Do Your Homework & Be Smart In Your Detox
Detoxes and cleanses are a popular trend. Perhaps you’ve even considered trying one. Before beginning any type of detox, do your due diligence and find the best detox for you. As you do your homework, keep in mind what your health goals are and what you want out of your detox.
Identify Your Health Goals
Take a moment to identify your health goals and expectations from the detox. Too many times people go into a detox program with the unrealistic expectation of losing weight. Although you may lose weight, you really shouldn’t enter into a detox or cleanse with that sole purpose.
Instead, use the detox to eliminate toxins in your body and improve your energy level. The key to detoxing is helping the body cleanse itself through minimizing those toxins and other chemicals that have entered your body through the environment and the foods you’re eating.
While you’re setting your health goals, keep in mind both the long-term and short-term. Ask questions such as, ‘What are my fitness goals?’ ‘What do I want to accomplish?’ ‘Where do I want to be, health-wise, in 5 years?’ Your doctor, nutritionist or health professional can help you decide what options might be best and answer your questions.
Best Detox For You
Once you’ve locked onto your health goals, then it is time to decide which detox diet is best for you. Because no two bodies are the same, not every detox will be right for you. As you begin a detox program, be sure to talk with your doctor or health professional to know which options might be best for you.
Still deciding on which detox diet to try? Here are a few you may want to check out:
1. Green smoothie cleanse.
You’ve probably seen a lot of green juice photos while conducting your research, and for good reason. This is a very popular detox option. If you decide to go with this detox, for 10 days only, drink smoothies made of fruits and vegetables. For recipe ideas and to learn more about this detox, check out the book, “10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse” by JJ Smith.
2. Liquid cleanse.
Unlike the green smoothie cleanse, this type of detox also includes pureed and miso soups in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables. You also can include flaxseed, coconut or sesame oil into your smoothies or juices to ensure you get your omega-3 fatty acids and other important nutrients.
3. Master cleanse.
Made popular by Beyonce, this cleanse has been around for a long time. For this detox, combine lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper in some hot water and drink like a tea. I recommend using the liquid cayenne pepper drops, which can be found in most health food stores.
If you’re new to detoxes, I would recommend limiting the diet to the weekend to see how your body reacts. Remember, if you’re stressing out your body by not giving it the nutrients it needs to function, you’re not doing yourself any favors.
Before you begin any detox or diet program, make sure you talk with your doctor or health professional to ensure you’re still meeting your nutritional needs.
