It’s the beginning of the year, which means everyone is talking about resolutions and how they plan to live healthier, better lives. Most people take on large projects that involve drastic life changes that are difficult to maintain for more than a few weeks. It is possible to change your habits and become healthier if you take a more measured approach to eliminating toxic foods from your diet. The first step is to realize which unhealthy foods you have become used to consuming on a daily basis. Once you’ve identified unhealthy eating habits, challenge yourself to a personal detox plan to reduce or eliminate these toxic foods from your diet.
Drugs and Alcohol
The dangers of drug and alcohol addiction are well known. Research shows that reducing alcohol intake by even a couple of drinks a week can help your body begin to repair itself from the unhealthy effects of excessive alcohol use. When you consume drugs or alcohol you are ingesting chemicals that change your body’s natural mechanisms, which can lead to serious problems. If you find it difficult, or impossible, to stop consuming these substances on your own you might consider finding a professional to help you find healthy ways to reduce your dependence. If you’re like one in eight Americans and live in California, locations for drug and alcohol treatment in California can be found online. The same can be said for the other seven Americans in their respective states.
Caffeinated Drinks
While caffeine is a perfectly legal stimulant, it is still a chemical that can cause addiction. When you become used to taking in caffeine through coffee, tea, or sugary sodas on a daily basis your body will begin to rely on the chemicals in the drink for quick energy. The physical need for caffeine is evident when you stop using it; caffeine withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, lethargy, and irritability. Once the discomfort has passed, however, you will find that you feel more healthy and energetic than you did when you relied on that jolt of chemicals to keep you going. Furthermore, chances are you’ll sleep better thanks to caffeine-free or low-caffeine lifestyle.
Processed Sugars
Humans are hard-wired to crave sugary substances, and the modern world has made it easier than ever to satisfy that craving. Sugar provides a quick burst of energy that can become addictive. If you tend to reach for a sugary snack in the middle of the afternoon to keep your energy up, you have probably experienced the negative side of sugar as a stimulant, too. When that quick energy subsides, you are left feeling more tired than you felt before you ate your snack. Processed sugars also contain chemicals and compounds that are unnatural and unhealthy. Look for ways of reducing sugar intake on a daily basis by thinking about the sugar content of every meal and snack.
Steady Reduction or Cold Turkey?
Some substances can be physically difficult to detox from. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and drugs all contain chemicals that your body begins to rely on if they are taken in on a daily basis. Cutting them out of your diet all at once can be harmful depending on your level of reliance. When you eliminate caffeine or sugar you might experience milder symptoms, like headaches. It may be dangerous to your health to suddenly eliminate alcohol and some drugs, however. Once you have identified your addiction and decided to overcome it do some research to find out the safest way to cut back, and find support if you realize you can’t do it on your own.
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