How to Detox On the Weekend

Detoxification, practiced for thousands of years around the world, is a chance to give your body the rest and rejuvenation that it deserves. The benefits of following a detox diet, even for a few days, are many: increased energy, more radiant skin, diminished aches and pains, and improved digestion. Although detox is an attractive choice for people who want to improve their well-being, few can find the time to follow a rigorous plan. Here is how you can use the weekend to detoxify your body. Following this plan at least one weekend per month will certainly improve your overall health.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh fruits (apples, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, berries, etc.)
• Water (distilled)
• Whole plain yogurt (organic is best)
• Fresh vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Steel cut oatmeal (organic)
• Cinnamon
• Walnuts or Pecans
• Grits

1. Make sure you have the weekend free of any duties that could interfere with the rest needed to complete a detox plan.

2. Upon waking up on Saturday, drink a glass of distilled water. Enjoy a bowl of fruit with up to half a cup of whole plain yogurt. Go for a walk, listen to music, clean, or do any other enjoyable, low-stress activity. Make sure you incorporate some sort of exercise such as walking or cleaning to get your blood moving.

3. Eat your next meal around 3-4 hours after you've eaten breakfast. Cook 1/3 cup steel cut oatmeal to desirable consistency. Add as much cinnamon as you want, and include a few nuts such as walnuts and pecans (no cashews). Eat slowly and chew well. You may also eat a piece of fruit. Engage in any enjoyable activity that is low impact and will not tempt you to stray from your detox plan. Do not snack. If you feel light-headed, lie down and meditate, read, watch TV, etc.

4. * Eat dinner 3-4 hours after your lunch. Eat a vegetable salad with olive oil and apple cider vinegar. You may also eat a fruit, such as an apple. Do not eat after 7 pm. After this time, make sure you rest and get ready for sleep. Try to sleep by 10 pm.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 on Sunday. However, for lunch, cook 1/3-1/2 cup of grits instead of oatmeal. Enjoy the cooked grits (or polenta) with as much whole plain yogurt as you would like. Be sure to sleep by 10 or 11 pm.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and any pre-cooked or refined food.
• Clear your schedule so you can get plenty of rest.