There’s a lot of noise around the term “detox.” It promises us the moon, to cure what ails in one little bottle or package, and we’ve all fallen for it at least once. We try herbal concoctions and grassy tinctures attempting to transform our bodies, only to find out a few weeks later that it’s just one more medically disproven trend.

Why do we do this? We all want to find that thing, that one juice, broth, or supplement that’ll erase all of the bad decisions we’ve made, all of those greasy, buttery, sugary indulgences. (Read some tips on how to avoid them in the first place, here). We go through this cycle of “cheating” and binging, then we commit to a diet that’s too strict to begin with, and ultimately unsatisfying.

It’s easy to fall off the bandwagon of your health goals and then desperately want a savior ASAP. It’s even easier to buy into the story that your problems are the result of toxins in your body, not the habits of your lifestyle

It’s time to rethink the detox.

A lean, clean day of eating floods your body with fluids and nutrients… but c’mon, your body detoxifies itself everyday thanks to your liver and kidneys. Yes, your organs need the right vitamins and nutrients (more on soup-erb nutrients here) in order to perform their best, but beyond that they do pretty stellar work all on their own. With that in mind, you can start shifting your mindset to see “detoxing” as more of a holistic ritual and less of a quick-fix miracle cure-all.

Think beyond the food.

Your daily habits are key to bringing lasting change to your diet and health. That’s why your Cleanse Day can be so crucial in self-care and establishing healthy habits. When you soup cleanse, you have a day of clean eating day planned out for you (five nourishing soups throughout the day), so you suddenly have a lot of time on your hands.

All of that time you might have spent obsessing over lunchtime, snacktime, going to the gym, skipping the gym, ignoring dessert, etc… But don’t succumb to that slippery slope of thoughts. Instead of focusing on what you should eliminate, begin to think of all the things you get to add into your day. Our favorite kind of detox is one that focuses on how to add beautiful, clean, nourishing food (and habits!) into your life so that there’s no room left for regrets. And allowing yourself the freedom to indulge occasionally, and ENJOY IT.

Here’s how to make the most of your Cleanse Day and embrace a new kind of “detox.”

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Trigger
Take this day to identify what toxic trigger get to you the most, and then write them down. The act of writing helps you to first think through what elements knock you off track, and then visibly acknowledge them on paper. Maybe you tend to eat more at the end of your work day as a way to de-stress. Instead of acting on those emotions, write them down as a way to identify trigger points, jotting down your feelings and thoughts in that moment. You don’t need to have an answer or solution, just focus on identifying and acknowledging those weak spots instead of mindlessly acting upon them.

Teatime Therapy
Take 5 minutes and make yourself a warm cup of herbal tea. Not only is it comforting, but hot tea can help quell any cravings you might have. Try the tea on its own without any additives to enjoy the subtle notes of flavor you might otherwise miss. Teatime is a great way to pause in the midst of your day, check-in with yourself, and refocus your thoughts.

Phone A Friend
Talking to someone you love puts a smile on your face. A smile stimulates your feel good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Simply checking in with a friend, lover, or family member can be a quick pick-me-up. Share a special part of your day with them, a new joke, or a favorite tune. You’ll no doubt surprise and delight them, brightening their day as much as they do yours.

Goodnight Moon
A restful sleep can make the world of difference, so try going to bed earlier than usual. (In fact lack of sleep might be one of reasons you’re not losing weight) Crack open a book, light a candle, and climb into bed at least one hour sooner that you are used to — you won’t even think about those late night cravings you usually have.

Rub A Dub Dub
Bathtime is a great way to unwind. Less time preparing your next meal means that you can spend a little bit more time for yourself, so draw yourself a bath and take that extra time to indulge in the soothing warmth of a bath. Light a few candles, open up a new bath wash, or try an essential oil like lavender to make it more special.

Your Cleanse Day should be something you get excited about, not dread. You’re indulging in new habits, healthy food, and more time for yourself. Now that’s the kind of detox we LOVE.