Detox

How To Lose 8 Inches in 14 Days Using This Amazing Vegan Detox


How-To-Lose-8-Inches-in-14-Days-Using-This-Amazing-Vegan-Detox
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been doing my vegan detox in preparation for the IAHF Detox Challenge. If you want to know what I did keep reading, but first I want to share my amazing results.

Since I started my 14-day detox I’ve lost between 6 – 8 inches all over my body. This is in large due to focusing on what I eat. Before you run to the gym, you should take some time to figure out ways to eat healthier during the day.

detox-challenge-results
Yenory’s results after the 14 day detox!

Honestly, I did not start exercising until day seven of my detox and only worked-out four times a week for about 30 minutes. My workout routine was simply to keep me moving.

I wanted to focus on food because eating clean is at the core of healthy living and the key to taking control of your weight.

In my post “4 Reasons That Will Make You Go Vegan,” I talk about how veganism really helps with sleeping. That’s why it was no surprise that since detoxing, I am sleeping much better.

Recently I’ve been struggling with my sleeping patterns. You know life is happening, I am stressed, worrying too much about things I can’t control, I haven’t been in the right mental space. Since going vegan, my sleep has gotten much better. I sleep the whole night (6 – 7 hours) and my body is awake and ready to go for our daily 5 am wake-up call. Yes, I wake up at 5 am, LOL!

Before I began my detox, I was not drinking enough water. Don’t ask me why, I am usually good with that stuff. But for some reason I couldn’t get it done. Since substituting all my drinks with water, I am back on it.

One technique that has really helped me, is attaching my water intake to certain times during the day.

For example, I try to drink at least 50oz of water before noon, which is roughly 6 glasses of water. You do not have to start there, find your sweet spot and stay consistent.

infused-water-lemon-limes-mint-leaves
Infused water is a great way to stay hydrated.

Experts say that you should drink half of your body weight in ounces of water every day. For example, if you weight 140 pounds, you should drink 70oz of water everyday. I aim for 100oz because the more water you drink, the better your body feels. Once again, you do not have to start at 100 oz, start with the recommended amount based on how much you weight.

What’s so bad about alcohol?

Before starting the challenge, I was drankin’ A LOT! It wasn’t every day (mainly on weekends) but it was definitely more than the recommended two glasses (as if we measure wine lol). This was part of the reason I had to detox.

I remember getting back to DC after thanksgiving break and feeling sluggish and heavy. Even though holidays are for enjoying yourself, I did too much too fast and my body did not like it.

According to an article published on Women’s Health Magazine, “Too much booze can deplete you of the nutrient B12, which can lead to fatigue and, in extreme cases, light-headedness and confusion”. This explains why having a bad hangover goes hand in hand with sleeping all day.

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Source: Wine Enthusiat

Alcohol also ruins your sleep.

“We know it sounds counterintuitive since a glass of wine tends to chill you out enough to fall right to sleep, but you won’t actually get quality rest with alcohol. Booze reduces REM sleep, and without it, you’ll feel like you never got any shuteye at all”, Women’s Health Magazine.

That explains why I was not sleeping well, even on weekends.

In my piece, “5 Reasons Why Your Detox Is Not Working: And How To Fix It!” I covered why detoxes are good for your body. Specifically, how taking things out of your diet, really help your body detox on its own faster. The issue is that we often over work our organs by eating too many unhealthy foods. That’s why cutting alcohol is so important, because you give your liver and other organs the time they need to fix your unhealthy behaviors.

Yenory-meal-prep-on-travel
I love packing my snacks when I travel. It saves money and avoids Hangry episodes!

The past 14 days have not been easy. I’ve been tempted to eat unhealthy things everyday, but I stick to my goals by being prepared and always having healthy foods with me. With proper preparation I was able to stay on track during my recent business trip to Orlando. Learn how you can make this work on the road!

If you are ready to find out the step-by-step process to my detox, sign up for the next Detox Challenge starting on April 17th. I will be sharing my meal prep technique, my recipes, exercise routine and giving away some of my favorite products!

Detoxing once a month will changed your life!

Sign Up Closes April 12th, 2017.

5 Reasons Why Your Detox is Not Working: And How to Fix it!


5-Reasons-Why-Your-Detox-is-Not-Working--And-How-to-Fix-it!

Today I will be sharing 5 reasons why your detox is not working and how to fix it. Make sure you read the entire piece because I have a very special surprise for you at the end!

I remember the first time I learned about “detoxing.”

While browsing Instagram, I saw a post promoting a detox tea that promised to help you lose weight, while cleansing your organs of toxins.

My initial reaction was a big DUH! Not so much to the detox part, but more to the weight loss part. If you stop eating for a few days and only drink non-sugary drinks your body by design will begin to shed the pounds.

No surprise there.

However, they don’t tell you that just because you lose weight, doesn’t mean it won’t come back as soon as you start eating, especially if you aren’t eating clean.

But I was very intrigued about the detoxing part. So after doing lots of research, I’ve decided to host my very first IAHFJanuary Detox Challenge. It is free, and you should join me. If you want to know the details, keep reading! But first, let’s begin with the root of all evil, TOXINS.

In 2010 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, their findings were pretty disturbing.

On average, the CDC’s report found 212 chemicals in people’s blood or urine, 75 of which had never before been measured in the U.S. population. The chemicals included:

  • Acrylamide (formed when foods are baked or fried at high temperatures, and as a byproduct of cigarette smoke)
  • Arsenic, found in many home-building products
    Environmental phenols, including bisphenol A (found in plastics, food packaging, and epoxy resins) and triclosan (used as an antibacterial agent in personal care products such as toothpaste and hand soap)
  • Perfluorochemicals, used in waterproofing, and other protective coatings on clothes, furniture, and household items
  • Phthalates, found in plastic, fragrances, and detergents
    Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, used in fire retardants found in consumer products such as mattresses
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, used in combustion products (coal – burning stoves, furnaces, gas water heaters) found in individuals living in urban areas
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), found in paints, air fresheners, cleaning products, cosmetics, upholstery fabrics, carpets, dry-cleaned clothing, wood preservatives, and paint strippers

The entire list of chemicals can burden the human body, and according to the CDC, they can accumulate in your body’s blood, urine, and tissue.

While your body does actually have detoxification organs (your liver and kidney) that can process many of these chemicals and toxins, they can potentially cause medical problems if your liver and kidneys are not functioning properly or are overburdened with a poor diet.”

— Ben Greenfield, Fitness Expert

So why is your Instagram detox not working?

First, we need more evidence to prove that all these Instagram detoxes work, I’ve never tried them so I can’t speak to that. What is clear, is that if you eat better, your organs will perform better, and get rid of toxins faster.

Second, it focuses on temporary changes not long term. Instead of focusing on temporary fixes, you should change your eating habits and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

The reason why people love detoxes is the same reason why they hate them. They are quick, short-term fixes. If you are going to nail this whole healthy living thing, you have to stop focusing on quick and begin focusing on long-term changes.

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Source: thefader.com

Third, it does not follow the 80/20 rule. Instead of devoting three days to starving yourself, use that time to add more fruits and veggies to your meals. Follow the 80/20 rule. Aim for 80% fruits and vegetables and 20% everything else. You can also use those three days to take something unhealthy out of the equation. Remember, you have to change your lifestyle, the minute you go back to old habits you will see old results.

Fourth, you do not commit. Detoxes are all about commitment. You have to stick to the plan to see the results you want. You cannot expect your detox to work if you are not consistent.

Fifth, you do not have a support system. I know it is very important to have the right support system to succeed, I learned this the hard way after I moved back from Honduras. That’s why you need a tribe to hold you down and keep you pushing. If you are struggling with your detox, grab your friends and do it as a team it will make your detox easier and more fun!

If you need guidance, you should join the IAHF Detox Challenge.

IAHF Detox Challenge

The IAHF Detox Challenge will teach you how to detox your body by eating more foods and vegetables. The challenge’s main focus is to give your body a break from processed foods and foods that aren’t prepared in a healthy way.

You will walk away with a thorough understanding of how certain foods make your body feel and why removing them is strongly beneficial to your health. The goal is to learn how to help our organs detox your bodies by focusing on what you eat.

What’s in it for you?

  • Free Meal Prep Plan for 7 days.
  • Free Recipes for 7 days. Yes, I am talking breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
  • Free 7 Day Exercise Plan. We will cover cardio, strength training and stretches with no equipment needed.
  • Free Access to our closed FB group for support and accountability.
  • Free consultation with Yenory to discuss your health goals.
  • Daily giveaways!

What are the rules?

  • No alcohol: Yes, that includes wine.
  • No rice, pasta or bread: These are processed, and we want to focus on eating foods that are not processed.
  • No sugary drinks: I am talking about soda, juice (unless is freshly squeezed), no teas (unless they are homemade).

What are the dates?

The next challenge starts April 17th!

Ready to join us?

I hope that you go on this journey with me. How do you prepare for the second quarter of the year? Tell me all about it in the comments section. Can’t join us?

Sign Up Now!

Sign up closes April 12th, 2017.

5 Amazing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar You Need to Know


5-Amazing-Benefits-of-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-You-Need-to-Know

I’ve been using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for years. My mother introduced me to this gem, mainly for seasoning purposes. As I embraced a healthy living, I started seeing a lot of information on social media about the alleged benefits of ACV.

After doing a lot of research, I began using ACV for more than seasoning. There are a lot of benefits to using ACV, here are my Top Five.

Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables and Meats

I’ve been using ACV to clean meats for a while now. I add 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw ACV and 1 or 2 limes to a bowl with warm water. I mix it and add my meats, veggies or fruits and let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes. In addition to removing toxins from both fruits and vegetables, it helps make meats tender. I use this technique weekly, and it leaves my chicken juicy and tender.

Salad Dressings

ACV is a great base for your salad dressing. I usually add a teaspoon of olive oil, fresh black pepper with a pinch of sea salt. It is nutritious, delicious and very easy to make. Great for healthy meal prep recipes!

Washing Your Hair

This is no secret to my fellow naturalistas. ACV’s cleansing properties are amazing if you want to stop using shampoos. Depending on the brand, shampoos can strip nutrients from your hair and oils it needs to retain moisture. I have been using ACV to rinse my hair and remove buildup for over a year. I do 1 part ACV and three parts water and spray it on my roots before adding my weekly deep conditioner.

Hiccups

I do not know why this works, but yesterday I had the hiccups for about 10 minutes, I sipped on one tablespoon of ACV, and it was gone!

Detox Baths

Earlier this year I made a commitment to focusing on home remedies and less on going to the doctor or relying on over-the-counter drugs. All the years I’ve visited the doctor, it has never asked me what do I eat. Something about that does not sit well with me anymore.

Anyways, about 5/6 months ago I got very sick, I was online looking for potential remedies, and someone recommended an ACV detox bath. So I filled up my bathtub with hot water and added 2 cups of ACV. I sat there until it was cool, so about 45 minutes. After I was finished, I dried off and went to sleep. The next morning I woke up like new! Next time you have a cold give it a try.

Honorable Mention: ACV helps with digestion, I dilute 1 – 2 tablespoons of ACV in 1 cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach.

DISCLAIMER: Please check with your practitioner if you have any concerns about whether or not detox baths are a good option for you. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD NOT USE DETOX BATHS UNLESS DIRECTED BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL AND SHOULD NEVER BATHE IN EXTREMELY HOT WATER.