Why do we need to detoxify?

Most people should look at detoxifying at some stage as we are exposed to a range of negative influences in our environment which include pollution in our food, the air, water, radiation exposure and a range of other major contaminants that we are exposed to in the industrial age that we live in.  Exposure to these contaminants is unavoidable for most people.

Unless you want to live in the wilderness, you need to be aware of the many forms of environmental toxins and how to protect yourself from them. Chronic long-term exposure to these toxins can cause cellular damage, diseases, allergic reactions, compromised immunity and premature ageing. Counteracting environmental toxins involves preventing toxic pollutants from entering your body, eliminating toxic pollutants from your body and minimising the damage caused to you from those pollutants that do manage to infiltrate your body.

Through the process of detoxification you will notice an increase in energy and vitality whilst helping your body to remove harmful toxins to allow your body to slowly repair the damage which has been accumulated over a long period of time.

When is the best time to start?

If you have not detoxified within the last year, right now would be the best time to start. A six monthly or yearly detoxification process is beneficial for anyone at any age. Toxins from both environmental pollutants and those generated internally by food intolerances and even normal body functions including digestion itself inhabit all areas of our lives. Our mental and emotional stressors can also create additional physiological toxins that need to be eliminated.

How do I detoxify?

There are a range of supplements and types of diets when it comes to detoxifying however the most popular method is often referred to as the colon cleansing diet which helps to remove an excess build up of toxins and faecal matter in the intestinal tract and bowel. This is achieved by sticking to a rigid diet for a period of two weeks. During this period it is important to consume adequate amount of water and fibre (psyllium husks are a great source) to help the body in the function of removing toxins from the body.

It is also suggested that you consume only raw vegetables and fresh fruits during this period. You need to avoid consuming dairy, pasta, breads, meats, processed foods, chocolate and food which contain preservatives, colourings, flavourings and MSG.

What should I do to maintain the hard work after I have detoxified?

After detoxification most of the good bacteria has been removed from the intestinal tract along with the bad ones so you will need to make an effort to help the body to reintroduce the good bacteria. This can be achieved by taking an acidophilus supplement or by consuming raw cabbage in the diet.

The important thing after detoxification is to monitor what you eat and try to avoid foods which you know are not the best for your health. Try to limit the high amounts of fats and carbohydrates in your diet and avoid foods which are full of preservatives and additives. By detoxifying regularly and maintaining a new diet you will greatly increase the quality of your health which will result in an increase in the quality of your life. There are some excellent products in our store that will help you to introduce detoxification in to your health plan.

Name: Kate McCracken

Current Sporting Activities: Aerobics, Body Combat, Spin Classes, Weights, Indoor Rock Climbing and Pilates.

Greatest Sporting Achievement: Being accepted as a presenter on Aerobics Oz Style... a lifelong dream come true! Making the top 5 national finalists for ballet and dancing lead roles for the Premier State Ballet Company

What type of training do you do each week and for how long? Besides the show which we do 10 shows a day for two days a week, I generally like to do a different class every day. I find treadmills and bikes monotonous so enjoy body combat, body attack, step classes, pump and spin classes. These go for an hour in duration and I will also do ½ an hour of weights if time is permitting. Depending on my schedule and what I have coming up I will exercise 1.5- 2 hours a day (when not filming) 6 days a week.

For example my week thus far:

Monday: Body Attack Class 1hour Weights (legs, hips & thighs) ½ hour

Tuesday: Les Mills Special Pump Class ½ hour Step Class ½ hour Attack Class ½ hour Body Combat Class ½ hour

Wednesday: Aerobics Oz Style 10 x ½ hr shows which include five Pilate’s classes. Abs class ½ hour Body conditioning class ½ hour Two Low impact aerobics classes ½ hour High energy class ½ hour 12mins max cardio on the x-trainer Weights: For the buttocks, inner thighs, abs which takes around ½ an hour.

Thursday: Aerobics Oz Style 10 x ½ hr shows which include two abdominal shows Three low impact classes Kick Class Two high energy classes Legs class Body conditioning class Power walking for ½ an hour

Friday: Recovery Rest Day

Saturday: Body Attack Class 1 hour Weights: For the hips, legs and thighs for ½ an hour

Sunday: Step Class Weights: For the chest and back for ½ an hour.

What type of diet do you use and why? I like to stick to a fairly high protein, low GI carbohydrate diet. I find this keeps my blood sugar levels stable and sustains my energy throughout the day. As a bonus it helps to keep my body fat levels low. I like to add healthy fats to my diet as well as it helps to increase the satiety of my meals and keeps me feeling full for longer! Overall I eat lots of seafood & chicken breast for protein (as well as vital strength protein powder of course), plenty of low GI vegetables for carbohydrates (broccoli, spinach and zucchini are my favourites), linseed/olive oil for fats, and of course lots of water, water, water. If I need extra snacks I will have some low fat cheese with almonds.

What do you think is the key to personal success? Everyone''s idea of success varies but for me it is setting yourself a goal, or rather realising a passion then making it happen! I always live by my "POP" theory... PASSION.OPTIMISIM.PESERVERANCE. PASSION: If you have a passion then it will be easier to strive for and make that dream a reality. OPTIMISM: Sure everyone has bad days but I truly believe one''s disposition and how you to choose to handle a situation adversely affect the overall outcome and your happiness. So think Positive at all times!! PERSERVERANCE: Unless you are one of the few blessed people where things are given to you on a platter success is generally a long journey and a case of try and try again. In a nutshell personal success for me is doing everything within my power to be the best I can be. That way if I come first or last at least I can be content and know that I can be proud of my efforts,

Do you take any supplements if so which ones and why? Vitalstrength’s Pure Soy Natural Protein Powder: To help tone my muscles and keep me feeling full for longer, I add a serving of Pure Soy to my cereals. It’s a quick and easy way for me to boost my protein intake. Multivitamin: Due to exercising so much I want to make sure that I am not stressing my body by not providing it with anything my diet may not cover. It just covers all the basics. Calcium: My diet has very minimal amounts of dairy in it so I ensure my calcium needs are met by supplementing my diet. Green Tea: As well as being a great anti-oxidant helps to keep my metabolism burning! Silica Gel: I have this in my morning water & lemon, great for healthy skin, nails and hair.

Ingredients:

6 x 200gm Red Jewfish fillets

¼ cup water or fish stock

1 tablespoon lemon juice Topping:

¼ cup shredded coconut

¼ cup sunflower kernels

4 sprigs fresh coriander, chopped

½ bunch chives, chopped

½ teaspoon lime zest

½ lime, juiced

1 teaspoon maple syrup

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Place all topping ingredients in a food processor and process until well combined. The mix should be moist.

2. Place fish on baking tray lined with baking paper and cover top of fish with topping mixture.

3. Pour lemon juice and water (or stock) around fish. Place in 220oC preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes.

4. Allow fish to stand for three minutes before serving.