Did you have too many barbecues and ice cream cones this summer? You're not alone in having indulged in summer delights. 

But as fall approaches, it's the perfect time for a simple cleanse to clean out all the "gunk" accumulated in the body from food, cleaning products, water and air. Just as cars need an oil change to operate efficiently, so does the body. 

We are constantly accumulating toxins, often resulting in symptoms such as headaches, poor concentration, fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches and pain, skin problems and more. In order to improve these conditions and increase your energy forget the expensive fancy colon cleanse that will keep you in the bathroom for a week and try eliminating this items for no more than seven days. 

Caffeine: This includes caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda and black tea. Sip herbal and green teas with no caffeine. 

Refined and added simple sugars: Refined sugars refer to anything with added sucrose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, molasses, honey, maple syrup or alcohol. This includes cakes, cookies, candies, pastry, beer, wine and liquor. Use a natural sweetener such as Stevia. 

Gluten containing grains (wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut): Only quinoa, oats, rice, millet, buckwheat, teff and amaranth are acceptable grains. For a more hardcore detox, consider eliminating all grains, then if desired work back in those containing the non-gluten grains listed above 

Eggs and dairy products: These include egg, milk, yogurt, cheese ice cream, sour cream, butter, etc, as well as any soy based dairy substitutes. Experiment with items such as almond and rice milks, which are tasty alternatives. 

No processed foods: A no brainer. 

No meat (at least try eating no red meat): For additional protein during a particularly physical day, try grilled fish or chicken (preferably organic) or turkey (not processed). 

What should you much on? Plenty of fruits and veggies. Try fresh, raw, steamed, sautéed, juiced or roasted (but not creamed vegetables). Play with a wide variety of spices, oils and vinegars, but steer clear of ketchup, mustard, relish, soy sauce and other packaged condiments. 

The first few days can be challenging, but stick with it and you'll be amazed at how your body will restore itself to radiant health. 

 
Kristen Hallett Rzasa is the owner of InterPlay Health, LLC and Jazzercise. She is an entrepreneur, dancer, instructor, writer, yogi, golfer and avid reader.