A cleanse diet is a way to get rid of all the toxins laying around in our bodies. The cleanse or detox diet is restrictive, but the benefits of cutting down unhealthy food for a few days is definitely worth it.
Why do we have toxins in our bodies ?
The food we eat is not so good as it might taste. Processed and refined products (doughnuts, white bread, pretzels), alcohol, sugar, soda drinks, fast food and other bad choices are leaving scars on our health.
Also polluted environment and stress add up to healthy hazards that can be eliminated by a good detox routine.
We might not realize this yet, but every tummy ache, headache or health problem is related to what we eat and how we feel. Leaving bulks of toxins that can’t be digested or eliminated from the body will eventually burst into sever illnesses such as diabetes, heart failure and even cancer.
What is a cleanse ?
A cleanse is a restart mode for the body. The cleansing diet is meant to purify our minds and bodies.
Pure and natural foods will support the function of the lymph, kidneys and liver. Once you are free of toxins your body and metabolism will be working at full range.
What to eat during the cleanse diet ?
In the cleanse diet you are recommended to take your meals at regular times.
Breakfast must consist of liquid ingredients such as fresh juices and blended smoothies.
For lunch you can eat a solid meal. For example fish or white meat with fresh or boiled vegetables.
At dinner time you must eat another liquid meal. Include soup if you desire.
Please note that the period between your first and last meal should be more than 12 hours.
If you were wondering what is good for you, the following foods are highly recommended during a cleanse:
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Apple
- Watermelon
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Rice milk
- Brown rice
- Almond milk
- Lentils
- Beans
- Cold water fish
- Duck
- Chicken
- Herbs and spices
- Green tea
Non-dietary elements
A cleanse diet is not addressed exclusively at what you eat, but at other aspects of your life.
During a cleanse you must try to avoid stress, to sleep properly and to start doing that you like – this can be long walks, painting, reading, dancing. The important thing is to feel good about yourself – starting with this diet and beyond.
Detox dangers
Experts do no recommend a cleansing diet. The popularity of such an eating routine is based on the rapid weight loss and the healthy benefits that a detox claims to induce.
According to some nutritionists the body already has the function of removing toxins without the help of a special eating routine or magical herbs. Moreover some people just might feel uncomfortable during this type of fasting. Fatigue, dehydration, headaches and insomnia can be some of the side effects of this eating routine.
The truth is that a cleanse diet can be nutritionally insufficient. This is why supporters of the detox routine are advised to detox only for 3-4 days, twice a year. Exercise and adequate sleep are long term conditions to preserve an optimum health.