Life on a (balanced) detox

Neeta is a qualified yoga instructor and the perfect motivator. Not many people can look glamorous in the middle of a street doing yoga, and yet she manages to make you want to join her. Taking the word we associate with hunger, juice, three days in running downstairs to indulge in chocolate – forever guilty that we failed on our quests for health; Neeta puts a positive spin on the phrase. No longer should we define it by a lack of food, and let’s face it…food that we drink; this is her take on a detox.

“I was always the smallest person in the class at school with my petite frame. Mum even told me that the Doctor confirmed my metabolism as a child was high, and although food didn’t seem to be my main priority, I would “eat like a horse” once I hit the age of twenty. He was right! Yet, as time went by, like anyone who wants to improve their health and wellbeing, I had to work hard on maintaining my weight, and treating my body and mind with respect.

At 22 years old, I joined the gym; although I partied (hard) for many years, I never looked back and always managed to exercise, even after a heavy night out. Sixteen years on, I’ve moved into the holistic direction; quit alcohol, coffee, partying (too hard); my 9-5 PA job (recently) and have never felt fitter.

In 2011 I qualified as a Yoga Instructor, which encouraged me further to check-in with myself daily, and stick to my healthy routine. Towards the end of 2015 I suddenly found out I had a slipped-disc, so had to take time off work, and stopped teaching Yoga for a while. I know that millions of people have slipped discs, yet I was disheartened to think that I may not be able to continue my passion for Yoga, or start any other fitness courses. Fortunately, I felt much better after a couple of months, and spent a lot of time thinking about looking after myself to the next level.

Many people think of the word ‘detox’ and are either petrified or put-off by it; as they think they’re going to be unhappy and deprived of life for a certain amount of time. Things can be so different. Here is my idea of a detox:

Food

Avoid adding sugar, read the back of food packets, and try to use Xylitol or Raw Honey instead.
Always have a hearty breakfast – boiled eggs are a winner, and breakfast really is the most important meal of the day to keep full of energy.
Readily have healthy snacks- nuts, fruit bars, dates, so you are less tempted to go for junk-food.

Exercise

Listen to your body. If I feel I need to rest and heal I will do just that; as well as avoiding looking at/competing with anyone else in exercise classes or at the gym; as I know my limits and what works for me
Do exercises that you enjoy. Everyday if I can, and always keep it varied. From going for walks in the park, to gym sessions, to Yoga or Pilates at home.
Remember that it releases endorphins which help boost a positive, uplifted, optimistic mind, which in turn syncs with and strengthens the body.

I’ll always try to avoid punishing myself for swerving off-track, and love to keep tabs on my progress. Being as healthy as possible is my lifestyle, and I do my best to enjoy it as much as I can”.

“Refined sugar free pancakes – almond milk, egg, chia seeds, flaxseed, desiccated coconut, raspberries, blueberries, raw honey, raw cacao and goats yogurt. They are super filling”.

“My favourite – Conscious Chocolate. Refined sugar-free, raw cacao, goji berries and coconuts. It just melts in the mouth”.

To follow Neeta and her words of wisdom:

Facebook (fitness page), Twitter and Instagram – @neetafitness

Linkedin – Neeta Oza

Blog – neetafitness.com