Doable Detox

Over the summer, Carolyn and I were comparing notes on cleanses and detox programs.  As long as it’s safe, I’m someone who loves to test out a food, regime or workout. Carolyn, and I can see why, felt there was something gimmicky about cleanses and wasn’t sold. Shortly after our initial discussion Carolyn was on a yoga retreat in Colorado that happened to have a juicing component. Let’s just say it had an impact on her. I’ll let her tell you more.  Here’s cleansed Carolyn (kidding):

So yes, detoxes and cleanses have long been on my list of nutrition pet peeves. “Detox” is thrown around without much if any evidence. Does a spinal twist in yoga “detox” you? It feels damn good but despite many a PubMed search I just don’t know if my toxins evaporate like every teacher I’ve had says. Then there are cleanses. Some have been around forever and are still unhealthy (Master Cleanse I’m looking at you) and others are recently popular. Of course barely consuming anything for days will cause immediate water weight loss and lightheadedness. Is this enlightenment? At the end of the road more often than not is binge eating and unchanged habits.

That being said, I totally understand the need to cut out the crap as a personal challenge, prior to a big event or after a little too much fun AKA summer. Lauren asked me what my vision of a Foodtrainers’ detox would be? I answered it would have to be restaurant and fork friendly (liquids have their limits). It would be strict but manageable without a personal chef or daily deliveries. And it would result in weight loss beyond water and a true “cleansing” of less than healthy habits. We had a powwow and came up with a 4-week Dine and Detox program that we just launched on Monday. Without giving it all away, here are three of our holy rules of detox:

1. Tea is the new coffee.
2. Say bye bye to sugar and fake sugar too.
3. Whenever possible (and anything is possible): organic, local, wild colorful.

Rules are great but we would never have clients do anything we wouldn’t do so yours truly gave it a try. I would love to say “it was so easy” but that would be a lie. However, the issues were different than I expected and I’ll admit it was freaking hard to turn down a glass of wine. The best parts? Sugar cravings were short lived and I have several new food obsessions.

Mung Beans- sprouted mung beans are an Ayurvedic detox food and you know our love for all things sprouted. They are high in fiber, B vitamins and very versatile. Try them in soups or stir fries. The don’t require soaking and are easier to digest (ahem) than other beans.

Fennel: never been a fan of the licorice-flavor but maybe my taste buds have grown up because I'm digging fennel, especially with salmon, thinly sliced in a salad or in my juices.

SoCal Organic Detox Protein- I was skeptical about this one but hemp protein, dandelion greens, it’s our dream detox powder. 

Artisana Raw Walnut Butter- Artisana makes the best products; their tahini is heaven. These single packs in interesting flavors such as walnut, macadamia and pecan were worth cleansing for.

We put together a few of our detox discoveries in our Fall Detox Bundle in the Foodtrainers online store (we’re very excited to have a store, sorry for the plug)

Drinks: Kombucha and Coconut water are nothing new but have you explored outside of the big name brands? There are some delicious and detox-friendly drinks. I'm into: raw coconut water by Harmless Harvest and  -- Lauren adores Turmeric Elixir of Life

So not only did I survive, I have continued most of my habits post detox. I haven’t checked on the numbers but I know my jeans are happy with me. So here’s my challenge to you. Pick a start date and try a one-week mini-detox free from wheat, meat or sweets. See how you feel. If you’re ready for our 4 weeks let us know.

 Are you pro or anti cleanse? Have you ever done a cleanse or detox program? Any lasting benefit? What would be more difficult for you giving up meat, wheat or sweets?

*One lucky commenter will receive the Artisana nut butter packs

Bye Bye Bloat

The 4 C's 

One of the most common words used by clients in by office is “bloated.” Nobody likes to feel bloated, especially during beach and bathing suit season.  I spoke to Tanya Rivera, of GMA Health, about the bloating basics and thought Monday, post weekend, was a good day to debloat with you.

Bloating is swelling due to fluid or gas. Eating salty or processed foods, eating too fast, for some lactose or sweeteners can all cause bloating. While women have the bonus of hormonal bloating, not to worry, men bloat too. If bloating persists or intensifies it is worth looking into but more often than not bloat is just unsightly and annoying.

If there’s an event you want to feel your best for or you simply want to debloat. My starter tip for bloat is to remove the 4 C’s. I’ve mentioned them before but these are:

• Carbs- especially the white ones hang onto water as they digest, whereas protein uses water
• Canned Foods-even healthy canned foods such as beans or tuna cause bloat (and may contain BPA’s) think jarred foods, rinse well in a colander or skip.
• Carbonated Beverages- yes seltzer and something I’m totally against soda will bloat you. All those bubbles end up in your stomach and it’s often not pretty.
•  Chewing Gum- seems innocent but you swallow air constantly. Gum chewers are amazed when they find this one out.

The Tummy Trifecta

Too many raw veggies aren’t part of my prescription but there are 3 I call “The Tummy Trifecta”.

•  Dandelion greens are good in salads or in teas, they are also in season now but need a good washing when you use them
• Asparagus aren’t only a diuretic food they are also anti inflammatory due to their saponin content and a prebiotic food.
• Parsley- a great anti gas and diuretic food, I love parsley in green juices with ginger and lemon

Debloating Drinks

Lemons have been used for centuries for all sorts of medicinal applications. Lemon is a natural diuretic and a couple cups of lemon water a day may keep distention away.  Our clients also love a green tea-based drink called EBoost eboost.com. Yogi also makes a delicious detox tea that’s great iced in the summer time. You can also take fennel and caraway seeds and boil them for a homemade tea.

Eboost.com

High Potassium Foods

Sodium and potassium work in a balance. To debloat, potassium (in food not supplement form) can help.  Cantaloupe, coconut water, oranges and avocados are excellent choices and sources I prefer over the banana when it comes to bloat. Even one day of incorporating these debloaters can make a difference. Then I’ll tell you the second most common word in my office, any guesses?

Are you bloat-prone? What do you do to improve it? Which of these foods are you ready to incorporate? And how bloated do I look in that segment next to tiny Tanya?

Second Annual Pre-Beach Tips:

Last year (on 5/17 funny enough) I answered my college friend M's plea for help with some Pre Beach Tips. It turns she wasn’t the only one in need of a “reducing routine” and the post was one of the post popular I’ve done.Rather than reposting last year’s advice I spruced things up for the 2011 version.

Let’s face it, clothing can camouflage. Tummy troubles? Enter the empire waist.  Large “hind quarters”, try a longer jacket. There are even dolman sleeves for untoned upper arms. Just about any part can be concealed or improved with the right outfit; you’ve seen the makeover shows you know what I mean. Memorial Day is on its way and soon many of us will be donning bathing suits for summer. While the magazines will tell you there’s a correct suit for your shape, they are pacifying you in the hopes that you buy them. The truth is there’s no secrecy in a swimsuit. Your shape is your shape and it will soon be out for everyone to see (sarongs only do so much). Cue the horror movie music.

Many of my clients roll their eyes at me when I talk wellness. They aren’t convinced they have to go to great lengths to improve their energy level. However, when I say the “s” word, reminding them swimsuit season is soon, they listen to what I have to say.

If you’re like them, here are 10 “scared skinny” swimsuit tips:

Pretend You are Brooklyn

Chances are, as you read this you aren’t actually Brooklyn Decker (of Sports Illustrated swimsuit fame). However, carry yourself as though you are.  In an interview, Helen Mirrin was asked, “what’s sexy”? Her answer “confidence.”  If you’ve seen her, in her 60’s, rock a bikini you know that’s the case. Confidence has nothing to do with size or age and if you aren’t bubbling over in “I am amazing-ness” no problem, fake it

Blast the Bloat

Sodium and potassium work in a balance. My favorite high-potassium de-bloaters are oranges, avocados, and cantaloupe. While these de-bloaters are easy to find, my "secret weapon" is Rodial tummy tuck sticks. They are rich in green clay, fennel seeds, and prebiotic fiber to help eliminate toxins and flatten bellies.

 Go Gluten free

While I don’t what to minimize the severity of Celiac disease, the majority of those on GF diets aren’t celiacs.  Some have GI issues, others dermatologic concerns improved by eliminating gluten. The reason some lose weight on GF regimes is simple, many foods with gluten aren’t healthy. Breads, muffins, cookies and cakes aren’t exactly ingredients for skinny jeans. I tell my clients bagels are not for thin people and it’s true. The reason every fad diet is l lower carb is simple, it works.

 Exit the Elliptical.

Ever seen a friend you haven’t seen in a while and they look great, amazing, lean and just different? When you ask how they did it or what they changed did they ever say they started to use the Precor? Or that they’ve been walking? Hold your emails and comments I am not saying these forms of exercise are useless. You want to raise your good cholesterol, ease your way into exercise, de-stress…that’s different. You want to feel less lumpy in a swimsuit, we need more. Run, spin, use the stair climber (looks like staircase), jump rope or whatever form of exercise you hate or feel is “too hard.” Do this 6 days a week (aren’t I nice?) for 45-60 minutes. Do it in your swimsuit for bonus points.


Make like Kate

In my opinion one of the best things about Osama’s exit was that we no longer had to hear about “the wedding”.  The Kate Middleton love fest was a little hard to handle: the dress, the poise, the love she and William share, enough!  Want to know Kate’s secret? Why she looked so elegant and regal? It’s her posture. Her posture is friggin' perfect. Shoulders back, gut (especially for those of us who have one) sucked in and you’re instantly thinner.

Kick Cocktails to the Curb

What would a short-term goal be without some good old-fashioned sacrifice and self-deprivation? Skip the 3 Cs: Canned foods (soups, beans), Carbonated beverages (Diet Coke aka liquid nastiness included), and Cocktails until you feel prepped for the pool.

Done Toning? Try Tanning

We’re in the home stretch and there’s a chance all the cardio in the world isn’t going to “cure” us. There will still be some bumps and lumps but we know one thing for sure, as with ice cream- when it comes to beach bodies chocolate beats vanilla.  The Baywatch cast first showed us, now DWTS is continuing the tanning trend, try it and you’ll see.

Minimize Tush to Chair Time

Sure, you may go to the gym and that’s great- congratulations. Guess what? That doesn’t excuse you to sit for the rest of the day. When you’re on the phone? Walk and Talk. Watching TV? Perfect time for plank. At the computer? Standing beats sitting. Treat it like a game and visualize your tush taking up more and more space every time you sit, are you standing as you read this?


Work that Water 

      Researchers can debate the amount of water we need to drink for optimal health, but in the meantime, we’ll tell you how much H20 you need to look your best - a lot.We suggest 96 ounces daily of a combination of water with a cup or two of Teas Tea green tea, Zico coconut water, or Hint water mixed in for variety. It’s counterintuitive, but water helps you lose water. And if we’re dehydrated, sometimes we’re tempted to eat when we actually need to drink, so just drink up in the first place.
      
  Enlist a Foodtrainer

      I’ll help you enact these simple steps.  If you’re in NYC and need some accountability, you can find me here. You can also Tweet @Foodtrainers to let me know what you’re plan is to get slimmer for summer. And remember, this may be the perfect time to #TIDEI. (Tweet it don’t eat it).
      
What do you do to get bathing suit ready? Which tip above is the most helpful?  And at the beach are you a Helen Mirrin (full of confidence) or a cover-upper like me?