To start with, one has to mention, that every system needs a break, and a change in order to prevent it from falling into a monotonous rhythm leading to a plateau, where there is no gain in aspect. On the contrary, only losses are expected in every single trait. The change can also come in form of cleansing the system. This theory is not only restricted to mechanical parts related to one’s car. Even the human body needs from time to time cleansing of the system, in order to improve the absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and to give the digestive system in question a chance to recover from the continuous flood of food.
But how can people shake things up? A week-long detox diet is the ultimate health and beauty lift, and the perfect way to kick-off a weight-loss program, which may have come to a standstill. Most of the readers however associate detoxing the living system with nothing but ingesting water for days, beforeindulging a packet of chocolate as areward. That was maybe the trend a long time ago, but with the advancements done in science and the field of nutrition, there is a painless detox program that will even fill the person in question with a sense of wellbeing.
As a matter of fact, following a simple detoxifying diet for a week will help the body to clean itself from accumulated toxins, rebalance itself and run more efficiently and effectively in terms of digestion, absorption, and elimination. A detox diet can relieve a host of health problems, ranging from weight gain, abdominal bloating and indigestion, to headaches, migraine, poor skin, loss of energy, depression and the feeling of not being well.
The main principle of the pain-free detox program is to eliminate common allergy-inducing – ‘toxic’ – foods and drinks from the nutrition program for a week. It must be mentioned here, that after just three days on this toxin-free diet most of people notice a substantial difference in their body shape, energy levels and self-esteem. Against all normal belief, portion size is up to the person in question. Because the foods recommended in this detox nutrition program have a highfiber content and low in fat, in addition to drinking plenty of water, it is unlikely that people will be able to, or even feel like, overeating.
Step 1: Elimination of the negative aspects
Wheat & Dairy: This week, wheat and dairy foods are removed from the nutrition program. These are two of the most common food allergens which – without a lot of people even realizing it – could be leaving people feeling bloated, fatigued and even contribute to usually unexplained food cravings. Wheat-based foods such as breads, pasta and some breakfast cereals can easily be replaced with wheat-free alternatives e.g. rice cakes, rye and corn-based cereals and porridge oats. To eliminate dairy products without suffering, people shall use soya or rice milks, soya yoghurts and cheeses.
Red Meat: This protein source is hard to digest and often contains a high level of saturated fat. Red meat products such as bacon, ham, pate and sandwich meats should also be avoided for the same reasons and because they often contain high levels of salt and artificial preservatives. Therefore, red meat shall be substituted with low-fat organic chicken, fresh fish, tofu and eggs.
Refined Carbohydrates: Cakes and biscuits and any other ‘junk’ snacks should be taken out. Instead, people should snack on fruit, vegetables, in addition to adding plenty of steamed vegetables to the meal choices to achieve the feeling of satiety.
Saturated fats: Butter, margarine, all fried foods, mayonnaise and crisps are kicked off the menu while detoxing. One can use a little olive oil or flaxseed oil to dress salads and cooked vegetables.
Additives: All artificial additives and preservatives and additives including sugar must be wiped off the nutrition regimen. In fact, to make life easy, all readymade meals and packaged foods must be avoided for the duration of the complete detox period. Wherever possible, one should opt for organic products.
Furthermore, food taste should be spiced up with plenty of garlic and onions, as both thesevegetables are renowned for their wonderful cleansing properties.
Drinks: Tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, full-strength fruit juice and squashes must all be avoided. Instead, one should drink a minimum of 2 liters of room temperature water throughout the day, plus dandelion tea, herbal teas, diluted fruit juices (2 parts of juice: 8 parts of filtered water), and cleansing apple cider vinegar in warm water, if desired.
In the following few lines, an easy to follow suggested detox program will be outlined:
Suggested menus:
Breakfast:
* Porridge made from rolled oats, millet or rice. Banana or sultanas should be utilized to sweeten and soya milk.
* Poached or boiled egg.
* Avocado on wheat-free toast.
* Soya yoghurt with linseeds, sunflower seeds and a little honey.
* Gluten-free muesli with soya milk or water.
Lunch:
* Salad on rye crisp bread or non-wheat bread or with jacket potato.
* Potato salad made from chopped jacket potato soaked in French dressing while still warm
* Pasta salad using non-wheat pasta with cold, steamed vegetables.
Dinner:
* Steamed or grilled fish (4 servings a week) with at least 3 servings of steamed vegetables.
* Grilled organic, skinless chicken breast (no more than 2 servings a week).
* Brown rice with steamed vegetables and tofu.
* Bean or lentil stew served with brown rice.
Snacks: Fruit, raw vegetables, raw nuts and seeds (unroasted and without salt or coatings).
With all these tips and guidelines, detoxifying the always challenged multifunctional and diverse digestive system will become a more comfortable and non-nerve racking experience. Applying these rules every now and then will prove to be beneficial to the maximum, both for the digestive system and the person in question.