I’m not 100% sure that this is a fad anymore, since I really try stick to sound practices–are people still cleansing? Does it work? A quick read through WebMD and I found this.
“There isn’t any scientific proof that cleanses remove toxins from your body or make you healthier. You may feel better on a detox diet simply because you aren’t eating highly processed foods with solid fats and processed sugar.” WEbMD.com
Granted, I didn’t conduct a full investigation, so I will leave the discussion of the medical effectiveness of a cleanse to others. But I did read some useful advice a few years ago (sadly, reference lost) recommending that each month you try some sort of brief, safe cleanse or detox. I see some wisdom in that and I’m going to try it. I read this reminder just the other day.
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
The promises spoken of in this verse can be found in 2 Corinthians 6 and include fellowship with God; I encourage you to read this for yourself. However, my focus today is on the things that can defile my body. Heaven knows we could each quickly list several dozen things, many of which I will have for breakfast this morning! And not only food, but other things too. For me it’s an overindulgence in time-wasting social media, gossip, and thoughts of inadequacies when it comes to my work. All of these things defile my body or spirit.
But…let’s not get ahead of ourselves,
Don’t set yourself up for failure by taking on a fast, cleanse or detox that is way beyond where you are right now!
Me 😉
Here’s what I’m going to do. This month, dry January as some call it, I’m going to pick 3 or 4 days and one thing. I’m going fast from something, which to me means abstaining from. You might want to try a cleanse, not just abstaining from, but replacing with something else. Or a challenge, adding something (like a physical challenge). I’m just going to hit this small goal, that’s it. However, to make it mean something, to really learn and gain from this effort, I’m going to be mindful each day of the fast. How do I feel? Why did I choose this? What will I do when the four days is over, and so on. Will you try something too? Let me know below!
- Choose a fast (abstain), challenge (include something new) or cleanse (abstain and replace); if necessary, check your choices with a healthcare professional first.
- Commit to only 3-4 days, no more! You can always try a “second round” that is longer, after you succeed at this.
- Record your commitment in an attempt to hold yourself accountable. Whether that is a close friend, your social media page, or in a blog!
And here I am, following my own advice. I’m going to try sugar – definitely the obvious, but maybe even the added if I can see it- for 4 days! Here we go…
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Through the Eye of the Needle 
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