Detoxing is all the rage – for losing weight, clearing up skin, reducing stress, and more. But is it a healthy approach? Howard Murad, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad, Inc., says “No.”
“I believe that small changes lead to long term success. When you do a detox program, it shocks your body into results. And even worse – some detoxes can deplete your body of vital nutrients, actually harming your body, skin and brain,” said Dr. Murad. “You can get the same amazing results – and better – by practicing an Inclusive Health approach to living, focusing on small changes each week.”
To help you really keep that 2012 New Year’s resolution to be healthier and happier, Dr. Murad shares his power-house plan that will have you looking and feeling your best in just one week!
Day One: Start Eating Your Water
Cellular water loss is the final common pathway to all aging, disease and wrinkles! So, we need to keep our cells healthy, strong and fully hydrated in order to see a big difference. Start adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet which will help infuse your cells with water and build stronger cell membranes to lock in that hydration.
“Healthy, hydrated cells are the key to ageless skin and a healthy body,” Dr. Murad
Day Two: Incorporate Cell Strengthening Supplements
Did you know that the majority of Americans are overfed and undernourished? Even if you ate a nutritional diet, you probably still wouldn’t be getting the optimal amount of nutrition to properly strengthen your cells and improve your health. That’s where supplements come in. Start now with the Core Four: multivitamin, fatty acid supplement that contains at least 500 mg omega-3, lecithin supplement with 2,000 mg, and glucosamine 1,200 mg of either glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride.
“Make additions, rather than deletions to your lifestyle”
Day Three: Move More to Maximize Your Muscle
The secret to sticking to an exercise routine is to exercise for pleasure. You should be driven less by exercise’s health and body-sculpting rewards than by how working out makes you feel. Today chose one physical activity you enjoy and do it! Go easy at the start and build up your commitment time. Start incorporating this activity into your lifestyle every week for major results!
“Success comes when you try”
Day Four: Check Your Attitude
You already know in your heart that taking care of yourself sets the tone for your life and your health. No matter where you are in your own emotional journey, make sure you are examining your attitude and perspectives along the way. Today, take some time to focus on your dreams and goals. Answer these questions to help you get started: 1) What would you do if you knew you could not fail?, 2) What’s the one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?; 3) If you had nothing to do at all today, what would you do?; 4) What in life is causing you anxiety and stress?; 5) What are you most proud of?
“Turn the rest of your life into the best of your life”
Day Five: Savor Sleep
Insufficient sleep may well be the biggest health-related lifestyle problem in America. It creates a domino effect that not only raises the risk for a bevy of health challenges, but also lowers the threshold for enduring stress. Starting today, turn off your blackberry at least one hour prior to going to sleep. Take a warm bath or hot shower to relax your muscles before to going to bed. Drink some chamomile tea to unwind. And listen to soft music to relax your mind.
“Reduce internet isolation – sleep better”
Day Six: Try Something New
Remember how exciting the first day of a new school was? It’s thrilling to enter a new environment, meet new people and learn something different. It’s also good for your mind and your health. Break out of your normal routine today and try something you’ve been wanting to do for a while but haven’t. Don’t know where to start? Think back to your childhood. What did you enjoy doing then? Maybe it was art, acting, playing an instrument or doing puzzles. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to act like a kid again!
“Allow spontaneity in your life”
Day Seven: Rest
Stress is an inevitable part of life. The key is how you handle it. Identify your stressors and do what you can to keep them at bay. Today, take a recess for some deep breathing and meditation to help you gain perspective and reclaim sanity. Also studies have proven that it has a significant effect in improving the health of body, mind and soul.
“When you become the most important person to yourself, your accomplishments will amaze you”
images source : weheartit.com
Great post, thanks:) Personally I find it absolutely unbelievable how much difference simply getting enough sleep can make. It sounds so obvious, and it’s pretty simple to rectify- but probably not enough people bother. I literally feel like a new person when I make myself go to bed earlier!
Anna – That’s so true! Glad you like the post.