Detoxification Diets To Lose Weight

Detoxification diets claim that following a strict diet of water, juice or certain foods will eliminate built-up toxins and pollutants from the body. Diets that promote elimination of toxins claim the extra benefits of higher energy levels, higher metabolism and weight loss. A true detoxification diet is said to eliminate all substances that are considered hard to process in the body, such as caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, pesticides, air pollution and toxic foods, according to Fitness Magazine's website; however, detox diets can be dangerous and should only be followed with your doctors approval.

Lemonade Diet

The lemonade diet, often referred to as the Master Cleanse diet, promotes drinking only a water solution for three to 21 days. This diet recommends drinking eight to 12 glasses of pure spring water mixed with 1/4 tsp. cayenne, half a cup of lemon juice and a dash of grade-A maple syrup. This diet claims that following it will cleanse your colon, intestines, kidneys and liver for better overall health, energy and weight loss. This detox diet is a fasting diet that works as a vasodilator to cleanse your blood and arteries and help decrease appetite, according to Jeremy Safron, author of "The Fasting Handbook."

Raw Vegetable and Fruit Diet

The raw vegetable and fruit diet claims to detoxify your intestines and digestive system due to the high-fiber content. This diet recommends only eating fresh raw fruits and vegetables and drinking only fresh spring water for the best benefits. You can consume as many vegetables and fruits you want daily, as long as they are raw. This diet recommends switching up your meals with raw whole fruits and veggies and raw blended veggie and fruit juices, such as beets, carrots and apples for a refreshing drink, notes Safron.

Eating Clean Foods

Diets that promote eating foods more in their natural state or "clean," claim that you will lose weight, increase your energy levels and metabolism. This type of diet suggests eating five to six small meals a day of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. Choose lean proteins such as fish, lean beef, turkey and chicken and complex carbohydrates, such as wild and brown rice, whole grain pasta, bread and cereal, steel-cut oats and fresh fruits and vegetables. This type of diet is more of a lifestyle change to find your body's natural lean weight, notes "The Eat Clean Diet" author Tosca Reno.