HEALTH & WELLNESS

My best experiences when doing a detox have included both a predetox and post-detox period. Both are critical

A pre-detox involves setting an intention as well as a reflection of where you’re currently at. Keeping a 7 day food journal provides great incite into what, how and when you eat Reviewing the journal provides great incites. I often find I’ve been taking in too much caffeine or that I’ve been snacking between meals far more than I’ve realized. It’s also a great eye-opener to see how much processed foods I’ve been imbibing on, simply out of convenience

The post-detox is the make or break of any detox Suddenly eating a full course meal after 5 days of juice fasting is harder on your body than you might think and can undo the good you’ve been trying to do. Gradually easing back into regular (and hopefully better) eating takes at least 2 or 3 days after a detox Not everyone has the time or opportunity to set aside a week to 10 days to do a full-on detox and that’s ok. There are other ways to start to detox by incorporating a few practices to help boost your digestive system.

Here are a few simple things you can do to start to detox and improve your health: lemon The pectin from the lemon aids in digestion and will also help curb your appetite.

2. Eat more fiber as well as organic fruits and vegetables. Green leafy and cruciferous vegetables are high in nutrition and contain detoxifying agents.

3. Eliminate foods that cause inflammation. Processed foods, refined foods, sugar, palm oil and excess salt are toxic to our bodies and should be avoided

4. Reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Studies now link the intake of alcohol to cancer and other health issues. Too much caffeine, combined with the added sugar or cream is also not good for you.

5. Stay hydrated. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water can be daunting. Aiming for 4 to 6 glasses of good water (not bottled or filtered by reverse-osmosis as it actually dehydrates you) is more realistic Add a cup or two of herbal tea to reach the 8 glass recommendation Avoid carbonated beverages as they can interfere with digestion Fruit juice should also be limited as it can spike blood sugar and create inflammation you connect inward and enjoy being in the moment.

7. Practice mindful breathing. One of the quickest ways to relax, reduce anxiety and boost your body’s function is by taking the time to be mindful of your breathing

8. Meditate. A simple meditation practice can calm your mind and lift your spirit. Give yourself some quiet time each and every day.

9. Do Yoga/Exercise. Moving your body helps to remove toxins. It also brings oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. Increasing your heart rate will increase blood flow which will help your body flush out toxins. It doesn’t need to be a vigorous practice. A daily 30 minute walk is ideal. Yoga is also exceptionally good for your body When done correctly, twists, bends, and inversions stimulate your organs and lymphatic system in a way the helps eliminate toxins from your body.

With these simple steps, you can start to remove toxins, prevent their accumulation, and boost both your health and vitality.

1. Start your day with a glass of lemon water. It is best to use the juice from a freshly squeezed

6. Limit your screen time. Stepping away from the constant distraction of computers, your phone and social media can help

Heidi Pfleger has been a Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach for more than 30 years. She offers regular yoga classes and individual sessions as well as wellness coaching sessions and retreats throughout the year. For more information on her programs, contact Heidi at 519-755-1447

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –You have the ability to increase your finances this week. You need to be willing to take some risks in your love life, if you want to build something more meaningful. You will need to pick which is more important to you, love or career, you could do both, but you would be exhausted

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) – You have decided to take a lot less crap this week You will be doing some deep thinking about what you really want in your life What kind of person you want by your side, what career path you want to take and how to become a healthier person all round. Take the time to think about your choices carefully before you make any big life choices

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) – You would like to have a better social life. You need to throw a party, reach out to old friends. You need a vacation badly so having some more exciting social interaction will help to balance you till you can go away It will be work on your end, but you will feel more inspired after the week ends

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) –You are concerned about money, especially if you and your partner are in a shared money situation You feel like you are doing more than you should be and have been thinking on how to make your relationship more equal and less stressful. You will begin to pull away from all people this week to do some soul healing

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –You will not be trusting of others this week at all You actually start to think loved ones are trying to manipulate you You are a bit paranoid, but you are also correct in that people are taking whatever they can from you lately It is time you start to think about yourself until you are sure on who you can trust.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – Stop complicating everything. You have had weird things arising in your love life You are feeling like work is just getting harder lately If you can reach out to same minded people, a simple conversation will get you back on track By the weekend you will feel less confused

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - Things are going to be crazy in love, people from your past keep coming up and you have to do a lot of soul searching. You want love, you are ready, so the Universe will be testing you a lot this week You need to start looking at changing things at your job or changing your job completely

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – You are a bit of a riddle this week You have very good days and very bad days This emotional up and down leaves you exhausted and defeated By Friday someone sees you struggling and steps in to guide you, look for your knight in shining armour so you can have a great weekend.

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21 (Fire) – You can have your choice when it comes to loves this week, so do not hold back. Be picky and precise. What do you want in a forever relationship? Opportunities open up quickly in love and career and you will then have to sit and sort through all your options before you make any choices

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – You are overthinking your love life lately, it is really not that complicated Are you happy or not? Choose a path that brings you joy and health, once you do this things sort themselves out You have to take the time out and decide exactly what you want to do in your career also.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – You will receive a lot of advice from the strangest places this week You start to wonder what exactly you are doing that is making others think you need help? Instead of stressing over this you should listen to all advice and see if there is a pattern in the advice that you are getting, some of it is really good

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – It is great that you are opening yourself to the Universe for big changes You will be willing to receive advice, receive opportunities and receive love from anywhere This will make for a really interesting week and a lot of great things can come from this if you let things flow

Horoscopes with Tina Graziano Energy Reader

Tina Graziano was born an energy reader. She uses her gifts to heal and guide others as a life coach. If you need support and insight in life, contact Tina for an energy reading directly online at https://www.facebook.com/ Tina.Graziano.Energy.Reader /?ref=page_internal