How to detoxify plastics from your body and home

PLEASE NOTE: This article is not intended to scare but share information and relevant facts on detoxing from plastic.

You may be currently detoxing your body from food and alcohol following the festivities of summer, but have you ever thought of doing a plastic detox? Yep, it is exactly what it sounds like – banishing plastic – bottles, food containers etc. – from your life for a period of time for a break.

In today’s society, we’re surrounded by plastic and it’s almost impossible to live without it – most of our food and other household products are packed in plastic. But it’s not impossible to have a plastic detox for a period of time.

Some people choose to have a break from plastic, as some contain hormones and ‘toxins’.

‘Toxins’ can be a bit of a buzzword, and there are groups between “good” plastics and “harmful” ones that are full of harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, phthalates, xenoestrogens, lead and antimony.

Plastic can affect our hormones

Phthalates are practically everywhere in our environment, they are a colourless, oily liquid used in so many products, and easily absorbed when we come in contact with them. They store in our fat cells and are known as ‘endocrine disruptors’, which means they may wreak havoc with our hormones.

Read up on the effects of hormones on a woman’s weight for further insight.

Research has shown these substances can be have an impact on our reproductive system and can mimic or suppress natural hormones. Products that contain this chemical group include any PVC plastic product, unless they indicate otherwise.

You may have seen plastic tupperware in shops advertising that they are BPA-free or chemical-free and these are good options that have less hormones in them.

Try 7 Day Cleanse for GAP WEEK to get a head start on your detox!

The bathroom

Personal care products also contains pthalates, such as soaps, shampoos, conditioner, deodorant, hair gel, hair spray, nail polish, perfume and creams.

This chemical could be used as an ingredient in a product’s fragrance and not be listed on the label but be over 20 per cent of the product!

Many health stores indicate whether or not phthalates are used, so if you are on a plastic detox it may be worth checking out whether the products you are using on your face contain them.

Your playroom

While choosing products that are packaged in glass and contain natural ingredients that are transparently labelled is a smart way to shop, we can’t give glass toys to our children!

Babies are exposed to lots of pthalates as well, so while you are at it, check out what toys your baby is chewing on, so why not invest in some cloth or old school wooden toys for your little ones to play with for a change?

In the kitchen

Avoid cooking or reheating food in plastic, and wrapping food in plastic – especially high fat or hot foods.

As part of a good plastic detox, clear out that plastic cupboard and replace with glass containers, beeswax wraps, and reusable food covers.

Think about how our grandmas would’ve stored things and go back to the more natural way. As a guide, any product with a number 3 in its recycling symbol contains pthalates.

Try using your new glass containers to store your meal prep, using some of these yummy recipes.

7 other ways to have a break from plastic:

1. Use wooden spoons and other utensils in the kitchen.

2. Take your coffee mug with you to the coffee shop.

3. Take your own re-useable cloth bags while doing your grocery shopping, try our Tribal tote bags!

4. Invest in a metal watering can.

5. Buy stainless steel water bottles.

6. Use a wooden hairbrush.

7. Use glass containers to store your items.

While we can’t banish all plastic from our lives, making these small changes can make a difference and be a nice break.

Are you looking to detox? Take advantage of gap week before our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge which is all about butt & thighs this March, and take part in the 7 Day Cleanse.

This week, 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge Members have a 7 Day Cleanse Meal Plan to follow. The 7 Day Cleanse Meal Plan is loaded with fresh, light and delicious recipes. Think citrus, grapefruit, greens and berries!

The Meal Plan is SPECIFICALLY designed to assist your body with its cleansing processes, help you load up on fibre and soak up plenty of vitamins and minerals to help you feel motivated, prepared and REFRESHED for next month’s 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.