Detox diets are popular ways of potentially ridding the body of harmful toxins and chemicals by sticking with a strict regime of certain natural foods and drinks. Detox diets also claim to assist with weight loss by cleansing your body of substances that some believe contribute to weight gain. Many claim to lose a significant amount of weight on detox diets and suggest that a detox diet is the added boost to achieving their weight loss goals.
Types of Detox
Detox diets come in a number of forms, such as liquid, solid foods or pills. Liquid forms may require you to only drink a mixture of substances, such as the popular Master Cleanse Diet, which is a mixture of lemon juice, cayenne pepper, maple syrup and distilled water only. Others allow you to eat only fruits and vegetables, preferably raw. Detox diets also come in the form of colon cleansing pills. According to a CBS News report, however, many detox diets require you to starve your body of the essential nutrients and vitamins it gets from food products and that food should be a part of your detox diet plan.
Detox Requirements
Detox diets can last from seven to 21 days or even longer and can require a strict regimen of only one type of food or drink. Your ability to be successful on your detox diet will largely depend on your commitment to the detox plan, which may include a liquid diet for an extended amount of time. Additionally, you may consider if the diet is practical for your lifestyle, as some diets may require the purchase of specialty products and require extra preparation.
Challenges of a Detox Diet
Dieting through detoxing presents a unique set of challenges. CBS News reports that losing weight on a detox may work, but that many people quickly gain the weight back once resuming their normal eating routine. Consequently, detox diets should be used as a gateway to weight loss, but not your sole means. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine following your detox will be key to continuing to lose weight or remain fit.
Food Substitutes
While detoxing, you will likely have to forgo meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol and caffeine. WholeLiving.com, however, states that you can substitute decaffeinated teas and natural sweeteners into your diet as you detox. You can also include gluten-free grains and dairy substitutes, such as rice and almond milk into your detox cleanse. Incorporating substitutes into your detox plan may, in fact, enable you to sustain your diet for the desired amount of time while still receiving the nutrients your body needs.
Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic lists fatigue, dizziness, dehydration and nausea as general symptoms of detox diets. Loss of energy is another common side effect of detox dieting. Paying attention to your body will assist you in determining whether the detox diet plan you have chosen is right for you. Consult your physician when beginning a detox diet and inform him of any symptoms you experience while on the diet.
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