Is a Juice Cleanse Necessary to Detox the Body?

It's a New Year! And, unless you have been hibernating under a rock for the winter, you have at least one friend, co-worker, or favorite celebrity that is 'detoxing' to cleanse the body of the bad eating practices they have indulged in for the past two months during the Holidays. While detox programs sound appealing by quickly eliminating toxins and boosting your metabolism, below are some things to consider:

1. The body is naturally designed to rid the body of toxins through the liver, kidneys, and colon.
2. Short term results. Any immediate weight that is lost will be regained and ultimately confuse your metabolism. Commit to overall healthy eating habits that will not have you wanting to try fad diets.
3. Not ideal if you are also starting an exercise regimen. You should increase caloric intake not decrease. Your body needs food from certain food groups for fuel. Overall, weight loss is controlled by the Quality, not the quantity of calories we eat.

How to keep your body in Detox Mode Year-Round:

If (or should say, WHEN...lol) you have a bad eating spree, the best way to get your body back to best performance and energy level is to be mindful of the types of foods you're eating. Again, QUALITY of food is key.

1. NO PROCESSED FOODS:just look at anything processed as poison. That may sound extreme, but it confuses every cell of your body because they are not natural.
2. WATER AND MORE WATER: keeps you hydrated and feeling full.
3. FRUITS & VEGGIES & BEANS: will increase fiber intake and keep the colon working efficiently. If you find yourself unable to get your daily intake in, I suggest a green juice daily. Not as a meal substitute, but as a snack or along with breakfast.

Supplements to consider are: milk thistle, chlorophyll or sprirulina, and apple cider vinegar.

Below is a detox sample menu of REAL FOOD created by Dr. Ian Smith. It's designed to sustain your energy level and metabolism, therefore, working out will not have you famish. 

If followed accordingly, you can lose 2 lbs in one week.

Breakfast:

• 1 to 2 tsp psyllium husk (i.e Metamucil)
• 6 oz plain yogurt
• 1 serving of fruit
• 1 cup of coffee with one packet of sugar and 1 tsp of milk or cream

AM Snack:

• 1 pear

Lunch:

• 2 cups leafy green vegetables
• ½ cup brown rice
• 1 apple
• ½ cup blueberries

PM Snack:

• Small side salad with 2 cups of lettuce and 3 tbsp fat free dressing

Dinner:

• 1 cup cooked beans (lentils or chickpeas)
• 1 cups steamed vegetables
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 orange