Body cleanses and detox diets have grown in popularity as fast as supplement use, and some people have taken it to the extreme, going for several days without consumption of food and necessary nutrients in an effort to free themselves of toxins they believe have built up in their system.

What many fail to realize is if they were living a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise, harmful toxins would not be entering the body and they would be cleansing their system naturally and in a much safer manner.

So what can you do to start naturally detoxing your body? Here are five simple methods to help get you started:

• Go organic: organic crops cannot have pesticides that contain poison applied to them, making organic food less toxic to your body. Animals raised on organic farms cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones, and they must be raised free-range.
• Drink more water to flush out your system: this can contribute to clearer skin, properly functioning organs, and a more effective circulatory, respiratory, and digestive system
• Eat more natural fiber: these fibers cleanse your system naturally, allowing toxins, excessive waste, and anything else that has built up in your digestive tract to move through your system more rapidly
• Cut out simple carbs and fried foods: Simple carbs and fried foods can cause toxins to build up in your digestive system – they may taste great and help you feel full, but can also have a negative effect on your blood sugar. Complex carbohydrates and whole foods are much better for your digestive system. (See Carbs: Are They Good or Bad for You? for more info)
• Exercise the toxins out: Exercise is not only a great way to help manage your weight and stay in shape, but it can also help get rid of built-up toxins in your system. The cleansing process occurs as you are sweating, which is when the toxins come out. If exercise is a regular part of your healthy lifestyle, then you will be continuously helping to detox your body naturally, which your body will appreciate.

In addition to these simple tips, my Clean Eating Made Easy Digital Planner can help you make healthier and safer fruit and veggie choices when food shopping – at the grocery store, farmers markets, online, and CSA boxes.

Not only does this Clean Eating Made Easy Digital Planner contain information about “clean” and “dirty” produce, but it also contains sections for adding your own shopping list and tips on how to properly store your produce to extend its shelf life. Plus, there are sections for keeping track of your CSA box orders and online food orders, to help save you shopping time and money and making duplicate purchases.

What is YOUR biggest struggle with clean, healthy eating? I want to know so I can plan upcoming content. Would you mind taking a few minutes to fill out this brief survey? I would really appreciate it!