop wasting time
Take a look at everything you do on a regular basis. Do you spend too much time watching TV? Checking emails? On your phone? Spending time on the internet? Socializing? You might be surprised at how much time you spend on things that are not vital? You don’t have to cut it all out, just consider reducing the time.
4. Delegate
Getting the support and help of your family is vital. Sit down with them and explain why you want to do the detox. Explain to them what is involved and ask them to help with routine tasks to free up some of your time. They may not realize how much you do until you explain it. They will be more co-operative if you allow them to take part in the decision making.
Don’t forget the rest of your family. Parents, grandparents or your siblings. Farm your children out for a weekend while you concentrate on your detox.
5. Select a detox that is right for you
A detox diet doesn’t have to completely take over your life. There are many detox plans available. Select one that does not involve dishes that require a lot of preparation or use hard to find ingredients. Choose ones that will be of the intensity that you feel you can cope with and that you like the look of especially if it is your first. You don’t have to go overboard.
6. Plan ahead
Plan out all your meals for the week ahead. Choose quick and easy recipes that the rest of the family can eat with maybe just a little alteration. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready.
If you don’t have much time in the mornings prepare things you are going to need the night before. For example, you can wash all your ingredients for your Green Smoothie, bag them up and pace in the fridge.
When you cook consider making more portions than you need and put one in the freezer for another quick meal.
Have healthy snacks to hand so you aren’t tempted to give up at the first hurdle.
7. Don’t go cold turkey
You don’t have to jump into the detox headfirst. It’s much better to take a couple of weeks, or even longer if needed to gradually cut down on regular tea, coffee, colas, sodas, sugar, processed food, unhealthy snacks to avoid withdrawal symptoms and so it’s not a sudden shock to your body. Swap them for healthy alternatives. This way you will not feel bad and have to take any time off.
Increase fresh fruit and vegetables slowly if you are not used to eating them so you don’t upset your digestive system. Not only will this aid in bowel cleansing, but it will also give whatever detox plan you’ve chosen a head start. Veggies and fruit provide many natural antioxidants that will hunt down those unwanted toxins.
A detox diet can honestly fit into virtually any person’s schedule if they do the right planning. Set yourself up for success and you’ll be walking with a spring in your step in no time at all.
Green Smoothie Picture by Wrestling Entropy
