Detox has become something of a buzzword in recent years. In the past, detoxes were seen as an extreme form of dieting and many people believed them to be potentially harmful. Over the past few years this process has become part of mainstream dieting trends and is proving to be not only safe, but very effective. They are a highly efficient way to rid the body of harmful toxins and replace them with nutritious elements that your body needs. So, what exactly is a detox and how does it work? In this article we will look at the steps of a detox and what you can expect if you decide it’s right for you.
Step 1: Choose Your Detox Program
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to a detox program. Some programs are based on a balance of protein supplements, restricting certain foods and including others. These plans offer loose guidelines on what to eat and when. The downside is that you will have to do the legwork and make sure you have the ingredients and foods you need to adhere to the plan. Others options for detoxing are pre-packaged options that take the guesswork out of detoxing. These give you step-by-step instructions for the entire detox program to ensure you get the nutrition you need to safely move through the process.
Ideally choose a plan that eliminates processed sugar, dairy, gluten, coffee and alcohol. You should also try to find a program that uses a vegan source of protein, as it has been proven to be the most effective. The choice is up to you; just make sure you choose a program that you can stick to.
Step 2: Enjoy a Hopefully Delicious Program Supplement Drink
The majority of detox plans will include the use of a protein supplement drink. While these beverages have gotten a reputation for tasting close to chalk dust, this doesn’t have to be the case. Many producers of these drinks are now paying close attention to taste and nutrition, without sacrificing or compromising the latter. Protein supplements can be consumed three to five times daily if formulated correctly, and generally replace breakfast, lunch and snacks through a detox program. Inside these protein packed beverages you will find a range of nutrients, vitamins and protein to keep your body moving. They provide you with the protein that you need to stave off hunger while eliminating toxins from the body. While there are cheaper options available at most local stores, it is important to choose a protein supplement that has high quality ingredients and has been proven safe and effective. Look for a program that uses vegan sources of protein to get the most out of your detox. And don’t skimp on taste!
Step 3: Take Your Vitamins and Probiotics
Starting a detox program is great, but without the use of vitamins and probiotics you won’t get the most out of your detox. Vitamins ensure that you are getting the micro-nutrients your body needs to rid itself of toxins. Probiotics are important because they play an vital role in the health of your digestive tract. The friendly bacteria inside a high quality probiotic will make the detox process easier and more effective. Adding these to your program will get you closer to your health goals.
Step 4: Eat a Healthy Dinner
The fourth step in the detox process is to plan a meal for each of the days you will be detoxing. These meals should be well balanced, healthful and include plenty of greens. Try to stick to lean sources of protein (like lean poultry), whole grains and fruits and vegetables. Some plans allow for dairy and eggs, but they should be kept to a minimum when possible. Try to stay away from caffeine, processed sugar and alcohol while detoxing. Many people in detox programs opt for salads, which is a great way to get your greens, veggies and protein. Just be sure to stick with a salad dressing made with unsaturated, omega-3 rich oils.
Step 5: Drink Plenty of Water
While drinking water seems obvious during a detox it is often overlooked. We are made largely of water and so many of our physical processes rely on being well hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to drink ten cups of water while detoxing; and the more the better. A major way your body eliminates toxins during this process is through urine, so the more water your drink the more toxins you unload.
Step 6: Repeat
The length of detox programs varies from 24 hours to several weeks. Ideally, detox programs will last for around one week. Many studies have identified that seven days is the best amount of time for your body to flush out what it doesn't need and return to a more ideal and healthy state. By adhering to the plan for just seven days you will be well on your way to better health.
By employing a healthy detox program you can quickly remove unwanted toxins from your blood stream and up your bodies level of health and nutrition. These six steps show how safe and simple the detox process can be. By choosing a program that is designed to be easy to use, detoxing has never been more accessible. After you complete your detox you can maintain some of the healthful decisions you made while on the plan to help your body stay healthy for the long term.
