Kitchen Reset
When we think about detox plan then we just think about the diet we are going to follow and habits which need to be changed but we forget that when we will bring all the healthy stuff then where will we stock them. Okay, now if you think that it is a stupid question because even a kid can tell you that edible things are stocked in fridge or kitchen cabinets. Then just ask a question to yourself “Is your kitchen CLEAN???” and here clean kitchen is not limited to only dust free condition but it means that are your kitchen and kitchen appliances toxin free? While we are aiming to detoxify the body through our foods, we need to prepare the kitchen as well. We will go over what food items need to go and we might run into some cleaning supplies or even utensils that might find their rightful place elsewhere.
How does it make a difference?
If you place a non toxic edible item in vicinity of toxic elements then there are chances that its toxicity gets absorbed into the food. If you are thinking about detox plan then you must have gathered all information about it like what is a detox program, how it is performed and what are its benefits etc. But if you don’t know why there is a need of detox program then here is the answer.
Why do you require a detox plan?
Our body is designed and equipped to remove toxic compounds generated in the body as the byproducts of the metabolic reactions but when external toxins such as processed food, additives, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, prescription or over the counter drugs, industrial chemicals, chlorinated or fluorinated water and household cleaning products entered the body through respiration, ingestion or skin contact then they get added to the internal toxins and thus the body gets overloaded with the toxins. These toxins interfere in various biological systems and therefore, reduce the efficiency of the system and slow down the body. The negative effect of these toxins increase the physical manifestations of your condition.
Why detoxification of kitchen is required for your detox plan?
As we have mentioned earlier that toxic elements can be absorbed by the food from air, water or cooking ingredients and therefore, before following a detox program, you should detox your kitchen and appliances used there with the help of natural methods to remove any traces of toxin which can contaminate your food. Kitchen is also a source of radiations produced by electric appliances like microwaves, induction cook-top, dishwasher, lighting, etc. This radiation consists of electromagnetic field, infrared rays which can affect your eyes and reproductive organs and therefore you need to be careful while using them.
What is in the kitchen detox plan?
The kitchen detox plan basically contains three simple steps:
Cleaning the kitchen in a natural way
Getting rid of the processed food from kitchen and refrigerator
Restocking the refrigerator with real foods
Step 1: Cleaning the kitchen in natural way
Generally, the conventional chemical based cleaners such as oven cleaners or all purpose cleaners consists of harmful mixture of chemicals and some of them are even banned in European countries and other nations. These chemicals can cause allergy, asthma and cancer too therefore, it is better to stop using them as soon as possible. You can make home cleaners with simple ingredients which are available in your kitchen such as baking soda, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice etc. here are some recipes for making home cleaners naturally
Refrigerator cleaner
To make a refrigerator cleaner, you will need 2 cups of hot water, 1 cup of white vinegar and 10 drops of essential oil. Add these ingredients together and store in a bucket or spray bottle. Just turn off your refrigerator and take out the interior parts of it. Now clean the interiors of your fridge with this natural homemade cleaner.
Oven cleaner
Many oven cleaners can cause respiratory illness and some of them contains carcinogen (cancer causing compound). To clean and shine your oven, you can scrub it with baking soda while applying water with a spray bottle.
Kitchen floor cleaner
The floor of kitchen is breeding ground of germs as there are high chances of spills, drips, dirt and germs brought by foot traffic. You can disinfect your kitchen while removing dirt and stain by using vinegar and lemon juice by using these recipes which are
Use 1 part of hot water and 1 part of white vinegar to clean the floor. It can be used on sealed wood, tile, laminate and linoleum flooring.
If you want to scrub your floor and polish as well then you can mop it with a mix of ¾ of olive oil, ½ cup of lemon juice and 1 gallon of hot water. This mix will disinfect the floor and give it an extra shine.
All purpose spray
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 5 drops of essential oil in 2 cups of water and store it in a spray bottle. You can use this mixture to scrub down countertops, appliances, tables, walls and the sink.
Step 2: Remove processed food from kitchen cabinets and refrigerators
Make a journal and list all the processed food available in your kitchen and refrigerator. Remove all these processed food off from the shelves. You can donate all these items to local food banks or homeless shelters rather than tossing them in trash.
Step 3: Restock your refrigerator and kitchen with real food
Real or organic food are toxin free as they are grown naturally without using any pesticides or chemical fertilizers. If you think that restocking the fridge with organic food is an expensive idea then you should compare the rate of organic and processed food. You will find that packaged or processed food is costlier than unpackaged or real food.
Here is a seven day Kitchen Detox Plan in which you can make your living healthy and cooking toxin free.
Monday
After cleaning your kitchen with homemade cleaners, you should ditch the processed food such as processed grains, packaged cereals, crackers and breads. Don’t think that about the items you can’t eat but you should think about the real and great foods which you are going to eat.
Tuesday
Make a list of food which is included in your detox plan such as organic proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains. If you have any of these items then delete them from the list.
Wednesday
Shop wisely for organic fruit and vegetables to avoid pesticide residues.
Thursday
Liquid plays an important part in your detox program. Fresh fruits for juicing and infused water is a must. Plus, use distilled or spring water throughout your plan.
Friday
Make a big plate of salad and put it in the fridge on your eye level so that whenever you crave for snacks you can have a healthy option ready.
Saturday
Get rid of your plastic containers which are made up of polycarbonate plastic and contain bisphenol A.
Sunday
Clean the kitchen and appliances again with a homemade cleaner.