Detox, short for detoxification, is the removal of potentially toxic substances from the body. Although a detox program is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, the term is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for general health and for weight loss.
This is a sample 3 week detox diet plan that is thought to support detoxification and weight loss by increasing elimination from the body, cleansing the colon, enhancing circulation to clear toxic substances, eliminating foods from the diet that require detoxification or are allergenic, and providing nutrients to support and protect the liver, the main organ involved in detoxification.
Benefits of a detox program includes weight loss.It is recommended to be followed for 3 weeks.
After 3 weeks,generally, people often feel improved energy,lose weight much quicker, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity. Improvement can also be assessed by measuring markers of disease and laboratory tests.
Here are the foods to eat when doing a 3 week weight loss detox program:
Fresh Fruits and Fresh Vegetables
All fresh fruits and vegetables are good for detox,for health and for any weight loss program.
Great detox foods include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, onions, garlic, artichokes, beets, red and green vegetables.
Rice
Brown or basmati rice, rice cakes, rice crackers and rice pasta.
Other Grains
Quinoa, amaranth, millet, and buckwheat can be used instead of rice. They can be purchased at a health food store.
Beans
Split yellow and green peas and lentils are easiest to digest and require the least soaking time. Other acceptable legumes include kidney beans, pinto beans, mung beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and adzuki beans.
Nuts and Seeds
Unsalted nuts, seeds and nut butters can be sprinkled over any meal. Includes flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts. Avoid peanuts.
Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil it's the best for weight loss and detoxification.
Herbal Tea
Herbal non-caffeinated teas, green tea,helps the liver and sustaines detoxification.
Other detox Beverages,also good for weight loss
Water, lemon water, 100% natural fruit and vegetable juices, rice milk
Here are the foods that you must avoid,for health,weight loss and detox,especially when following a program(diet and/or exercise):
Sugar
Refined sugar and mixtures containing refined sugar, including sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, brown sugar, turbinado. Avoid artificial sweeteners.
Fatty Dairy Products
Milk, eggs, butter and other dairy products.
Wheat
Wheat and products containing wheat.
Gluten
All gluten-containing grains, including barley, rye, spelt and kamut. Some people are sensitive to gluten, a protein fragment in these grains.
Caffeine
Coffee, both regular and decaffeinated, black tea, and other drinks containing caffeine should be reduced. Green tea is a great substitute to regular coffee.
Other Foods to Avoid
Yeast
Alcohol
Food additives and preservatives
Chocolate
High-Fat Foods
Daily must do's when following a weight loss and detoxification program:
Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day, warm or room temperature. Water is essential to clear waste from the blood. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
Do not drink liquids around mealtime.
Dilute fruit juice with 50% water.
Take the time to chew food well, especially grains.
