York River, Maine
You know that point during the vacation when you put your hands on your stomach and then think to yourself, " I def need a detox when I get home." I had that feeling during my last meal in Maine. I think it was the lobster pizza and mac'n cheese that put me over the edge (pictures to come!), but a girl gotta live!
For the most part I was able to maintain a couple of everyday rituals to keep me grounded and prepared for whatever the day would bring, while I was there. Things I knew were essential to waking up feeling better and ready for whatever lied ahead.
After only a couple of days of being back home, I was able to drink my green juices and smoothies, have some yogurt, and still enjoy some Indian and Thai take out. After missing the weekend, I was trying to get settled ALL WEEK, which means groceries was done in increments. I find it easier for me to go to the market a few times a week for what I need than a huge haul. I blame the farmer market.
People believe it's all about what you eat that effects your overall health, but wellness taught me something greater. It's a lifestyle. Where the mind, body, gut, all connect and work together to help you live your best life. When you feel good you do good, and when you do good you feel even better. So, I always use key practices to help me stay on track. Know matter where. To keep my body healthy and my mind open, it's not always perfect, but consistency is what plays a major role.
*These are practice I have been doing for more about four or five years. They may not work over night, but I do recommend a consistent practice for at least a month to feel/see results.
Lemon Water
The wellness trend that took the tribe by storm. You've probably heard of it, probably tried it, but are you still doing it? A cup of warm water with lemon every morning is known for doing the body sooo good, and for great reason. We hydrate first thing in the morning and automatically get our digestive system fired up for the day. Especially during colder months are digestive systems actually slows down. Makes sense since your body is trying so hard to keep itself warm. We want to get the gut going for maybe the heavier foods we may be putting in. Also, with a swig of apple cider vinegar you are balancing your pH (which is super acidic in the morning), stabilizing blood sugar, and getting your metabolism going. Point is to hydrate, cleanse, and fire up our systems every morning. No special detox needed.
Dry Brushing
An ayurvedic ritual that seems to be growing. People actually do this for different reasons, but the point is they all work and you feel great. Dry brushing allows you to help stimulate the lymphatic system, which actually is one of your larger systems that runs throughout your whole body. You help stimulate the vessels and fluid that help carry these immune boosting, infection fight white blood cells throughout the body. Want to get sick less? Add this to your morning routine before a shower. Also a natural exfoliation and known to reduce the look of cellulite, it's become an easy way to actually appreciate my whole body every morning. How to here.
Therapeutic Oil Massage
Because nothing says love like a massage. And you can give yourself one every night. I find myself doing this as a relaxation method more than anything else. With a warming oil to help massage and release fluid from muscles after a long day, I do right before bed. After a shower at night while the skin is still warm and wet, you want to massage oil deeply into your skin. Using sesame seed oil, which is a warming oil, (or almond if sesame feels too much for you ) you work it into your whole body from feet to neck. Pat softly with a towel to remove any excess/ Doing this while still wet will help your skin absorb the oil, leaving you moisturized and not oily ,the whole night. These winter months can be brutal so keeping your skin hydrated, your body warm, and muscles relaxed is essential.
Triphala
An ayurvedic blend, it naturally supports cleansing, digestion, and an antioxidant. I think it's perfect to start to take on a detox as it will work even further help cleanse internal system and although it does say it will keep you regular, this is not a laxative! A gentle support to help regular bowel movements release toxic buildup. This is meant to help all three doshas according to Ayurveda practices. For more information, check out this link!
