Detoxification diets assist the body in flushing out toxins that come from cigarettes, processed food and environmental pollutants and can help with weight loss. The exact method of detoxification diets vary from fasts to whole food diets emphasizing particular nutrients. Although some detox plans require multiple supplements or specific formulas, you can use a detoxification plan at home with simple ingredients.
Step 1
Set aside a few quiet days at the beginning of your detox diet. Strive to keep exertion levels low and distractions to a minimum so you can focus on your health. You might experience fatigue, irritability and digestive distress as toxins leave your body, so plan to spend these days meditating or reading Resume normal activities after a few days if your energy levels permit.
Step 2
Cut out coffee and other forms of caffeine, nicotine, red meat, refined sugar and alcohol. Focus on whole foods like organic produce and wild-caught fish. Forgo all processed foods, such as frozen dinners, fast food, deli meats and hot dogs, canned sauces and snacks. Limit refined flour and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin.
Step 3
Focus on foods high in fiber. Eat lots of raw green vegetables and fruit whose fiber and water content accelerate the release of toxins through urination and elimination; many expensive detox formulas contain a lot of extra fiber in pill form to serve the same purpose. Eat celery, cucumbers and asparagus because theses vegetables have a diuretic effect to reduce water retention. Add in small portions of white fish and brown rice if you are hungry.
Step 4
Drink plenty of water. Add lemon, a natural detoxifier, for flavor. Try diluted fruit juices with no added sugar if you tire of water.
Step 5
Minimize your use of chemically-based household products. Choose natural, organic shampoos, household cleaners and soaps to reduce your exposure to pollutants.
Step 6
Follow your detox diet for as long as seven days and then slowly increase your caloric intake through a regular diet. Avoid rich, heavy meals, especially in the first few days after your detox diet or you might experience digestive discomfort and diarrhea. Reintroduce caffeine and alcohol--if you choose too--in moderation. Continue to make the majority of your diet consist of lean proteins, whole grains and fresh vegetables to continue to lose weight and preserve the positive feelings obtained through detoxification.
Tips and Warnings
- Although a whole foods detox diet is relatively healthy, it may not supply you with enough calories to support exercise. Be aware that some of the weight you lose over the course of the diet may return when you increase your calorie intake. Consistently make good food choices to support long-term weight loss.
- The underweight, those with chronic disease, and pregnant or nursing women should not undertake a radical detox diet. Diabetics or hypoglycemics should be cautious when limiting food intake.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh produce (especially asparagus, cucumbers and celery)
- Wild-caught white fish (such as cod or flounder)
- Brown rice
- Fresh juice
- Lemons
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