When you hear the word “cleanse,” it might conjure images of endless green juices, growling stomachs, and unrealistic, life-draining (metaphorically speaking!) restrictions. But cleansing doesn’t have to be about deprivation or discomfort. A well-executed cleanse should leave you feeling revitalised and balanced. Let’s bust some common myths around cleansing…
Myth One: Cleansing means consuming everything in liquid form
It’s important to remember that cleanses come in many forms and it’s necessary to find the one that suits you and your health objectives. While some cleanse programmes do suggest only consuming specified liquids, it’s a myth that it is the only way to cleanse your body. Fresh juices can complement the body’s detoxifying processes, but a cleanse needs to suit the individual’s lifestyle, health concerns and goals, and for many, solid foods are necessary for a successful and sustainable cleanse. A cleanse with a balanced diet should leave you feeling lighter and more energised.
Myth Two: Cleansing will leave me cranky, tired and absent-minded
For many, the objective of a cleanse is to leave you feeling quite the opposite and if done correctly, you should absolutely be left feeling happier, energised and more focused! It is true, that for some, you can feel slightly worse before you feel better but this is actually a good sign. It usually means that the body is doing what it is supposed to do and shifting those unwanted toxins. To avoid feeling the effects of the cleanse in process, it is vital to drink 8+ purified waters a day to ensure those toxins are flushed out of the body before causing any unwelcome side effects.
Myth Three: I won’t be able to exercise during a cleanse
You can safely cleanse while staying active. During a cleanse it is time to nourish your body so gentle exercise is recommended and it’s important to schedule a little more rest than usual. Essentially, it is important to listen to your body and workout accordingly. Working up a gentle sweat does help enhance the detoxification process but again, it is important to rehydrate to ensure you avoid headaches and unnecessary fatigue.
Myth Four: I’ll put weight on right after a cleanse
Maintenance is the key here! If you finish the cleanse and resume eating a balanced diet focused on moderation and healthy habits adopted during a cleanse, you should find that you are able to maintain a healthy weight. A healthy cleanse can help to kick-start the metabolism, so if you continue to eat and exercise well, you’ll find that any unwanted kilos are likely to be shed faster than before you did the cleanse.
Myth Five: Cleansing means feeling hungry for days and only leads to binging
Cleansing doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself! It means making the right food choices and if you do this, you’ll find you shouldn’t have the urge to binge. A good cleanse will give your body a break from unnecessary preservatives, sugars, additives and highly processed foods. It means fuelling your body with good food and most people find that in the process, this very quickly results in a reduction in cravings for unhealthy foods typically consumed during a binge!
Cleansing isn’t about punishing your body—it’s about supporting it. When approached thoughtfully, a cleanse can be the perfect way to reset, recharge, and reconnect with your healthiest self. The best cleanse? The one that feels good and works for you.
It’ common for people to choose to do a cleanse post Christmas & New Years, but it’s always best to be well-researched and well-prepared well in advance, so you make the right informed choices for your own body. Give yourself time to plan when and how is best for you, ideally with some guidance by a health professional (ie. A Naturopath or Nutritionist).
For further info about cleansing, see my previous article.
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