Build up of residues in the intestines from the foods we eat -- especially processed and refined foods, animal fats, sugar, caffeine and alcohol -- can result in poor digestion, loss of energy, decreased metabolism and even depression. It is also important to cleanse the liver, which filters harmful toxins from environmental pollution and chemicals and pesticides in our food. According to the Alive Academy of Natural Health Website, poor liver function is often associated with obesity. A detoxification diet will cleanse the major systems of your body responsible for digestion and metabolism and give your weight loos efforts a big boost.
Step 1
Limit your diet to include only raw or lightly steamed fruits, vegetables and whole grains for the first seven days. Choose organic fruits and vegetables known for their detoxifying qualities such as apples, carrots, spinach, kale, broccoli, lemons and oranges. Eat a 1/2 cup of organic brown rice to supplement breakfast, lunch or dinner. Brown rice will help you feel more satiated and provides a good source of fiber to aid in digestion.
Step 2
Add fish and lean poultry to your diet after the first week, if desired. Portions at a single meal should be no larger than the size of your palm.
Step 3
Add in small amounts of dairy after the second week, if desired. Good dairy substitutes for the first two weeks of detoxification include soy, almond and rice milk and products made with these substitutes.
Step 4
Eat two small snacks per day in between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner. A good snack might be a piece of fruit, cut up veggie sticks, or 5 to 10 unsalted almonds.
Step 5
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to help flush toxins from the system. According to an article by Louise Atkinson on the Daily Mail website, you can add lemon juice to your water to stimulate digestion and boost metabolism; while no scientific evidence for a metabolism boost is presented, lemon juice can add citrus as well as a flavor boost to you liquid intake.
Step 6
Refrain from eating any refined or processed foods and sugar and drinking alcohol and caffeine.
Step 7
Get 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day which will help your digestion function optimally and help you lose weight.
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