Many detox diets require that you drink only liquids or eat very little solid food. Consuming low-calorie, liquid-only meals puts your digestive system to rest, causing a decrease in digestive enzymes, according to Don Colbert, M.D. These enzymes help you digest proteins, starches and fats right away. The longer your detoxifying diet lasts, the longer you need to introduce solid foods back into your everyday eating. Breaking a detox diet too quickly can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea and headaches. MayoClinic.com recommends getting your doctor's approval prior to beginning a detox diet.
Step 1
Drink fresh-squeezed juices that consist of simple fruits, such as oranges, apples, pears and strawberries, the first morning after your detox. Blend fruits such as bananas, apples, berries with ice and orange juice and enjoy a smoothie for lunch. Jeremy Safron, author of "The Fasting Handbook," suggests using a variety of vegetables and fruits such as kale, celery, avocado and cauliflower to blend with ginger and herbs to make a hot blender soup for dinner.
Step 2
Eat fresh, whole fruit for breakfast the second morning after your detox. Consume vegetable soup for lunch and dinner. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and one to two glasses of fresh-squeezed juice.
Step 3
Eat one to two pieces of whole-grain bread, rice bread or millet bread with fresh fruit for breakfast on the third day after your fast. Eat a salad with a variety of vegetables and a baked potato for lunch and dinner. Avoid vegetables that cause intestinal distress to your digestive system such as cabbage and broccoli.
Step 4
Add small amounts of protein to your diet on the fourth day after your fast. Choose lean beef, fish, turkey or chicken. Eat slowly and chew very well to improve protein digestion. Dr. Colbert suggests drinking 4 oz. of water 30 minutes before your meal and to stop eating before you feel full.
References
- "Toxic Relief": Don Colbert, M.D.; 2001
- MayoClinic.com: Do Detox Diets Offer Any Health Benefits?
- "The Fasting Handbook, Dining From an Empty Bowl": Jeremy Safron; 2005
- CNN: Dare to Detox
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