Welcome to Day 5 of the #plantfueledyoga Challenge!

How many of you have heard of someone you know doing a cleanse? Whether it was a juice cleanse, where all they’re consuming for several days is juice, or a fasting cleanse, where maybe just lemon water is allowed, the thought behind is the same: riding your body of toxins happens through this process.

The Myth: You need to “detox” (i.e. juice cleanse, fasting, severely calorie-restricted diet) in order to be healthy.

The Reality: While there is nothing wrong with drinking juice, there is no scientific research that juice cleanses and other so-called detox diets provide benefits in the short or long term.

Most nutritionists agree that juice cleanses are not an overall healthy approach to eating, nor are they necessary to regain balance after a period of unhealthy eating or to jump-start wholesome habits. The body does a great job of detoxifying itself, through the action of the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Go Body!

Juice cleanses and other liquid detox diets are not necessary for health, since the body is always in a natural state of cleansing itself. Reach for healthful, plant-based whole foods as much as possible – your hard-working organs will thank you.

 

Your Cleansing Yoga Challenge:  Lunge Twists 

Oh, this juicy pose will feel delicious to your internal organs!

From a standing mountain pose, fall over your legs for a forward fold.  Then take your right leg back into a runners lunge.

Come up into a crescent lunge, take a breathe and feel strong! Take your hands to your heart center and slowly hinge over your left thigh (without dropping your weight onto it).

Slowly twist to the left, having your right elbow lean on your leg. Breathe here. Breathe in for at least 5 full breathes.

Namaste!