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You exercise well, don’t smoke, don’t overeat and follow regular good health practices. However, you still feel drained out, sluggish and lethargic. Why is it so? When people don’t feel as well as they think they should they can try an extreme diet or exercise regime to shock their body into working better. One of these regimes is a detox diet. there is no evidence to suggest that our bodies get ‘toxic’ or that these diets make us leach toxins they can still be beneficial. The diets are very low calorie and high fibre so they do usually give our metabolisms a kick start and relieve bloating. In addition stimulants like refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol are excluded so you will find you sleep better and your mood naturally evens out breaking your dependency on these substances to provide you with an energy boost.
There is no evidence to suggest that our bodies get ‘toxic’ or that these diets make us leach toxins however they can still be beneficial. The diets are very low calorie and high fibre so they do usually give our metabolisms a kick start and relieve bloating. In addition stimulants like refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol are excluded so you will find you sleep better and your mood naturally evens out breaking your dependency on these substances to provide you with an energy boost. However you should recognise these diets are extreme and not healthy for long periods.
When should I go for a whole body detox?
If you have one or more of these symptoms a short term detox diet could be helpful for you;
- You have put on weight recently especially round your tummy.
- You are constipated.
- You have developed a dependency on caffeine in the morning.
- You need a sugary snack in the afternoon to give you the energy to finish your day.
- You have had a spot or rash breakout.
How do I choose a good detox program for my body?
You should research well and choose something that suits your body. You should go for a whole body detox about every six months and the diet should past from 4-15 days. The severity of the plan and the duration should depend on two factors: your body and lifestyle.
• If you are obese, then you are more vulnerable to unhealthy eating and emotional bingeing. Detox every three months.
• If you have high cholesterol or diabetes — detox every 3-4 months
• If you lead an extremely stressful life — detox every two months.
A good plan should contain 50 per cent juices and 50 per cent solid food.
• Lots of raw food. There are lots of meal replacement diets out there and juice diets but you should also eat lots of raw veg to make sure you are getting lots of fiber. Chewing also makes you feel full so if you get hunger pangs celeery or carrot sticks will help.
• Juices for hydration. A lot of our water comes from food so if you eat less you need to increase your water intake. Substitute sugary snacks for a big glass of water.
• Foods that offer enough phytotochemical, traditional nutrients and enzymes. Eg: Pineapple (contains brom-lain, a digestive enzyme), papaya (contains papain, a great colon cleanser), onion and garlic (contains compounds that strengthens the process of detox) etc.
Fight cravings through whole body detox
Since whole body detox can put you on a disciplined diet for a few days, it is naturally that you will get cravings for the ‘tasty, oily’ food as well. So expect side effects to the detox like stomach aches, moodiness, terrible cravings etc. But you have to stay committed. Here are some ways you can fight food cravings:
• Avoiding places that have foods that you crave.
• Drinking a lot of water and fruit juice
• Exercising or going for a walk or jog when your cravings come on strong
• Chew on celery, raw vegetables or chewing gum – chewing suppresses the appetite.
Boost your whole detox program with the right fitness regimen
Combine your detox with the right exercise regimen. Anything that makes you sweat is great. If you walk make sure you do it quickly or uphill to ensure the intensity is higher. If you can’t work up a sweat walking try jogging, aerobics, Zumba or swimming instead.
The internet is full of free HIT and circuit training videos so try a few of those. They can be done at home with just a mat and a couple of hand weights (or cans of food!) and they usually only last about 20 minutes. We recommend the youtube beFit channel – it has loads of different trainers with programmes you can do at home. Another alternative is Jillian Michaels – her videos give you a total body workout that also maximises your calorie burn.
Never go on a detox…
• If you are pregnant or lactating
• Suffering from a thyroid, liver or kidney problem
• Never go for a single-food programme — just juices or only protein or carbs
• Keep away from caffeine or carbonated drinks.
Here is a simple detox plan to fit for your busy schedule
1. Begin your day with mint and ginger juice blended in water or warm water and lemon juice.
2. Before breakfast, have apple juice with milk
3. During breakfast, eat whole pomegranate
4. Just before lunch have pineapple juice with wheat grass
5. During lunch, take salad with any vegetables from the cruciferous family (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc
6. At 3.30 to 4 pm, take butter milk
7. Have herbal tea between 5.30 to 6pm
8. Between 7 pm and 8 pm have clear soup
9. Between 8pm and 9pm, have light dinner along with salad.
