day 3 - Main Cleanse
We’re stepping into the heart of the cleanse today! Food is not just nourishment; it’s a powerful healer, and this week, every meal will be an opportunity to support your body in the best way possible.
This cleanse is designed to improve your ability to digest fats and absorb nutrients, while also dislodging any toxins that may have been hanging around in your system. To help with this, let’s stick to a few key routines:
Eat meals without snacking in between. Give your body the time it needs to burn fat and clear out toxins between meals.
Sip warm or hot water all day long. This practice is like soaking in a warm bath from the inside out! It helps soften and relax your body’s channels, making it easier for toxins to be released.
Don’t skimp on the ghee! Healthy fats soften your detox channels and support your body in eliminating waste. Ghee also lubricates the main elimination channels, so let’s make sure we’re using enough.
Take it slow and create space for rest. Your body needs time to do its “housekeeping,” so don’t overbook your schedule.
Extra Ayurvedic Tip:
Try lying on your left side for 10 minutes after meals. It helps with digestion by allowing your stomach to naturally hang and process the food. Support your head and left armpit with pillows, take a few deep breaths, and let your belly soften. This little trick can work wonders, especially if the stress of the day has left you feeling tight or bloated.
Work Week Reality Check:
Most of us have a full week of work ahead, but see if you can scale back on extra activities. Even a night out at the movies might over-stimulate your senses. This week is about slowing down, so aim for simplicity and ease in everything you do. By the end of the week, you’ll feel the difference!
Exercise:
Let’s dial back physical exertion to about half of what you’re used to. In Ayurveda, the best time to stop exercising is just when sweat starts to form on your upper lip and spine—then, it’s time to cool down. If you’re feeling tired, a light walk for 15-20 minutes is perfect. If you’ve got extra energy, try some simple movement like jumping on and off a curb for 1-minute intervals. Keep workouts short and sweet this week!
Eating Enough:
If you’re feeling lightheaded, it could be low blood sugar, which means you might not be eating enough. Pay attention to how many hours you go before feeling lightheaded—that’s your body’s signal about how long it can go between meals right now. You’ll likely notice this time increasing as the cleanse progresses. If you’re not feeling hungry at the start, it’s okay to eat lightly. If kichari doesn’t appeal to you, go back to pre-cleanse foods.
Group Support:
Don’t be shy! We’re all in this together, and for many of us, this is new territory. Contact Lisa if you have any questions or are seeking support!
