New Year Clean Up

For most people, holidays are a time of indulgence and over eating. Once January 1st rolls in, we set our resolutions, goals, plans for diet, detoxing and exercise.  If you live in the northern hemisphere, this is a cold and dark season.  We need to remember that detoxing takes a toll on the body and if not done properly, will overwhelm the kidneys, lymphatic system and most likely, will give you a healing crisis.
My suggestions are:
1.Clean up your diet.
Eliminate as much as you can but don't go extreme. If you consume a lot of something like sugar, caffeine, dairy then eliminating all of it will give you headaches, mood swings and fatigue. Instead, cut down gradually, substitute and use supplements to curb cravings. 
2. Eat better.
Eliminate processed and fast food.  Include vegetables, eat smaller portions and optimize digestion with slow chewing, enzymes and small amounts of liquid with meals.  Now is the time for warm soups, stews and spices. Cooling foods will make you feel cold and damp.
3. Know your limits when exercising.
If you are a couch potato, don't sign up for a gym membership and try all the classes or machines at once.  Exercise can be very stressful on the body causing inflammation, acidity and lowering immunity.  Moderation is key and do what makes you happy. If you are in pain and feel terrible after a workout, it means you have over done it.
4. Gentle detox.
Spring is the best time for detox.  During winter you can support your body with gentle teas, making sure you are regular and incorporating a bit of sweating through exercise, hot tub, sauna. Dry brushing before bathing is also beneficial as it moves the lymphatic system.
We tend to feel guilty after the holidays and often hit the ground running in January, burning out in few weeks. By starting off gently, we will become used to the routine and have a better chance of sticking with our lifestyle changes in the long run.