Out with the old and in with the new. Detoxification is one of the central concepts of natural healing. Why? It is impossible to build healthy new tissue without eliminating old cells and their by-products. This has never been truer than in modern society. We are being flooded continuously with synthetic chemicals, hormones and toxic material in our food, air, cosmetics and clothing. Even a person with a healthy diet comes into contact with all sorts of these undesirable toxins. Our ancestors felt it was very important to cleanse at least twice each year and they had an organic diet by default. Some of the best times to cleanse are during spring and fall, as these are the same times nature goes through a similar organic process. A “detox” is also a good way to start a new, healthy routine, increasing the potential outcome of the program. Many of my patients like to cleanse at the beginning of a weight loss program or during the festive season so they don’t feel as guilty for their over-consumption. A “detox” does not have to be a time of deprivation; it can be a time of good, nourishing food and a time of inner focus. This cookbook is designed to help you have a festive time with your food plan as you go through the cleansing process.

Well over 70% of my patients do a cleansing program at least once a year. This is becoming one of the major reasons people visit a health food store. Often this is the only program they do during the year. It is also very helpful to get you back on track to better nutrition maintenance if you have slipped up a little by over-consumption. During a “detox”, people often report that they feel lighter, less bloated, more energy and just generally clearer. Some people experience a mild headache or even nausea during the first day or two of changing their diet and using herbal products. This feeling of malaise usually disappears by day four or five of the detoxification process.