Whether you're joining us on a 21-day cleanse or embarking on one solo, there are a few ways you can take a templated cleanse and make it your own.
Remove grains: Though complex carbohydrates and pseudo grains can be wonderful for you, for many people they're hard to digest. Additionally grains like rice contains phytic acid, which a natural substance found in some plants that can inhibit the absorption of some vitamins and minerals. Swapping grains for cauliflower rice or kelp noodles is also a great way to reduce your carbohydrate intake while you're at it.
Eating low GI: Though eating a clean, whole foods diet rich in fruits is a wonderful thing, if weight loss is one of your goals, you'll definitely want to watch out for higher glycemic foods. Removing dates, grapes, mangoes, pomegranates and other fruits high in fructose is another great way to reduce sugar intake and watch your carbohydrate count.
Remove sweeteners: though we caution against unnatural sweeteners, a clean eating program usually allows for natural sweeteners such as honey and coconut sugar. If you're looking to deepen your cleanse, removing these sweeteners is a great idea as well. Removing excess carbs and sugars allows your body to work towards a ketogenic state where it begins to use stored fat as fuel. So again, if weight loss is your goal, 86 the excess sugar.
Meditate & sleep: Cleanses are also about rest. When our body is in a chronic state of stress (as it is more many of us living in the modern world) it produces the stress hormone cortisol, which is the enemy of relaxation and weight loss. Being in a chronic state of stress can impact your metabolism, your skin, your sleep and your brain. Yep, that memory loss might be due to stress, not old age. So, if you're looking to maximize your results, take some time out for you. Focus on self care, get at least 8 hours of sleep and set a daily meditation goal and maybe even a digital detox.