Feng shui

Detoxing
your Home and Office: A Fresh Start

Toxins accumulate in our body through exposure to
contaminants in food, medications, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, environment, and
stress. By reducing the intake of toxins and supporting the body's natural
detoxing, the body can be cleansed. A detox program also helps to reprogram the
palate to eliminate cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates. 

The first step in a detox plan is to identify and remove the
following foods and ingredients from your cupboards and refrigerator:

• refined carbohydrates and sugar
  (this includes cereals crackers and white rice)
• caffeine in coffee, tea, cocoa,
  chocolate, and candy
• pop
• alcohol
• artificial sweeteners,
  artificial colours, artificial flavours, chemical additives, synthetic
  preservatives
• fried foods, processed foods
  (including processed meats)
• high fructose corn syrup
• trans fats (hydrogenated or
  partially hydrogenated fats, mono and diglycerides).

Throw out all spices and herbs that are over six months old.
This is important because they lose their potency over time, especially if they
are exposed to light and heat (for example sitting in a spice rack above the
stove). Fresh dried herbs and spices are potent sources of antioxidants. Adding
even a small amount to the meal increases the antioxidant value of the whole
meal.

Get rid of oils, nuts and seeds that have been left in a
warm place or have an off smell. Rancid oils are harmful. Check expiry dates.

After you have cleared out you cupboards and fridge wipe
them down with an environmentally safe cleaner.

While you are at it, get rid of shampoos, lotions and
cosmetics that contain artificial and potentially toxic ingredients (check
out www.safecosmetics.com).

Side Bar:

Reading Labels

Watch for words you will see on the ingredient list that you
may not recognize. Avoid foods containing these ingredients:

Synthetic Fat

Mono and di-glycerides, glycerol, esters

Shortening

Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats and oils (trans
fat)

Refined and Processed Sodium

Monosodium glutamate

Disodium phosphate 
sodium bisulfate

Brine, garlic/onion/celery salt

Sodium alginate/benzoate, sodium hydroxide/propionate

Hint: watch for the word "sodium"

Refined and Processed Sugars

Fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose

liquid invert sugar, syrup, raisin

syrup,corn syrup solids

high fructose corn syrup

galactose, dextrose, dextrin

Hint: Watch for words ending is "ose"

Sugar alcohols

Isomalt, Lactitol, Mannitol, Maltitol

Sorbitol, Xylitol

Hint: Watch for words ending in "ol".

Once you have cleaned your cupboards and your home, take
some quiet time to just sit and feel the open space. Note the open space in
your home. Note the open space in your mind, as you prepare to bring in the
new. Note the open space in your heart, as you prepare to care for yourself on
a deeper level. You've taken the first step on your journey to healthy eating
for fertility - you're mentally open and receptive to positive change and
restructuring, you've de-cluttered your cupboards and refrigerator of
past-dated and unhealthy foods.

While you are at it, check out the kitchen at your workplace
and give it a makeover. Throw out nondairy creamers, as they are loaded with
hydrogenated fats and other artificial ingredients. Pick up a small fridge and
fill it with veggies, fruit, water, nuts, seeds and fresh milk or soy/rice
beverage for coffee and tea.

excerpt from Acubalance Eating for Fertility book