Nearly half of all adults  made new year’s resolutions to lose weight, start exercising or break unhealthy habits.     Unfortunately, 90 percent of all health and fitness-related resolutions are broken by January 15.   Since today is only the 12th….there’s still time to succeed!   I wanted to pass along some information on a local program that might just help you stay on track.

We’ve all heard about detox diets that can miraculously shed five to ten pounds in seven days.   It’s hard to resist the urge to give them a try.  Detoxing… in fact…. has become one of the hottest and fastest-growing health trends due, in part, to the celebrity endorsements of stars such as Gwenyth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Beyonce.   They’ve all been on some form of detox diet to prepare for movie roles.

That said…many nutritionists advise against these rapid weight loss plans because they can be harmful.   Many of the diet plans are….in effect…”starvation diets.”  One popular plan says dieters may drink only one shake a day.  The concoction is made of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and laxative tea.  One shake a day for 10 days straight!  Of course you lose weight!   Duh! The laxative tea alone would do the job!  But it won’t last.

The good folks at Henry’s Farmers Market have come up with a healthy twist on the detox idea.   Henry’s nutritionist Janet Little has devised a six-week  “Whole Body Rehab” plan that focuses on slowly incorporating good ffods and eating habits into your diet to help your boday naturally cleanse.  It’s a safe way to jump-start the life style makeover process that can help you lose 5-10 pounds while also teaching you to re-think how you treat your body on a daily basis.   The goal is to help you turn your resolution into a long-lasting lifestyle change.  Plus, according to Janet…after the 6-week New Year’s plan…you’ll be sure to look good just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Henry’s officially kicked off the program January 5….but you can begin any time with Janet’s eating schedule, shopping list and recipes written out for you.   (http://www.henrysmarkets.com/h/Whole_Body_Rehab/.   Henry’s has also created a social media network for Whole Body Rehabers on SparkPeople.com.  Free of charge, anyone can join Henry’s team at their convenience where members can find extra tips on the program….while getting support from other Whole Body Rehabers.  Members blog about their individual experiences whith the program and ask questions directly to each other or to Janet.

Week One started last week with a three-day organic apple detox drink to cleanse toxins from the body.  After the first three days, healthy foods are brought back into your diet.    Each week has healthy tips on everything from drinking coffee….to exercise ….to vegetable and fruit flexibility!  

If your goal is to detox and lose some weight in a healthy way….I encourage to explore programs such as the Body Rehab plan at Henry’s.   Get your advice from an expert like Janet.  Try a gimmicky plan and you’ll lose weight initially….but you risk damaging your health and setting yourself up for failure when you return to your old health habits.     Make 2009 your healthiest year ever…by doing it right!