Eight-Day Detox Diet

It can be difficult to pay attention to the food you put in your mouth if you are leading a busy life. Following a detox diet can be a good way to get rid of unhealthy eating habits you may have developed and give your body the chance to eliminate toxins and wastes. An eight-day detox diet can help you feel better and get back on track to healthier eating. Always talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to the way you eat.

Sugar

Eliminate sugar during your eight-day detox diet. Stop adding sugar to your foods and beverages, and carefully read the ingredient lists of the foods you buy to make sure they do not contain added sugar. Most processed foods contain added sugar, which might be listed as glucose, dextrose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, maltodextrin, fruit juice concentrates and cane juice. You may experience sugar cravings in the first few days of your detox diet, but don't give in. Eat fresh fruits or drink herbal tea to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Hydrate

Water is essential for your body to function properly and eliminate waste products. You should drink 48 to 64 oz of water a day during your eight-day detox diet. Squeeze the juice of a lemon or lime juice for extra flavor without adding sugar. Avoid coffees, energy drinks, juices, punches and soft drinks. If you get bored with water, drink teas, herbal teas or sugar-free sparkling water to stay hydrated.

Food Additives

If you eat commercially processed foods -- food that comes in a box, can or bag -- you also are eating several food additives. Give your body a break from these chemicals during your eight-day detox diet. Avoid commercially prepared soups, sauces, frozen entrees, breakfast cereals, granola bars and most snack foods to give your body a chance to detoxify.

Gluten

Many people are intolerant to gluten without being aware of it. Take advantage of your eight-day detox diet to eliminate gluten from your diet and reset your body. Gluten is in the grains wheat, barley and rye. Avoid these grains during your detox diet, and turn to gluten-free sources of carbohydrates such as gluten-free oats, quinoa, millet, sweet potato and rice instead.

Real Foods

The foods you eat during your eight-day detox diet are as important as the foods you eliminate. Fill up on real, unprocessed foods that are free of sugar, food additives and gluten. Vegetables, fruit, plain yogurt, cheese, unseasoned nuts, natural nut butter, eggs, poultry, fish and meat are healthy food options to nourish your body and help rid yourself of waste products and toxins.