Follow Origin as we undertake a six-week cleanse and detoxification program. This marks week number one where we are easing into things with a basic elimination diet, avoiding all toxic and congesting foods. The diet is vegan (although some fish or chicken can be consumed for those with greater protein needs) and based on non-allergenic, organic whole foods. The idea is to gently cleanse your body and get prepared for a more intense cleanse, eventually taking in only vegetables, fruits and/or juices. For the more robust, a 2-3 day fast without food will follow the vegetable/fruit only portion. We will then ease out of the cleanse, again supporting our bodies with the basic elimination diet.

Week-by-Week Cleansing and Fasting Plan:

Weeks 1 and 2- Transitional stage, will focus on removing toxins and congesting foods from the diet.

Week 3- Continuation of week 1 and 2 with a focus on raw foods.

Week 4- A diet of just fruits, vegetables and various low-sugar juice; 2-3 days will be juice only without food.

Week 5- A transition back to a diet mostly of raw foods.

Final Week- A transition back to a diet like the first two weeks, eating non-toxic and non-congesting foods.

Toxic and Congesting Foods

What to avoid these first two weeks: All common allergenic foods (dairy/milk, wheat/gluten, soy, eggs, shellfish and peanuts), red meat, pork, hydrogenated fats, all toxic/refined fats, refined flours, bread, baked goods, sweets, refined sugars, soda (diet too), drugs, alcohol, and coffee or excessive caffeine. Avoid all processed foods (pretty much all pre-packaged foods) and eat only organic foods, if possible.

Cleansing Foods

What to eat: Fruits, non-starchy greens and herbs, which are the least congesting foods. Followed by all other non-starchy vegetables, and then starchy vegetables such as winter squash, beets, carrots, peas, and root vegetables (like sweet potatoes and parsnips). Next the gluten-free whole grains- rice, amaranth, buckwheat, millet and quinoa. Slightly more congesting, but definitely acceptable foods for the first two weeks are nuts (raw or soaked, almonds are the best choice), seeds, legumes (beans) and oats (look for gluten-free).

I will personally be including some fish or chicken, about twice a week (this is optional). As far as fats go, small amounts of olive and coconut oil are acceptable. The only sweets allowed are small amounts of maple syrup and honey. At this point, you can choose to drink limited amounts of black and/or green tea, although it is best to avoid caffeine all together. Unlimited quantities of herbal teas, Cleansing Lemonade, and water should be consumed frequently throughout the day.

Later This Week

Look to our blog this week for more on how and why to cleanse and detox. To support the program, we will be posting satisfying and yummy recipes so you don’t feel like you are missing a thing.

Recipe for Cleansing Lemonade:

Juice of one organic lemon

2-3 tsp of pure maple syrup

pinch of ground cayenne pepper

8-12 oz of pure spring water

Tags: Spring Cleanse 2011