Planning for a Detox Diet

Ok, I am going to take a step back.  Let me explain detox and how I understand detox.  Detox is removing toxins in your body via the bloodstream.  Check.  Detox is eating certain foods and avoiding other foods.  Check.  Detox is a balanced diet, not extreme.  Please Check.

I say this because although people do a "detox" diet for a few days, it is not a quick fix or a way to lose weight.  After my detox diet for 6 days, I was the same weight, but the weight felt different and my energy level was different.  I have not read this entire site, but here is one easy way to understand how the liver works with detoxification: 'The liver attempts to keep the body clean as it denies other toxins from entering the blood stream, however, over time, this body detox process is exposed to so many toxins that this natural fight mechanism can wear down – so learning how to detox your body can bring substantial benefits to your health and well being." http://www.healthydetoxtips.com/

Detox is about boosting, rejuvenating and loving your liver.  Most people don't think about or appreciate the functions of the liver.  The liver is your powerhouse - difference between energy and lack of energy.  Your bloodflow enables your liver to be healthy or not.  So, if you don't have a lot of blood, it is not circulating, or your body is having trouble making quality blood, the ensuing results are sickness, weakness and poor organ health.  Please note: this is a Chinese medicine concept.  Given my previous Detox the USA post, this is why detox diets coincide with Chinese medicine principles.


If you have a medical condition, you may need to consult your doctor before implementing any of these tips.

How to start:

1) Plan.  If you don't plan, you basically won't be able to keep up with it.  If this is your first time, don't overdo it.  Start with 3 days.  See how your lifestyle changes, then go on to longer stints.  Think about what you want to eat, write it out, then grocery shop/restaurant find.  You don't have to go on a "detox diet."  You can just incorporate the different foods, and you will be detoxifying everyday!  Diets give you an idea of what if feels like, but ultimate goal is to eat a balanced, detoxifying everyday diet.

2) Create a base.  You need to be hydrated on water.  Detox includes drinking water (I recommend room temperature).  Green tea can be added if you desire.  Cut alcohol, sugary drinks, sugar in general.

3) Listen to your body.  Don't over do something (like cut out all fats or something to that effect).  Detox diet is not a crash and burn diet.  You should feel lighter and stronger, gradually.  However, if your blood flow is not good to start, be extra careful.  The detox diet will actually help you, but you need to regulate your blood sugar levels, and you might want to skip the smoothie phase.

4) More bowel movements.  Don't be surprised if your bowel movements increase to 3 times per day after day three.  This IS SUPER HEALTHY.  It means way less toxins in your body, it smells less (or doesn't really), everything flows more, better health.  I know it's kind of gross to discuss, but quite frankly, three times a day should be a goal.  Reflects hydration, fiber and nutrition.  However, please make the distinction between this and diarrhea.  Not the same.

5) Eat foods to help your liver and kidneys.  Just keep this in mind.  Foods help all sorts of functions, but be on the look out for foods with detoxifying, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory properties.

More about what to eat in my other blog posts.