With heavy hearts we bid farewell to our month of Ramadan, and with heavy hearts (and other heavy body parts, no doubt) we come to the realization that our Ramadan diets left many of us feeling bloated, unfit and very much set back as far as fitness goals go. I for one, knowing fully well that I will end up feeling like an overfried savoury come Eid, am the ever ready to grab my seventh samoosa come iftar. Which is why I love doing a full body detox as soon as the fasting month comes to a close.

First off, I am not a qualified nutritionist, nor do I purport to be one. The content provided in this blog is simply my own tried and tested detox methods which I have found to be useful over the years.

Help, I’ve turned into a samoosa

After 30 days of stuffing our body with oily foods and sugary delicacies, our bodies are in a state of disaster. Basically, ladies, it’s time for alert level 5 lockdown on our diets. By starting a healthy detox cleanse for a time, we give our bodies a much needed break from certain foods and in essence a chance to take a break from having to process all those toxins.

If the idea of detoxification freaks the hell out of you, don’t worry, you are not alone. I felt exactly the same before I started researching the topic, which only made me even more afraid given the amount of information available. But fret no more my warriors, Coach Nasira has got you covered! I’ve put together this quaint little detox guide that sums up a natural detox that I have been using, which I find to be quite beneficial when trying to get our bodies back to fighting fit shape!

Detoxing, whats the deal?

So what does detoxing actually entail you ask? Well, let me break it down for you. To detox, you simply have to be extra cautious about the foods you put into your body and the things you expose your body to. The main aim of the detox is to get rid of all that gunk you’ve built up and replace it with natural goodness. Happy organs, happy training. Happy training, happy life!

How long should a detox take?

I find that a good 10 days is a perfect amount of time for my own body to detox, but you can do it between to 10 to 14 days, depending on how much relisiece you have to green juice and broccoli. (Don’t throw up yet, I swear it gets better!) However, you can also apply daily changes and additions to your life, which will help your body detox naturally on a daily basis and is sustainable for like, ever.

When should we detox?

Experts say that the body benefits greatly by doing a full detox twice a year. I always do one right after Ramadan and then again in the beginning of the year, after my December holiday feasting.

Who should detox?

If you’re feeling bloated, or like your food is standing in a Home Affairs waiting queue but just not managing to come out of the exit, you should be detoxing. I prefer to start my detox just before I start my intense training again, just to get my body ready for workouts and to make sure I’m not huffing and puffing through a session

How to detox

Ok so this is the million dollar question, how do I detox? Well, its quite simple really. Watch what you eat, don’t overdo it and stick to natural methods. Remember, detoxing through unnatural methods such as chemical supplements, which have not been prescribed to you by a professional, could result in your body ridding itself of natural antibodies, which we desperately need, especially in the face of the current global crisis.

As far as eating goes, I don’t prefer strict diets as I find that they are unsustainable with my lifestyle. Between trying to mother an overactive toddler, keep house and run a home business, I just don’t have the time to fit in 6 small meals. Also, I find that I am “go big or go home” kinda gal. Which means small portions every now and again do not satisfy me at all. Eating a few chips out of the bag and saving the rest for tomorrow, can never be me. So I choose to have 2 to 3 full meals a day instead. I find that a simple diet is more sustainable in the long run, and like most of you, I just don’t have the brainpower to prep for 6 small meals every single day. My goal after all is to lose weight, not my marbles. Which is why I stick to these simple rules and amend when need be:

1. NO OILY FOODS

2. NO UNNATURAL SUGARS

3. NO SODAS

4. NO PROCESSED MEATS

5. SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASE OR COMPLETELY CUT OUT DAIRY PRODUCTS

6. HAVE A GREEN VEGGIE AND A CITRUS FRUIT EVERY SINGLE DAY

This is the core of the 10 day detox challenge as far as food is concerned.

In addition to the food you consume, it is also necessary to supplement your body with helpful liquids. I’ve put together a list of recipes that I use to make detox drinks which I drink like a fish when need be.

1. Lemon Water

I like to start my day by drinking a mug of warm water and lemon. The trick here is, you have to use every part of the lemon, the skin and the juice, to obtain maximum benefit. Lemon juice contains a high amount citric acid which assists in moving bowels while the skin has essential oils that assist with nausea and indigestion. Lemon skin also contains a high amount of fibre. For an optimal gentle cleanse, you want food high in fibre, Fibre moves through the digestive system removing waste from the body, and afterall the point is to get it all out. Experts say that women need 25 grams of fibre in a day while men need 38. Experts also say, that the average human only consumes half of the necessary fibre in a day.

Method

Throw a slice or two of lemon into your warm water and let it infuse. Sip graciously, as if you’re having tea with the queen.

2. Green Juice

Yes I know, we all hate the taste of green juice. But remember, your tastebuds have been in the driving seat for a whole month, its time to let our bodies decide what it needs. AND BODIES NEED GREEN JUICE!! Green juice is a blend of green veggies, citrus and ginger which provide the body with the necessary nutrients it needs to detox naturally, lose weight and boost metabolism. I usually drink mine with my breakfast or as a breakfast substitute, but you can down this baby at any time of the day.

My favourite green juice contains a handful of baby spinach leaves, 4 slices of cucumber, about 1cm of ginger, a few slices of lemon (depending on how sour I’m feeling that day) and a few sprigs on mint blended with water.

Method

Toss all your ingredients into your blender and blend your way to better you.

3. Detox water

As part of my 10 day cleanse, I also consume a litre of detox water a day. Obviously, this contributes to my water count for the day and if done well, can taste super yummy. Detox water can be done to fit your preference and need, all you need to do is figure out what your body needs and throw together the stuff that will get you where you want to be. Let your ingredients infuse in your water for about 4 to 5 hours and sip throughout the day. Detox water is great for kickstarting metabolism, burning fat and reducing bloating.

I’ve also put together a list of detox water combinations that I usually alternate between as I need it:

1. Reduce Bloating – Cucumber and Lemon Water

6 cucumber slices, 6 lemon slices, some sprigs of mint
Cumbers are diuretics, cleanse liver, flush out bodily toxins and prevent water retention
Lemon juice slows down the digestion process and increases nutrient absorption

2. Fat burner – Green Tea and Apple Cider Vinegar, Mint

Green Tea is known as the “superb fat burner”, it also increases the body’s fat burning ability, curbs appetite and reduces cravings
ACV keeps your body strong by helping the body maintain a healthy alkaline level

3. Curb cravings – Apple and Cinnamon

Apples are rich h in antioxidants and are delicious
Cinnamon manages blood sugar levels and reduces sugar cravings

4. Ease digestion – 3 ginger slices, 6 lemon slices, 6 cucumber slices, mint

This one is my go-to.

Ginger flushes out toxins in the colon, liver and other organs, supports the digestive process, reduces the accumulation of fat around the belly.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Through the years, I have heard many contradicting stories about ACV. Some women find it to be a miracle drink, me included, while others see little to no benefit. Biologically, ACV is great for the body, skin and overall health, but as far as its ability to assist with weight-loss goes, I suppose it depends on the individual. In any event, during my cleanse, and often even after, I consume 1 tablespoon of ACV at night followed by a glass of warm water. You can choose to combine your ACV in water if you choose, but I like it neat. Shaken, not stirred. (This makes no sense I realize, I’ve always wanted to say that).

A healthy lifestyle

Together with your detox, it is also necessary for you to maintain a basic workout plan. (Don’t roll your eyes, you knew this was coming). I know some of you are finding it extra tough to train, what with lockdown and what have you. Which is why, I’ve put together this quintessential cardio blast workout plan. The plan consists of 20 minute workouts for 8 days. Remember, even though your cleanse will last 10 days, you will need to take at least 2 rest days in between. The workouts are fun, easy to follow and versatile.

All you have to do is pick a word longer than 5 alphabets and sweat your way through the alphabet.

Some word options:

LOCKDOWN

KNOCKOUT

YOUR NAME AND SURNAME

SHARUKH KHAN

EID MUBARAK

So there you have it ladies, a comprehensive guide to a post Ramadan detox.

The Challenge

The 10 day challenge entails that for 10 days you will adhere strictly to the rules of the detox. This means that every day for 10 days you will:

Start the day with lemon water
Drink a green juice
Drink 1 litre of detox water
Adhere strictly to the dietary restrictions above
Consume ACV every night
Drink atleast 2 litres of water a day (including your detox water)
Train for 20 minutes for 8 out of the 10 days

Lets get on our big girl plans, and get moving. If lockdown taught you anything, its that life is too short to take things for granted. Your body, your health and your abilities are assets worth protecting, fighting for fixing. More important than your body detox, it is important to detox your mind from negative thoughts, laziness and inactivity. There’s no better time to start reclaiming your mind and body. Start today.

Hit me up if you’re keen to join the 10 day challenge, and I’ll be sure to help you wherever I can.

Nasira Bhamjee

knockoutbynasira@gmail.com

Follow me Instagram: @nasirabhamjee and send me your DMs.

All the best!

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The Post Ramadan Detox

Help, I’ve turned into a samoosa