5 Week Inflammation Detox: Jenny's Advice, Recipes, and Products she's personally used & swears by.

After 9 months of being back in Vancouver, after living in Mexico for nearly 5 years, I noticed a significant difference in how I felt and looked. I arrived back in June 2024 and saw the change in my body around mid-September, 3.5 months later. My moods were grey, my eating habits became less conscious and more emotional, and my jeans fit much tighter. This weight gain and grey sky blues were more than 'normal.' I was puffy feeling and looking due to new medication I was taking (water retention). My face, belly, and butt seemed to be the most apparent change, but what was happening behind closed doors (my mental state) was the part that scared me the most. I was still practicing my holistic habits, such as breathwork, journaling, and daily mindful walks, but it wasn't the same. I didn't feel aligned, and I didn't feel like myself.

I share this part of my story because I know everything is connected. If we don't feel good, we won't treat our bodies well, resulting in a less fulfilling and joyful life. I tried to fit back into a city I no longer felt aligned with. I laughed as I told my friends, "Vancouver is like an ex-boyfriend I'm trying to get back together with. I've changed, and it's changed in the last 5 years, and unfortunately, it won't work out."

When we don't feel good, our bodies react. When we stay stuck in a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state, the body thinks it’s constantly threatened. This keeps stress hormones like cortisol elevated, and over time, that can lead to inflammation, making us feel tired, bloated, or run down. I knew exactly what was happening and intuitively knew Vancouver was not my place anymore. It was now the end of November, and most of my efforts to return to the Jenny I knew and loved weren't working. The little energy I had left had to be reserved for my clients and career. I knew I had to do something to help myself, but I was in a state of fight or flight and could not make a decision to save my life. I felt frozen, filled with cortisol, and super inflamed! I needed help, and deep down, I knew I had to leave or at least have a break from Vancouver.

As the universe does, I asked for help, and she provided it. I was invited to revisit Playa Del Carmen in February to dog-sit a good friend's incredible dog, Roo. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know the dog ;)

The countdown was on...

Before I move on, I'd like to touch on the timelines for 'good stress' to 'unhealthy stress.' Then I will tell you what I did to help heal my body and combat the stress, inflammation, and weight retention, ultimately losing inches and feeling like myself again, all within 5 weeks. I share this with you to inspire people to live aligned, healthier, and joyful lives. It can mean going against the grain we have been taught is 'right'. It's never too late, and there is nothing wrong with changing our life and going after what we truly feel is you. If this doesn't make sense, see my blog on listening to your body's intuition to understand what you truly desire. But first, let's cover this.

Acute Stress (Short-Term) – Minutes to a Few Days

• This is the healthy fight-or-flight response.

• Cortisol and adrenaline spike to handle an immediate stressor.

• Once the stressor is gone, cortisol levels return to normal within 24–48 hours.

• Examples: A big presentation, a sudden argument, a challenging workout, or an ice bath ;)

  
  

Episodic Stress (Recurring Short-Term) – Weeks to a Few Months

• Stressors happen frequently, but the body still gets some recovery time.

• Cortisol levels may start staying elevated longer than usual.

• Symptoms: Sleep disruptions, frequent headaches, digestive issues.

  
  

Chronic Stress – 3+ Months and Beyond

• The body stays in a constant state of alert, with cortisol dysregulation.

• This leads to inflammation, weight gain, adrenal fatigue, and immune dysfunction.

• Symptoms: Brain fog, fatigue, water retention, increased belly fat, anxiety, and chronic aches.

Recipes, Products, and Advice that Reduced my Stress, Inflammation, & Water Retention

The main point I want to make clear is that I was not even trying to lose weight; I surrendered the process of helping myself feel like me again. From my experience in the health and wellness industry, I know that hyper-focusing on weight loss is not the way to go. Making small changes to bring more nourishing foods, habits, and happiness into your life is a holistic and long-term solution. To be honest, I was enjoying my new butt :)

1. Jamaica (Hibiscus tea)

In Latin American and Caribbean cultures, "Agua de Jamaica" is a popular drink from dried hibiscus flowers. It's tangy, deep red, and naturally packed with health benefits:

1. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Power

• Rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins (the compounds that give it the red color).

• Helps combat oxidative stress and reduces chronic inflammation in the body.

2. Supports Heart Health

• Helps lower blood pressure naturally.

• Can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve heart function.

3. Aids in Weight Loss & Metabolism

• Has mild diuretic properties, helping to reduce bloating and water retention.

• May block carbohydrate absorption, assisting with weight management.

4. Regulates Blood Sugar

• Some studies suggest it helps stabilize blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for insulin sensitivity.

5. Supports Liver Detoxification

• Helps the liver break down toxins and improve overall detox pathways.

6. Naturally Reduces Stress & Cortisol

• Hibiscus has mild adaptogenic properties, which can help lower cortisol and improve stress resilience.

  
  

Recipe:

• Tea: Steep 1 cup of dried hibiscus petals in 1 L hot water for 5–10 minutes.

• Jenny's suggested Add-Ins: I add cut-up fresh ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and a dash or pepper (to activate the turmeric) and honey to sweeten.

• Put in the fridge for a cold brew (how I drink it)

2. Morning Fresh Ginger and Turmeric tea

A powerhouse for reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and supporting digestion. Here’s a breakdown of its key health benefits:

1. Reduces Inflammation & Pain

• Both ginger and turmeric contain potent anti-inflammatory compounds:

• Gingerol (in ginger)

• Curcumin (in turmeric)

• Helps relieve joint pain, muscle soreness, bloating, and chronic inflammation.

2. Strengthens Immunity

• Both have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

• Helps fight colds, flu, and infections while supporting overall immune health.

3. Supports Gut & Digestion

• Ginger: Increases digestive enzymes and helps with bloating nausea, and acid reflux.

• Turmeric: Supports gut lining health and balances gut bacteria.

4. Boosts Heart Health

• Helps lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve circulation.

• May prevent blood clot formation and improve arterial function.

5. Regulates Blood Sugar & Metabolism

• Both help stabilize blood sugar levels and may improve insulin sensitivity.

• Supports weight management by boosting metabolism and reducing sugar cravings.

6. Lowers Stress & Supports Brain Function

• Curcumin in turmeric boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which supports brain health.

• Ginger can help reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and improve mood.

  
  

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits - in just 1 tbsp:

• Supports digestion and reduces bloating

• Helps balance blood sugar and curb cravings

• Aids in weight management and appetite control

• Contains probiotics for gut health (if raw/unfiltered)

• Gently detoxifies the body and supports liver function

• May improve skin clarity when used internally or topically

Recipe:

• 1-inch fresh ginger (sliced or grated)

• 1-inch fresh turmeric (sliced or grated)

• 2 cups water

• ½ lemon (juice) OR 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp raw honey (optional)

• Pinch of black pepper (boosts curcumin absorption)

3. Excellent Product: LifeWave Patches

I was introduced to these phototherapy patches in March 2024 by a good friend in the biohacking world. She suggested I use them for my belly's bloating and hip pain. I felt a difference within the first three days of wearing the patches at night. My hip no longer hurt in the morning, my tummy looked flatter, and I could see some abs again! I continued using them until I returned to Vancouver and eventually ran out. I stopped the habit and didn't even put two and two together until I returned to Playa Del Carmen and found one pack in my storage! I started putting the patch on my upper neck for 12 hours/day, and I would feel like a liar if I didn't include this component in this post, as I know it had made a HUGE impact on my body.

Lifewave patches are wearable phototherapy patches designed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes using light. They are non-transdermal, meaning they don’t deliver drugs or chemicals into the body. Instead, reflective nanocrystals embedded in the patch interact with the body's infrared heat and stimulate specific physiological responses.

How Do Lifewave Patches Work?

• The patches contain organic crystals that absorb and reflect specific infrared and visible light wavelengths.

• This process is called photobiomodulation, similar to how sunlight triggers vitamin D production.

• Each patch type is programmed to reflect light at different frequencies to target specific biological functions. I use the X39 patches.

  
  

(I recommend buying 3 months or signing up for the subscription to save money)

4. Staying Consistent with My Weight Training for 3+ Months

If you didn't know, I am a personal trainer and have been for over 16 years. I know weight training is insanely beneficial for our bodies and minds. I hadn't stayed consistent for most of 2024 as I was focusing on yoga and pilates more, which are beneficial in their ways; don't get me wrong. However, I had lost a lot of muscle and looked super lean, and I knew I had to pivot back to lifting heavy. I needed a little motivation, so I joined a nearby studio and started lifting heavy AND eating more protein CONSISTENTLY. This was in September, and my results didn't start to show until December. I was thicker and stronger. But I still felt bloated with extra inches and bloated with water retention.

A slight nudge in the right direction: Hire help. Period. I understand proper form, so I felt comfortable attending a studio with 20-year-old instructors. However, I must say I was unimpressed with many of the trainers' lack of understanding of proper form, how to cue, and overall experience of training beginners, which, in their defense, does come with time in the industry. I wasn't as experienced or educated back in the day, either. But I looked good, so I got jobs, haha.

If you've never taken personal training or don't understand the body's anatomy and how to lift correctly, HIRE A PROFESSIONAL.

What happens in your body when you lift heavier consistently and nourish your body with high-protein (120gr/day):

If you're a female in perimenopause, please read my blog on Perimenopause here.

• Muscle growth (hypertrophy): Microtears from lifting repair and grow back stronger with enough protein.

• Increased metabolism: More muscle = higher resting metabolic rate (you burn more calories at rest).

• Fat loss & body recomposition: You may lose fat and build lean muscle at the same time.

• Improved strength & performance: The Nervous system adapts, making you stronger and more efficient.

• Better hormone balance: Strength training boosts testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin sensitivity.

• Faster recovery: Protein supports muscle repair and reduces soreness over time.

Jenny's Go-To: Cross-Training Year-Round: Yoga + Strength Training + Cardio

Benefits:

• Keeps the body in balance: mobility (yoga), strength (weights), endurance (cardio)

• Reduces risk of plateaus and injuries

• Supports consistent fat loss and muscle tone year-round

• Builds sustainable habits and avoids burnout

• Keeps workouts fresh and enjoyable

Results:

• Lean muscle + flexibility + cardiovascular health all at once

• Better posture, energy, metabolism, and mental clarity

5. Being in an Environment Where I Feel Most Alive

I'm incredibly grateful for my ability to connect and listen to my intuition. I sometimes ignore it and try to push through, but the universe will stir me in the right direction. I feel the most joyful and content near water, in water, and typically in a bathing suit or less. It's just who I am. I have also noticed that I feel uncomfortable and irritated when wearing a lot of clothing in cold environments. Go figure!

Being in an environment aligned with your soul versus one that isn’t will profoundly impact your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

1. Nervous System Regulation & Stress Response

• Aligned Environments: Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), making you feel calm, safe, and inspired.

• Misaligned Environments: Trigger the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), leading to chronic stress, inflammation, and exhaustion.

  
  

2. Energy Levels & Productivity

• Right Environment: It feels energizing and uplifting and supports your natural rhythms. You feel motivated and in flow.

• Wrong Environment: Drains your mental clarity and energy, making tasks feel harder and leading to burnout.

  
  

3. Emotional & Spiritual Well-Being

• Aligned Spaces: These spaces foster self-growth, creativity, and connection to your intuition. You feel a sense of belonging.

• Unaligned Spaces: Create anxiety, resistance, and emotional heaviness, making it hard to access your true self.

  
  

4. Physical Health & Inflammation

• Chronic stress from a misaligned environment increases cortisol, leading to weight gain, gut issues, and fatigue.

• When you’re in a supportive space, the body is more likely to heal, rest, and restore itself naturally.

  
  

5. Manifestation & Success

• The right environment naturally attracts aligned opportunities, relationships, and synchronicities.

• The wrong setting creates blockages that make it harder to reach your potential.

So there you have it—my 5-week inflammation detox in all its juicy, anti-bloated glory! 😄 These are the real-deal tips, recipes, and products I’ve used (and still swear by) to feel lighter, cleaner, and way more like me. It’s not about perfection—it's about progress, intention, and giving your body the support it’s been begging for.

If you’re thinking, “This sounds amazing, but I need someone to help me actually do it,”—hi, hello, it me! 🙋‍♀️ I’d love to be your holistic mindset mentor, personal trainer, and breathwork bestie.

Together, we’ll clear the mental fog, move your body in a way that feels good (and sustainable), and breathe through the BS—literally. Let’s make wellness way less overwhelming—and a lot more fun. 💛 Start with a consultation to ask me anything and get advice; this alone may be all you need to get started!