You can naturally cleanse your body and lose weight at the same time. Toxins can hold your body fat prisoner, inhibiting fat loss and keeping you from your fitness goals, according to "Combat the Fat" author Jeff Anderson. Choosing the right foods and eating them at the right times make a significant impact in your battle for weight loss. Cleansing allows your body to burn fat and function more effectively, and it gives you more energy and enhanced wellness.
Step 1
Try a one- to three-day fast, says Paul C. Bragg in "The Miracle of Fasting." He recommends this strategy to jump start your weight-loss efforts and cleanse the body. A traditional fast calls for no solid food, only pure distilled water. Life Extension Magazine reports that fasting for only two days increases GH--or growth hormone--by as much as 400 percent. Growth hormone has potent rejuvenating and fat-burning properties in the human body.
Step 2
Drink an apple cider vinegar health drink three to five times daily, recommends Bragg. Mix 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar, one packet of Stevia or 1 tbsp. of honey, 8 oz. of distilled water, ice and lemon to taste. Drink this between meals to suppress hunger or with meals to stabilize blood sugar and promote full-body cleansing.
Step 3
Buy a full-body cleanse product from your local health retailer. These products use natural herbs to promote detoxification, along with supplemental dietary fibers to help sweep toxins from the intestines and colon. Most of them run from seven to 14 days and require you to stay close to a restroom. Read the label carefully because some of them contain powerful natural laxatives that may not fit into your lifestyle.
Step 4
Increase your intake of cleansing foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. These contain natural antioxidants and dietary fiber to cleanse toxins from the body and fight the aging effects of free radicals. Some examples of cleansing foods include apples, berries, broccoli, grapefruit, green tea, olive oil, spinach, watermelon and walnuts, according to the "Muscle & Fitness" article The Usual Suspects by Jordana Brown, published in January 2010.
Step 5
Drink at least eight 12- to 16-oz. glasses of water every day. Water naturally increases the metabolic rate for more fat burning, says Anderson. Drink one full glass of water with each of your daily meals. Drink extra water when you are out in the heat or participating in physical activities.
Step 6
Take in five to six smaller meals throughout the day, says "The Abs Diet" author David Zinczenko. Besides speeding up your metabolism, this strategy also prevents junk-food cravings by suppressing your appetite. Get at least 15 to 30 g of protein at each of your meals and snacks to further encourage the metabolic effect. For example, whey protein makes a great addition to between-meal protein smoothies.
Step 7
Get at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical exercise three days per week. To further boost fat burning and weight loss combine both resistance training and cardiovascular exercise for a potent synergistic effect. Anderson recommends 30 to 60 minutes of weightlifting, followed by at least 30 minutes of cardio.
Tips and Warnings
- Always consult with your doctor before beginning any new supplementation or diet program.
- Never take in fewer than 1,200 calories unless under a doctor's supervision.
Things You'll Need
- Apple cider vinegar
- Stevia
- Honey
- Distilled water
- Lemon
- Whey protein
References
- "Combat the Fat"; Jeff Anderson; 2008
- "The Miracle of Fasting"; Paul C. Bragg; 2009
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition The Ultimate Supplement Handbook"; The Usual Suspects; Jordana Brown; January 2010
- "The Abs Diet"; David Zinczenko; 2004
- Life Extension Magazine: In the News: Live Longer, Healthier, Without Drugs; Terri Mitchell; September 2003
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