A combination of feeling like a complete slug over the weekend and the impending nicer weather has me psyched up to do something good for my body this month. So I’ve decided to detox myself. No, I’m not on the cabbage soup diet or anything, I’m simply cutting out the bad stuff and making an effort to achieve some good stuff.

You can check out my daily progress here or use the link in the top menu.

For the month of April I intend:

1. Not to eat any junk food or fast food of any kind
2. Not to eat any snacks other than fresh fruit, vegetables and small amounts of raw nuts
3. To eat breakfast every day
4. Not to consume any alcohol or sweetened beverages such as Coke, Solo etc
5. To go to the gym at least once a week, but hopefully more like two or three times a week
6. Reduce the amount of salt I use in cooking

Luckily for me I don’t have a taste for chocolate or sweets and I don’t drink coffee or smoke, so detoxing is easier for me than it is for some people. The question is can I go a whole month without eating chips…

I had this idea while we were in Latvia as a way to kickstart a generally healthier lifestyle, but honestly I’ve known for quite some time that I need to make some changes. Not that I have such a terribly unhealthy diet, but since I am sedentary most of the day and am generally not inclined to be active unless I absolutely can’t avoid it, it’s becoming easier to have the kind of lifestyle that’s no good for my body or mind. The kind where I just flop on the couch in the evenings and weekends, munch into the evening despite a good dinner and eat when I’m bored rather than when I’m hungry. I also skip breakfast most days.

Lately my joints have been a little stiff and achy and I know it’s mostly because they’re not doing anything. I’ve also been feeling sluggish and have very little energy. Even the five minute walk to the bus stop in the morning annoys me some days. It’s time to do something about it, particularly facing a summer in Norway where everyone is active and wants to spend as much time outside as possible.

So why do it just for a month? Because I figure I need to take a more drastic step to break some bad habits to see whether it has any kind of drastic effect on my body and mind. I’m hoping that after the initial shock has worn off that I will gain some energy and lose a bit of the winter chub. One month is easier to cope with mentally rather than trying to change anything permanently right from the start. Then once I see the benefits of cutting things out I can perhaps reintroduce myself to some of my favourite indulgences on a more sensible level.

I’ll check back with you all throughout the month to see if I stick it out and what differences it makes. Wish me luck!

Incidentally, I wouldn’t mind hearing from anyone who has tried something like this before and whether it made a difference to them. Comment below!