The main intent of a detox diet is not actually weight loss. Instead, it is intended to cleanse you system of toxins and free radicals that have built up over time. This will hopefully relieve any serious physical disorders and reduce bloating, wrinkles, fine lines, cellulite and weight gain. There are different types of detox diet, some being more extreme than others.
The Extreme Version
The most extreme form of detox diet lasts for a period of forty days. It begins with three days of fasting and drinking only purified water. People who try this diet are cautioned to limit their physical activity and avoid temperatures that are either too hot or excessively cold while they are fasting.
The second stage of this major detox diet comprises eating just one type of fruit for any given meal. For example, you might eat melon at breakfast, oranges for lunch and apples for dinner. This is called a monographic diet and it is meant to be adhered to for a period of one week.
During the remaining thirty days dieters are meant to follow a raw food detox diet plan. During this phase only fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be consumed. If this diet sounds difficult to follow, that’s because it is. Common side effects include exhaustion, nausea and dizziness.
The side effects associated with the more excessive type of detox diet are thought to be the result of malnutrition. It is hard to consume as many calories as your body needs to function each day from just water, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is also impossible to get the minerals, fats and protein that your body requires to operate efficiently from such a diet. Therefore most nutritionists do not recommend following the extreme detox diet.
The Sensible Option
If you want to try a detox diet you can, but it is wise to stick with something far less intense than the aforementioned forty day plan. A sensible detox diet should not last for longer than three days. During this seventy two hour period stick to drinking water and eating foods such as fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains and a small amount of vegetable oil.
Avoid meat and foods that contain sugar or fat. Stay away from all beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup, fat, chemicals or caffeine. This less excessive detox diet will do a great deal to cleanse your body of toxins and neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals without causing you to become malnourished. You may wish to repeat this gentle detox diet once every month or so to keep toxins from building up in your body. However; as with all diets, you should always check with your doctor to make sure this safe for you to do.
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