The Detox Diet for Greater Health

Detoxing can do more than make your eyes sparkle and your skin glow – it can boost energy levels, improve digestion and help shift a few unwanted kilos too.

While it may look like a fad diet – no grains, no alcohol, no milk, no sugar (and no fun) – a detox is far from a quick fix for weight loss. The purpose of any detox plan is to take the load off the organs that detoxify the body – the liver, kidneys and bowel – while at the same time supporting and improving their performance. If you want to fast track your health, give your body a break, or just want to detox diet for a short time, follow this safe and do-able seven-day program.

What to do

Check your diary and mark a week where you have a clean break from functions or events that might derail your detox, such as weddings, birthdays or special occasion meals. Some people may experience a 'cleansing' reaction in the first few days of detox, including headaches or loose bowel movements. This is due to the sudden withdrawal of certain foods, in addition to stimulation of detoxifying organs. These symptoms should subside in 24 to 48 hours.

Foods to avoid
AlcoholCigarettesMilk products (except ½ cup unsweetened yoghurt with acidophilus each day)Sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweetenersCoffeeGrains: wheat (bread, biscuits, cakes, pasta), rye, barley, oats, spelt and riceDried fruit
Foods to enjoy
Fruit: any and all fresh fruitVegetables: any and all fresh vegetablesFish: fresh, canned in water or olive oilLean red meat, chicken (without the skin). Limit to two serves per week.Legumes: dried or canned, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, lentilsEggs: preferably organicOlive oil (preferably extra virgin), Coconut oil (unprocessed)Nuts: raw unsalted almonds, walnuts, macadamias and cashewsSeeds: raw unsalted sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seedsGreen tea, white tea, weak black tea (decaffeinated)Water: from one to three litres of water per day