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 pasta, 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.  Wipe down cupboards and the refrigerator 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).

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".

After 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.