To jump-start a weight management program, you might consider an intestinal-cleansing fruit diet. Fruits of all kinds are excellent sources of soluble and insoluble fiber that serve as a kind of "intestinal brush" to help the colon clean house. High in water content and naturally sweet, fruits can be juiced or consumed whole for a few days as a fruit-only detox plan or as a prelude to a longer-term diet that includes protein, vegetables, whole grains and heart-healthy fats. See your doctor if you have any serious medical issues before embarking on a fruit-cleansing diet.
Hot Lemon Water
Consider starting each day with the juice of half a lemon squeezed into a cup of hot water. This hot lemon tea often prompts a bowel movement first thing, even before you consume any solid food. Every detox diet relies on an effective cleansing of the colon, or large intestine, rather than using coffee or laxatives. Hot lemon water is not habit-forming and generally well-tolerated by most people. If you find this does not help you, consider eating dried prunes or figs every night before bedtime to boost dietary fiber and help clear the large intestine.
Brief Fruit-Only Detox
Once you have your doctor's approval, consider eating a fruit-only detox for one to three days before transitioning to a healthful, longer-term diet that includes other foods. For many people, eating fresh fruit in the morning, juicing later in the day and eating dried fruits before bedtime is most palatable: Few dieters relish eating dried fruits for breakfast.
Using this pattern as an example, consider stewed apples or fresh peaches for breakfast. Later, juice some apples with lemon and ginger root for a sweet drink that provides "heat" and a digestive boost from the ginger root. In Ayurveda, which is a holistic system of healing from India, consuming ginger is said to increase agni fire, which refers to digestive power. Snack on fresh fruit and have more fresh fruit for dinner. Before going to sleep, consider eating dried fruit to provide the fiber for cleansing the colon. Don't overdo it, though: A few pieces of fruit should suffice during a fruit-only detox such as this.
Papaya and Pineapple Enzymes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that healthy adults eat about two cups of fruit a day. During a directed detox to clear the colon, include fruits such as papaya and pineapple. Papaya contains the powerful enzyme papain, which is also available as an enzyme supplement that you can chew after meals. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that is also found in digestive supplements. Eating fresh papaya and pineapple provides you with two enzymes known for their digestive power.
Post-Cleanse
After completing your brief fruit-only detox, gradually add other foods, including vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins and unsaturated fats such as olive, canola and flaxseed oil. This is a balanced diet appropriate for safe and long-term weight management and is recommended by the Department of Agriculture in its nutritional matrix, My Food Pyramid.
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