Could you benefit from losing a few pounds? Need a few pointers to a healthier lifestyle? Perhaps it is time for a spring-cleaning so that you will feel healthier and revitalized!

Just as you spring-clean your home you can spring-clean your body, clearing out the toxins and poisons that have accumulated inside you over the years. Air pollution, the food we eat and emotional stress are a few factors that can contribute to toxic build-up. Toxic build up can throw your body off balance leaving you feeling sluggish and lacking in energy. To keep the body working efficiently, it needs daily intake of fluid and food to help repair and renew cells.

DRINKING - Maintaining a healthy balance of fluids is always essential as your body is made up of 80% water, but when house-cleaning it is particularly important to increase your intake of purified water to cleanse the system and flush out any impurities.

EATING - The basic principle of this program is to eat five small meals a day - breakfast, mid morning snack, lunch, mid afternoon snack and dinner. If possible, eating the last meal of the day no later that 7:00 p.m. This gives the body ample time to digest the food before you go to bed, allowing you to rest better.

Choosing what to eat is half the fun of the program. There are so many dishes to choose from. Foods that are not listed should not be eaten. Don't worry if you can't cook; the less food is heated, the more nutrients it will retain. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a major part of this program, largely because of the abundance of minerals and vitamins that they contain. Canned and processed foods should be avoided if possible as they contain additives and preservatives. By planning what you eat, your energy levels will be maintained throughout the day and you will feel more alert. No need for that coffee and doughnut at mid-morning break.

PAMPERING YOURSELF - When house-cleaning you may have to move some furniture to get everything clean. With you body there are gentle processes that include a combination of nutrition, supplements, exercise, relaxation and pampering. T.L.C. may include self-massage, skin brushing, facial scrubs/saunas, cold showers, baths with relaxing oils, deep breathing, laughter, visualization or meditation.

You may experience uncomfortable sensations when detoxing e.g. tiredness, headache, flu symptoms, either constipation or loose stool, sometimes even skin rashes. Don't worry, they generally clear up by themselves, but if symptoms persist see your doctor. This is just nature's way of cleansing the body and ridding it of toxins.

The only way to succeed a spring-cleaning program is:

A positive attitude from the start
Remember why you are doing it
Regard each day as a new day
Keep it exciting with new foods and different T.L.C. techniques.