Laura Harris Smith, N.D., is committed to helping people holistically-body, mind, and spirit-through various platforms, including TV, books, online videos, speaking engagements, and more. With appearances on networks like TBN, CTN, and TLN, Laura promotes her books and shares her expertise. Her show, theTHREE, aims to make disciples by addressing current world events through the lens of body, mind, and spirit.
Morning Rituals and the Importance of Hydration
Laura emphasizes the importance of starting the day with gratitude and hydration. Her morning ritual includes thanking God and drinking 16 ounces of cold water, a practice she has maintained since her college soccer days.
Addressing Common Detox Questions with Laura Harris
Laura Harris addresses common questions about her detox program, providing detailed explanations and practical advice.
Raw Eggs in Smoothies: Are They Safe?
Laura addresses the concern about using raw eggs in smoothies. She argues that raw eggs are safe if certain guidelines are followed: using organic eggs, rinsing the eggshell before cracking, and consuming the smoothie immediately. She compares this to eating mayonnaise, cookie dough, eggnog, homemade ice cream, Caesar salad dressing, or Hollandaise sauce, which also contain raw eggs. The Endocrine Energy Blast smoothie, one of her favorites, is enhanced with raw eggs.
The Role of Juicing in Detoxification
Juicing is important in Laura's detox program because it allows the digestive tract to absorb phytonutrients without having to work hard. It is a major component of detoxing, so juicing should not be skipped.
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Coffee Consumption During Detox
Laura explains the nuances of coffee consumption during her 30-day detox. While brewed coffee is discouraged, coffee beans can be added to smoothies. This is because the pleasure derived from coffee can be separated from the benefits of the coffee bean itself. Adding coffee beans to smoothies during the second week of the detox allows one to benefit from the antioxidants in the bean while associating it with the pleasure of other healthy ingredients. Cold or room-temperature coffee beans are healthier than hot brewed coffee because they provide undiluted antioxidants and do not undergo the chemical changes that occur during brewing and reheating.
Timing of Juicing
The mid-morning juicing can be done in the afternoon if necessary; the important thing is to incorporate it into the daily routine.
Hunger Management on the Detox
Even if one is eating everything on the plan and still feels hungry, snacking on low-calorie vegetables is recommended. This helps with detoxing because of the color. Snack shakes from the recipe section of the book can also be substituted a couple of times a week.
Smoothie Consistency and Portion Sizes
If a smoothie is too large, consider adjusting the measurements of the ingredients. Using a larger carrot or more ice than specified can alter the consistency and volume of the smoothie. If one is still too full, the remaining smoothie can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed the next day.
Salad Portions
The quantity of salad recommended is a guideline to ensure no one goes hungry; if one cannot finish the entire portion, the remainder can be saved for the next day.
Read also: Tips from Laura Govan's Transformation
Quantity of Food
The portions are intended for one person, but can be shared if there is an excess.
Spices in Stir-Fries
Creative use of spices is encouraged, even those not listed in the section colors list. Any spice can be used on any food at any time during the detox.
Chocolate Consumption
While dark chocolate is allowed in moderation because it contains magnesium, it should not be used for comfort or reward. The detox is about eating colorfully and detoxifying the body.
Preparing Foods in Advance
It is best to avoid chopping vegetables ahead of time because the enzymes start to die as soon as the produce is sliced. Slicing triggers oxidation, which reduces the antioxidant properties. If necessary, juice can be made in the morning and stored in a thermal bag for later consumption.
Meat Consumption During Detox
While the detox can be done with meat, a meatless version is highly recommended. Meat has no fiber, which is important for detoxification. If meat is consumed, chicken is preferred over red meat because red meat is harder on the liver.
Read also: Laura Coates: A Profile in Work-Life Integration
Substituting Fruits and Vegetables
Substituting fruits and vegetables of the same color is allowed if they are truly the section color and contain the appropriate phytonutrients. For example, eggplant is a reluctant substitute for purple potatoes because the inside of the eggplant is white and does not contain as many phytonutrients.
Cranberry Substitutions
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries or organic 100% cranberry juice can be substituted.
Managing Cravings
Cravings should be viewed as a learning opportunity to discover new healthy snacks. Laura recommends experimenting to find new snack options and enjoying the healthy snack shakes in the back of the book.
Filtering Smoothies
Filtering smoothies is not recommended because the skins of the foods contain most of the antioxidants.
Using "Extra" Foods
The "extra" foods in the recipe section can be used for variety, when company comes, or for inspiration on how to prepare daily foods.
Jerusalem Artichokes vs. Regular Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are different from regular artichokes in nutrients, shape, and detox purposes.
The Importance of Organ-Specific Greens
The green vegetables listed in each section are organ-specific, meaning they have detoxification properties for specific organs or body systems.
Banana Substitutions
Yogurt can be substituted for bananas, following the instructions in the recipe section.
General Wellness Tips from Laura Harris and Nicci Robinson
The Importance of Movement
Nicci Robinson, a registered nurse and fitness influencer, emphasizes the importance of movement for overall health. Lack of movement decreases circulation, which affects the delivery of oxygen to the organs, including the brain.
Rethinking Your Drink
Laura Harris emphasizes the importance of hydration. When she started her transformation, the first thing she did was eliminate anything that was not water from her diet.
Weight Loss Medications
Robinson believes weight loss medications can be a tool, but should not be the only approach. Exercise and healthy eating are essential for long-term success.
Time Management and Exercise
Robinson encourages people to audit their day and find time for exercise, even if it means reducing time spent on their phones.
Balancing Lifestyle
She said it's all about a balanced lifestyle as much as you can.
Laura Harris's Personal Wellness Strategies
Sleep Prioritization
Laura prioritizes sleep to maintain her health and appearance. She aims to be in bed an hour before her bedtime to wind down.
The Body as a Machine
Laura views the body as a machine, emphasizing that what you put in is what you get out. She maintains a healthy diet and exercise routine, drawing on her experience as a college athlete.
Fitness on the Go
Laura keeps fitness resistance bands and a jump rope in her car to make exercise convenient, eliminating excuses.
Skincare
Laura uses Beautycounter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel and gets a Hydrafacial every two months to keep her skin clean and glowing.
Stress Management
Laura emphasizes that wellness is something one has to do from the inside out. Working out helps to release stress.
Mental Health
Wellness includes ensuring mental health is sound.