As festive gatherings, holiday feasts and celebratory parties wrap up for another year, you may be ready to get back to crushing your health and fitness goals again. Some believe that a cleanse is a quick and effective way to kick off post-holiday training, and to reset your system to have more energy and feel generally lighter.  

There are countless cleanse “diets” online, but the truth is that a diet used for cleansing toxins is not actually necessary. Our organs are built to naturally cleanse our bodies. The lungs, liver, kidneys, large intestine and skin work together to eliminate toxins. 

A safe and effective cleanse could be simply returning to your healthy eating and exercise habits after the holiday season. If you want to be more deliberate, consider minimizing the less nutritious items you may consume from time-to-time...things like caffeine, sugar, alcohol, refined carbs, saturated oils, preservatives, processed and fast foods.  

You can replace them with healthier options such as: 

  • Water to hydrate your organs 
  • Foods that are high in fibre and magnesium to help keep things moving 
  • Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E and zinc to fight tissue damage
  • Fruits and veggies to get all kinds of nutrients
  • White meats like poultry and white fish, and beans and legumes for their lean protein and iron 

Doing this for a few days or even a week, can leave you feeling more energized and ready to get back into your workout routine. 

The bustle of the holidays may have caused a short-term blip in your healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some things you can do to support your body in its self-cleanse: 

  • Get plenty of sleep. If possible, try to get 8-10 hours per night. 
  • Practice steady breathing and mindfulness. Just 10 minutes daily can help your lungs function better and relieve stress. 
  • Sweat it out! Exercise is an excellent way to get your skin to release toxins through sweat. 
  • If possible, try to avoid emotionally stressful situations. Negative emotions can create a different, but equally damaging, kind of toxicity. 

Since you’ll be drinking plenty of water, mix it up with detox water recipes that are packed with delicious and nutritious ingredients. Among their many health benefits are improved digestion and increased consumption of antioxidants. 

Life is a balancing act. As another year winds down and you resume your healthy lifestyle, remember that surrounding yourself with likeminded people who are working toward similar goals can be a great source of support.  

Give your body a leg-up by going to the gym and getting sweaty with a friend. Or cook a healthy meal filled with plenty of nourishing ingredients. Getting back to a healthy routine offers a different kind of enjoyment than festive cheer, but with the right plan it can be just as much fun!