Detox 101

I always hear about this whole detox thing but to be honest, I have no idea what it is. I have a gal pal who swears by detoxing “to cleanse the body and mind” but for some reason, I roll my eyes and assume she is starving herself and only drinking water for two weeks. Ha. Give up food? Never. She’s mad.

According to Wikipedia, “a detox diet is a dietary regimen involving a change in consumption habits in an attempt to detoxify the body, by removal of toxins or other contaminants. Proponents claim it improves health, energy, resistance to disease, mental state, digestion, as well as aiding in weight loss.” So basically, I edit my consumption of Starbucks and chocolate for two weeks and I will have energy, sanity, healthy trips to the ladies’ room and drop a few pounds? I’m intrigued.

I did stumble across a few articles and studies about how detoxing is perceived as fasting. If you are attempting this at home, it may cause you to feel a little dizzy because you are drastically changing your diet. That being said, I will not fast (again, that whole giving up food thing is not really my shtick). I found a five-day cleanse that sounds like an easy introduction to the detoxing process. Here’s what you have to do:

1. Give up coffee. Boo. I know I found some deliciously exciting reasons to drink coffee, but giving it up for five days is manageable. Coffee can and will make you feel shaky while you are cleansing. Here’s an excuse to get close with some green or herbal teas.
2. Lean mean protein machine. Take this time to only enjoy lean protein options such as chicken, turkey, or fish at every meal. No red meat or dairy during these five days. Why? Proteins create the hormone that helps in fat loss.
3. Brussel sprouts and blueberries. Well, all types of fruits and veggies will help in the cleansing process because they give you a ton of energy and they are high in fibre. If you’re not a brussel sprout kind of gal, try some tomatoes.
4. Essential fats. Apparently these do exist but in the form of nuts, seeds and avocados (yum!). Add a few of these items into your meals or to your snack to add to the cleansing process.
5. Multi-vitamins. Take a multi-vitamin with your food to make for healthier digestion. It is recommended that you take a friendly bacteria called “acidophilus” that helps to maintain your digestive system.
6. Don’t go chasing waterfalls. Just simply drink eight glasses of water per day. This will make you feel full and fabulous.

You’re done! Cleansed and wholesome (ok, maybe not the latter but it was worth a shot).