Detox Diet Eating
The objective of detox dieting is to rid the body of impurities that accumulate over months, or even years, of unhealthy eating. Eating simple, healthy foods in the form of fresh vegetables and fruit can give the digestive system a much-needed boost and possibly lead to better eating habits after the detox is completed.
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Foods for Detox
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If you are considering a detox diet, choose foods that are water-rich and nutrient-dense. The best candidates are vegetables and fruit. Ideally, eat only these foods along with drinking plenty of water. While such a strict regime may sound difficult to maintain, a little imagination can make the diet easier. Select a wide array of fruits and vegetables to eat over the course of the detox. A juicer and blender can also add flavor and variety---gather a list of juice and smoothie recipes to make over the detox. You can find recipes either online or in print at juicing chains like Jamba Juice.
Benefits of a Detox Diet
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Fruits are full of water, which keeps the body hydrated and refreshed, but they also contain essential nutrients, like vitamins, that are not found in other foods. Therefore, detox eating can reduce calorie consumption (which helps you lose weight), while also nourishing the body. This double combo is great for overall health. A second benefit is reconstructing the way foods tastes. After years of eating processed, sugary foods, an addiction can form that causes the body to crave junk food. Author Brigitte Mars explains in her book "Addiction-free Naturally" how processed sugar can cause the addiction to go into overdrive. Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain. Like with any other addiction, overcoming it is possible through abstinence.Through detox eating, you fine-tune your palate by eating simple fruits and vegetables. As explained in the book, "The Hallelujah Diet," eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables makes the taste buds appreciate subtle flavors. In a two-week process, these detox foods will taste less bland and more flavorful.
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Transitioning Out of Detox Diet Eating
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The choices you make after the detox diet ends are just as critical as the foods you eat during the detox. Instead of a "punish-and-reward" mentality where you have "earned" the right to eat "normal" foods after being deprived of them during the diet, gradually incorporate healthy foods instead of rewarding yourself with unhealthy ones. Keep the fruits and vegetables, but add whole grains like wheat bread or wheat pasta with sautéed vegetables. Avoid fried foods, and try keeping the habits learned throughout the diet (like preparing fresh fruit juice in the morning).
Tips for a Successful Detox
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Staying hydrated on this diet is critical---dehydration causes a drop in energy, hunger pangs, and irritability. The book "Power Eating" offers signs of dehydration: if you experience headache, dry mouth, or light-headedness, grab a glass of water or fresh fruit juice.
Plan ahead: few, if any, offices provide fresh fruits and vegetables in vending machines. Keep your desk stocked and your water bottle full. Ideally, start the diet on a Friday when the full weekend is ahead. This way, you can allot time for juicing and resting with few distractions. Another tip is to juice ahead of time. Prepare a few gallons of fruit juice for efficiency.
Warnings
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You should maintain a detox diet of just fruits and vegetables only for a week or two at most. Otherwise, you can become deficient in several nutrients that are not easily absorbed from fruits and vegetables. Protein and several B vitamins (like B12) are a few examples.
Eating enough calories necessary to prevent going into hunger mode can be a challenge. Eating calorie-dense fruits like avocados can help.
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