When it comes to diet and exercise, most people want to find a miracle pill that will make losing weight fast and easy. But that’s not the smart (or realistic) way to get in shape. The key to losing weight (and keeping it off) is to eat nutrient-rich foods, exercise regularly, and maintain an active, balanced lifestyle. The good news is that you can jump-start your fitness regime with an easy-to-follow detox diet. The detox diet is intended to help you cleanse your liver, detoxify your body, and help you shed unwanted pounds.
With so many highly processed, refined foods on the market, most people don’t realize how bogged down their bodies are with sugars, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates. This puts a heavy load on the liver, leading to high levels of toxicity in the body. The purpose of the liver is to metabolize food, store vitamins and minerals, control blood sugar levels, detoxify the blood, boost the immune system, and regulate elimination. With such a big (and important) job to do, consuming unhealthy foods puts a strain on the liver.
So how do we cleanse the liver? By eating the right foods (and skipping the wrong foods)!
“During your detox diet, eliminate processed foods like white flour and white flour products, sugar and foods containing sugar, dairy products, and condiments (catsup, mustard, peanut butter, etc.). This is a diet of pure foods, free from additives, hormones, unwanted chemicals, and pesticides. No caffeine, no sodas, and no artificial sweeteners.” [Source: Nutrition News, Vol. XXXVI, No. 1]
For the detox diet, Nutrition News recommends a daily food intake including:
- Deep water fish, organic poultry and eggs, organic vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Digestive enzymes
- Supplements and herbs
- Green drinks or fresh-squeezed juices
- 7-10 glasses of water
- Fiber supplement before bed
When your liver is processing foods properly, your energy levels improve, your skin glows, and your body is on it’s way to losing unwanted fat. “Our health is directly related to how well our livers are functioning.” [Nutrition News]
Disclaimer: Consult with a doctor or nutritionist before starting any program.
Sandy Halliday says:
Many of the toxins that the liver has to deal with on daily basis and build up in our bodies are chemicals that come from water, the environment and personal care prouducts.
When you follow detox diet it’s important to avoid as many chemicals as you can by using only natural products in the home, garden and on your body and drinking pure water.
Christina-Lauren says:
I agree with you, Sandy. Thanks for your comment!