Detox–Do it Yourself

If you have been feeling lethargic and tired, detoxing is just what you need to bring back that spark and energy. No need to pack your bags and check yourself into an expensive detoxing retreat because you can detox your body at home – and here is how to do it!

If you have never had a detox, it is advisable to undergo detoxification for a maximum of only 3 days at a time. The purpose of detoxification is to eliminate body waste , clearing the body of toxins and chemicals that accumulate in the body due to some of the foods or drinks we consume.

So, what constitutes a detox diet – what should yuo be eating?

• Fresh fruits – lemon, water melon, apple and grapefruit.
• Vegetables – lettuce , celery asparagus and rocket. These are key in helping the liver cleanse. The fruits and vegetables can be used to make smoothies. That is an easy and interesting way to consume them.
• Grains – Brown rice.
• Hearbal Teas – Fennel, Dill, Peppermint , Aniseed, Lemon and Green Tea. These teas provide soothing and calming effects and also act as cleansers.
• Water – this is very important and not less than 8 glasses a day should be taken. Water helps with body hydration and also flushing the toxins out.

In order to detox your body effectively – there are some foods you must avoid. What foods to avoid during the 3 day detox?

• Red Meat and Dairy Products
• Flour and wheat
• Sweets , sugar and confectionary
• Salt and artificial additives
• Tea, coffee and alcohol.

Here are some of the recommended foods and drinks you should take during the three days detox
1. During these detoxing days, on waking up everyday, take a cup of hot water mixed with the juice of half a lemon to help cleanse body and flush out toxins. A drop of honey can be added to make this detox drink taste better.
2. Drink 2 cups of any of these recommended teas: chamomile tea, fennel tea, dandelion tea or peppermint tea. Also drink 1 medium glass of carrot or beetroot juice – these are good for liver detox.
3. Breakfast options: Oats porridge topped with natural yoghurt, banana, raisins and sweetened with honey. Or alternately you can have fresh fruit salad with natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of oats or homemade muesli. Another breakfast option is a fruit smoothie made from fresh fruit and natural yoghurt with honey as a sweetener if required.
4. Lunch Options: Jacket potato topped with tuna (canned in water) mixed with sweetcorn and natural yoghurt and served with salad. Another option is homemade guacamole which includes avocado, lemon juice, fresh chilli, tomatoes and garlic , a serving of vegetable crudités and oatcakes. You may also have fresh avocado served with prawns, salad, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.
5. Dinner: Baked a salmon fillet with a serving of a jacket potato and steamed vegetables. Another option – stir fry vegetables-onions, mushrooms, peppers, courgette and leek in a little olive oil with a handful of prawns, canned tomatoes and tuna canned in water with a serving of rice noodles. Or you can have stir fried chopped vegetables: onions, peppers, baby sweetcorn and mushrooms, with canned pineapple (in fruit juice), canned tomatoes, tomato purée, white wine vinegar and honey with a serving of brown rice.

It is recommened that you include walking for 30 minutes a day during the 3 day detoxification exercise.

It is recommened that once you start the 3 day detox that you do not stop until you are done. After the three days detoxification you will notice increased energy levels, clear skin and improved muscle tone.