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.

Getting my body in tip top shape

Feb fast 2013

Yep, I'm doing it again - febfast. I'm back doing the annual grog fast and this time I'm incorporating a facilitated Naturopathic detox! I’m going all out – NO alcohol, eating lots of salads, vegetables, proteins, smoothies, shakes and getting my body in top tip shape for 2013.

If you want to join me you can

• Join my team 
•  Donate some funds – buy me a drink so to speak
• Or just come onboard and do a DETOX

All funds earned go to such a terrific cause

• Drug and Alcohol support 70%
• Preventative health 28%
• Administration 2%

Seriously it is such a fantastic cause – jump onboard.

febfast

I have decided to participate in febfast this year, and maybe every year from now on in. I think it is a great idea, it brings alcohol awareness to our society, it gives your liver a rest, it's a great cause for people receiving and those doing. Bring it on I say. If my donations can help someone in need I am happy to promote myself and this cause to try and get as many donations as possible. As some of you may know, I have a new baby so I am not drinking everyday but nor do I when I don't have a newborn, so it may not seem like a great challenge for me but it is a great cause. 

Once upon a time I did drink everyday and with that I spent a lot of money on drinks, so I ask you to donate the amount of a drink that you would buy me. Be it $8 for a glass of pinot, $7.50 for an Asahi, $3.50 for a pot. C'mon buy me a drink and support those affected by alcohol or drug problems.

If you don't know what febfast is, it is abstaining from alcohol for one month and raising funds for people with drug and alcohol related problems. Some of the charities where your donations will go are 

• YSAS in Vic
• Mater Health Services in Qld
• The Ted Noffs Foundation in NSW and ACT
• Bushmob in the NT 
• Mission Australia in SA and Tassie
• Holyoake in WA and 
• The Australian Drug Foundation nationwide

Donate to febfast Fiona Hogan Team

If you are also participating in febfast, here are some tips for making it easy:

• Consider taking a herbal support such as St Mary’s thistle, it's a great liver restorative.
• Take a quality vitamin B complex daily.
• Drink at least two litres of water a day and assist flushing those toxins.
• Drink chlorophyll everyday, it's another great cleanser.
• Try black Dandelion root tea, it will help your liver detox.
• Walk or move for at least 20 mins a day.
• Hide all the alcohol in your house.
• Meet friends and walk, a bike ride or do a movie instead of meeting at the bar.
• Take a good anti-oxidant which may include Vitamins A, C & E and Minerals zinc, selenium, calcium and magnesium.
• Enlist the help of a trained practitioner to support you and prescribe therapeutic doses.