Detoxification is the process of cleansing the tissues and organs of the body by giving your body a rest from the usual toxic elements that cause the body stress, such as high-fat / high-sugar foods, smoking, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, sodas and so on. The liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, lymph system, blood and skin are the organs responsible for detoxifying the body. Giving these organs a break from their usual jobs by consuming detox diet meals can help in cleansing and regenerating your tissues and organs.
Reaons to Detox
Detoxing is known to boost immune systems, produce clearer skin and eyes and increase mental clarity and self-confidence. Detoxing diet meals are a great way to transition to and from a full body detox plan (which includes only fresh-vegetable juices and soups, supplements, and water) or as a way to kick-start a traditional weight-loss diet plan. Detox diet meals are typically based on quick-exit foods--foods that your body recognizes and can easily digest and foods that your body can use for energy and rebuilding cell tissue.
Breakfast
For breakfast, have a glass of water and some fresh-squeezed lemon juice. If you're hungry later, blend fresh or frozen organic berries with freshly squeezed orange juice and a banana. Raw fruits are quick-exit foods, easily digested by the body, and can pass as a detox meal, so have a bowl of fruit, eat an entire watermelon or juice some strawberries. Another breakfast idea is fresh fruit juice. If you have a juicer, make your own strawberry juice, orange juice or watermelon juice.
Lunch and Dinner
A raw salad makes a good detox lunch, as it provides a lot of nutrition and requires little effort for your body to digest. A few other meals to consider are homemade guacamole (made from avocado, lemon juice, fresh chili, tomato and garlic) served with vegetable crudités (carrot and celery sticks, green and red pepper slices) and raw vegetable soups, which are full of the vitamins and minerals. A warm broccoli or tomato soup paired with a salad makes a satisfying meal.
Keeping It Simple
Steamed broccoli, baked yams, butternut squash, broiled fish and whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce are all simple foods that your body knows what to do with at a chemical level. Any of these choices, combined with a fresh salad, are healthy and filling. Natalia Rose, author of The Raw Food Detox Diet, says, "Simple foods, whether cooked or raw, in simple combinations, is the fastest, most effective way to cleanse and rejuvenate."
Snacks
Whole fruit or guacamole with crudités are a good choice for snack. Green drinks are also beneficial. Juice your own kale, spinach or romaine for a great detox boost. If you juice fresh vegetables, add a lemon and an apple to help cut the strong "green" taste. You can also find powered green drinks (made with powered grasses such as wheatgrass) that are acceptable substitutes for fresh juices. A berry smoothie is also an option.
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