About 4-5 times a year I try to make an effort to “reset” my body and get back on track with the food I am consuming. This reset usually comes after a lot of travel, holidays, or when I feel I am just off track. A reset is NOT an extreme detox, but more of eliminating the bad to allow my digestive system to calm down and heal a bit. During travel and holidays I allow myself to indulge (in moderation!!) a little more than usual and sometimes it takes my body for a loop. Between bloating, fatigue, tummy issues, and skin irritation my body screams for a reset button so that it can get back to its normal.
A reset is the perfect way to recalibrate your system without extreme dieting or starvation. I don’t believe in crazy juice cleanses or cutting calories. What I do believe in is optimal digestion and proper gut health for the best break down of food into usable energy. My reset usually includes homemade soup with my own broth, simple salads, smoothies with minimal fruit, beans, and lightly seasoned proteins like wild salmon, tempeh, and eggs. I always eliminate sugars including honey and maple syrup to get cravings low and I usually eliminate coffee as well. Since I have an allergy to dairy I continue to stay clear but for others who don’t have an allergy I recommend eliminating dairy. To help my digestive system I drink a lot of herbal teas like mint and dandelion root and also eat a lot of fermented foods including pickled veggies, kraut, kimchee, and kombucha (watch for added sugars!!! GT’s is my favorite brand that doesn’t have added sugar).
Another aspect to my reset is strategic eating throughout the day. I eat within 60 minutes of waking and then eat every 3-4 hours until an hour before bed. I start my day with a medium sized meal leaving lunch to be another medium sized meal and dinner to be a smaller meal. Eating lighter at night allows the digestive system to really break down food from the entire day versus if you have a large meal for dinner the digestive system is taxed by breaking down what you just ate before bed.
Other aspects I add in my reset is mindful meditation and eating, gentle yoga, dry brushing, and myofascial stretching. These are all little ways to aid the body in recovery from stress.
So, how long should a reset be? This all depends on how off you are feeling. Sometimes my reset will be a few days or a few weeks. I normally try and stick with at least 10 days to allow my body to fully recover. By the end of the reset I always notice improvements in my digestion, skin complexion, sleeping patterns, energy, libido, and mood. The first few days I usually feel resistance and crave sugar and desserts, but after day 3 or so I am feeling pretty good and able to power through.
I encourage anyone to try a reset! Experiment and see if it helps your body get back to optimal function, especially if you are feeling like your eating patterns have been off for a bit and you are noticing signs of poor digestion like bloating, gas or fatigue. Getting rid of processed food, sugars, and simple carbs are easy to do and easy to replace. Resets are not meant to be extreme, but more so meant to be intentional. Reflect, journal, and really take the time to tap into what the body is telling you. I promise it will be an experience you enjoy and will want to come back to when you are feeling less than perfect!
*** This article is not meant to treat any diseases, Consult with your primary doctor to see if you are able to do something like a reset if you are dealing with any disease, pregnant, or elderly. **
