Oh my I'm locked in!

I am locked in. I'm detoxing and febfasting and surviving - although it's only Day3!
My febfast team has half a dozen committed souls which is a great inspiration and it's not too late to jump onboard here.
I have a facebook group open for the next 28 days which is full of support, tips and ideas on how to manage your detox and get the most out of it - you can join that here.

A detox is a great opportunity to take a break from alcohol, coffee, sugar, wheat - all those inflammatory causing agents, clear the Mind Body and Soul. And by doing febfast it's a great way to incorporate all of that and raise funds for youth and families with serious drug and alcohol related issues. I've written about the benefits of detox here.

As a naturopath and nutritionist I believe in detoxing our bodies for a variety of reasons:

General Detox - helps optimise our elimination organs function including liver function and assists in regeneration of new liver cells - yes our liver is the only organ which regenerates itself! Who says our body isn't amazing? It helps eliminate the cloudiness and stresses caused by alcohol consumption which essentially helps us combat the stresses of the year ahead.

Fertility - For women (and men) thinking of conceiving it is a perfect opportunity to prepare the body for pregnancy.

• As alcohol intake increases, the chance of conceiving decreases! Truth. 
• Alcohol can also cause a rise in oestrogen excess which leads to reduction of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) secretion which may affect ovulation!

Detoxing before conception reduces the chance of Pregnancy complications, Improves infant health and if Breastfeeding alcohol can affect bubs feeding and sleep patterns! Why wouldn't you detox before making your baby.

Weightloss - And detoxing can also help you reduce your waistline!

• Alcohol is high in kilojules
• When we drink we tend to snack on really unhealthy food choices - 'lets skip dinner and open another packet of chips', scenario.
• Reduces your ability to think clearly and affects your willpower. 'C'mon lets have another..'
• Leads to junk food cravings the next day - hello the likes of Macca's!

My reason for detoxing is my health, I want to balance my hormones and regulate my menstrual cycle, clear all of those hormones from my pregnancies and breastfeeding, and begin to feel alive. And here is a chat about the phases of detox It's tough to abstain from alcohol and chocolate but I've been waiting for this and I'm ready, but like everyone I need your support too. So it's great to be apart of the Febfast 28 Day DETOX - join in and help me help you.

Acid/Alkaline balance

Scientific evidence demonstrates the importance of acid/alkaline balance for long-term health and vitality.

Image Pinterest

The acid/alkaline balance is measured on a scale called the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from 0 -14. The pH scale is measured by taking a urine sample, a reading below 7 is considered acidic and above 7 is alkaline, a healthy range of urinary pH is 6.5-7.5.

Many people today are over-acidic and this can lead to a number of health concerns including:

•   Toxic build up

•   Weight gain

•   Fatigue & Tiredness

•   Reduced immune function

•   Pain & Inflammation

•   Increased risk of infections

•   Stress & Anxiety

•   Arthritis & osteoporosis

Modern day diets are a major contributor to over acidity in the body. Traditionally our diets were higher in alkalizing foods such as fruits and vegetables, and today our diets consist of more acidic producing foods.

To help alkalise your body I recommend that everyday you:

•   Eat at least 6 serves of seasonal vegetables.

•   Eat 2 serves of fresh fruit in a variety of colours.

•   Eat 3 serves of protein including fish, eggs, lean meat, & legumes.

•   Include 2-4 serves of raw nuts, seeds & cold pressed oils.

•   Limit grains and dairy products as these are acid forming.

•   Drink at least 2 litres of water.


To find out if you are more acidic or alkaline, contact your Naturopath to facilitate a treatment plan and get you back on track.

Making the most of your work out!

 Working out is wonderful for all aspects of your body, mind and soul. Some say it makes them feel amazing, some work out because they want to loose weight, some workout for the benefit of their body looking and feeling good and some work out to clear that junk mail from their head!

I work out for all of the above (although ultimately I want a stronger, fitter and more toned body) I think I may need to work out more however my excuse is good at the moment - being 9 months pregnant. Yet I was able to work out until I was 36 weeks. I worked out in a safe and structured environment with Mishfit  it ‘s fun, flexible, safe and easy. Easy in the sense that I can take my other child with me and he plays with the other kids while I concentrate on the workout.

Here are some dietary tips for you to get the most out of your body and your work out:

•  Hydration means water is essential! Drink enough water before you begin your work out it takes a few hours for water to absorb into your system and by being hydrated this helps move stagnant toxins out of the body which reduces disease, cellulite and fat stores.
• Protein is essential in building and repairing muscles. Many people don’t pay enough attention to eating the right amount of protein. Protein must be present at every meal for your body to function optimally. If you don’t, you are going to get very little out of your workout, both cardio and strength workouts require protein for building muscles. If you are not eating an amount of protein the size of your palm then I recommend using either whey or soy protein shakes as supplements.
• Carbohydrates are our body’s main source of fuel. If you do intense workouts, you will need carbs, or you won’t have enough energy to function at your best. Although the low-carb craze might say otherwise, carbs are an important part of your day. If you do a shake, be sure to include carbs, add some honey or a banana as it is a great source of low fiber/high glycemic carbohydrate that you need for exercise.
• Eat! The best way to recovery from your workout is to eat within the 30min post work out window. Glucose needs to be restored into the body and it will replace the glycogen stores that have been depleted from your muscles. Eating in this window will encourage muscle recovery, reduce soreness and pain as well as maintain your metabolism and aid in weight loss.

Eating for two?

mage pintrest

Lately I am speaking with more and more women who are claiming that they are adding over 20 kilos to their weight during pregnancy. I am finding this concerning as physiologically this is unnecessary; a pregnant woman should gain between 10-13 kilos during pregnancy.

When pregnant, a woman should concentrate on increasing her nutrient intake, rather than her kilojoule intake. This means forget the excuse of eating for two concentrate on diet quality rather than quantity. Continue and maintain your normal healthy diet – it doesn’t mean your growing baby needs cream buns, extra slices of choccie cake, double burgers with extra chips!

To maintain a healthy normal weight range you will only have greater benefits at the end of your pregnancy including feeling good as a new mum when you slip back into your pre-pregnancy clothes faster.
To get the best from your pregnancy and give your baby the best start to life seek advice from a Naturopath or Health professional and be advised of therapeutic doses and remedies.

Tips to prevent excessive weight gain:

• Concentrate on diet quality rather than quantity.
• Avoid the ‘eating for two’ syndrome this will lead to unnecessary weight gain.
• A healthy pregnancy only requires approx an extra 850–1,100 kilojoules a day this is equivalent to a glass of milk or a sandwich! However you will need to increase your kilojoule intake if you are breastfeeding – still best to consume wholefoods rather than those cream cakes.
• Accommodate cravings, but don’t let them replace more nutritious foods.
• Keep physically active. If you exercise regularly there is no reason to stop your current exercise regime. Healthy body, Healthy mind, Healthy baby.
• Nutrient requirements before and during pregnancy should include Folate, Iron, Zinc, EFA, Calcium and Iodine.
• Drink plenty of fluids that means water!
• Avoid alcohol, it is unknown what the ‘safe’ limit of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is and it’s recommended not to drink at all.
• Do not smoke – both direct and passive smoking are associated with growth retardation, increased risk of spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, placental complications and low birth weight – making it a great one to avoid!

Be good to yourself and enjoy growing your baby. 

The possible benefits of taking on a DETOX

Besides making you feel better physically, emotionally and potentially lighter spiritually, here is a list of things that can be achieved through a facilitated safe and healthy detox.

                                                                         via pinterest
* Boosts immune system
* Alleviates allergies
* Improves thyroid function
* Provides rest for the digestive organs
* Encourages physical rejuvenation
* Promotes normalized weight
* Promotes normalized blood pressure
* Reverses signs of aging
* Elevates mood and sex drive
* Alleviates symptoms of PMS
* Promotes clear skin
* Increases energy
* Increases fertility
* Combats viruses