Happy & Healthy

What you need to know before starting a detox

At the time of writing, I am in Ibiza. In a yoga retreat, to be precise, and it is really wonderful here. Later this week, I will tell you in detail why everyone should do this at least once in their life. Now I want to talk about detoxing. This is also very much on the agenda here. And you probably immediately think of drinking juices all day long, but no. It’s also about digital detox (I’m secretly sitting here with my laptop in my little hut) and detoxing from the busy life at home. That works quite well with three hours of yoga a day, I can tell you. And the food here is purer than pure. No fish, meat, dairy, or sugar (so super vegan as you call it) and that also helps to thoroughly cleanse your body. If you also want to “do” a detox (which can also just be done at home), then you need to keep these things in mind.

• Set aside time for it. It’s no small thing to suddenly eat less than usual and especially to eat differently. Your body needs extra attention then, and you can’t follow an important meeting.
• You can quickly experience side effects such as headaches and feeling sluggish and tired. You really have to get through this. After the second day, it’s over.
• Expect gas.
• Expect a bad taste in your mouth.
• Does it still sound appealing?
• Yes, indeed you will lose a little weight, but that’s not strange, because you’re consuming few calories. Do keep in mind, because as soon as you fall back into your old pattern, they will be back on you in no time. So use the detox as a start of a new lifestyle. Keep eating pure and super healthy (of course in normal portions) with occasional splurges. Duh, otherwise it’s not fun. Try to find a bit of balance. The detox is also really meant for a reset of your body and to actually learn something from it.

• During a detox, you don’t do yourself any favors by exercising super hard. You just lose weight. Instead, take a yoga class.
• Book a day at the sauna. During a detox, many toxins are released, and they need to leave your body. You do this by drinking a lot (and peeing), but also by sweating. So, sauna time.
•  Your libido goes down a bit, so prepare your boyfriend. You could do it together, but I’m not sure I find that very appealing.
• Guidance during a detox is not a luxury. You can complain about your mood or side effects, and you can see that person as a coach who can lift you up again when you’re having a hard time.
• The real adventurer takes an enema. Indeed, everything out with a little hose.
• You can get a very energetic feeling from detoxing. Your skin glows, and your nails and hair are at their best. That’s all really true.
• Take a detox seriously.