How to do a seasonal cleanse in winter

Doing a cleanse a few times a year can be a great way to assist your bodies natural cleansing system at times when we most need it, such as after a period of indulging a little too much and perhaps not treating our bodies as well as we should. It can also be a great way to reset and make or restore healthy habits. 

I’ve written a bit about the benefits of cleansing in the past (which you can read here), but I thought that I would share with you my tips on how to do a cleanse in the winter.

Eat with the season

Load up on those cruciferous veg which are in season at the moment, such as brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. They are packed full of phytochemicals to help fight disease, and also work to stimulate both enzyme systems in you liver to assist and encourage it’s detoxifiication process.

It’s also important to make sure that you eat food for not only the season’s produce, but also for the season’s temperature. Healthy, cleansing meals in winter include things like seasonal salad (make sure to include som raw vegetables, and bring any raw produce to room temperature before eating), veggie-loaded soups, stews and curries. You can still include things like smoothies if you wish, but either try to limit them or drink them at room temperature. 

Keep up your liquids

It’s important to keep up your liquids at any time, but especially so when cleansing. Our bodies are 50 – 60% water and therefore water plays an incredibly important part in helping to detox and rehydrate your body, as well as promoting digestion and assisting waste out of your system.

Drink room temperature water (even better with lemon or lime squeezed in!) and plenty of hot green and herbal tea, particularly thosewith cleansing properties like nettle and ginseng.

Make sure you move

Gentle movement is important while cleansing to help circulbate blood and promote balance. Don’t push yourself too hard, as this will place extra stress on your body, but look for gentler movement such as pilates or yoga, or even stretching at home. If it’s not too wet and cold, it’s great to get out and go for a walk – the fresh air will do you wonders as well.

Sleep!

When the weather is bad out, is there anywhere nicer to be than snuggled up in a comfy bed?

It can however be difficult getting the bedroom temperature right in winter – you want the air cool enough that its not uncomfortable, and the bed a little cosy. Never sleep with an electric blanket on – if you get cold during the night try to use a hot water bottle, bed socks or an extra blanket on the bed.

For winter cleanse recipes, see my Winter Detox Salad and Cleansing Winter Smoothie.