5 Things to Know Before Starting Your First Detox

One of the most popular dietary trends for those looking to live a slim, sharp, sexy, supercharged lifestyle is detoxing, and for a good reason. It works! Detoxes have in the past, typically consisted of one to four weeks of consuming primarily natural juices, water and fiber in order to lose weight and flush harmful toxins from the body. Detoxing will not only help you shed some extra pounds, but can also relieve allergies, acne, depression, digestive problems, fatigue, high cholesterol and more. If you’re interested in starting your first detox, here are a few key points to keep in mind in order to get the most out of your new diet.

You Can (and Should) Eat

A common misconception surrounding detoxes is the idea that you are only allowed to consume liquids. This is not only untrue, but it can actually be counterproductive to your overall health and fitness goals.You might get a nice vitamin boost from fruit and vegetable smoothies, but you would be robbing your body of the nutrients needed to maintain strong muscles. Eat small portions of proteins such as fish, chicken and turkey, as well as healthy fats like olives, nuts, seeds and avocados to keep your body fully nourished during your detox.

Not All Foods Are Created Equal

Now that it has been established that you don’t need to give up your favorite meals to have a successful first detox, it is important to note that certain foods and drinks should be avoided. Consuming fewer calories throughout the day does not provide a free pass to snack guilt free, and even seemingly harmless drinks like coffee and wine can send your detox into a tailspin. Try to eliminate these “troublesome ten” from your diet two weeks prior to starting your first detox:

• Alcohol
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Caffeine
• Corn
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Sugar
• Soy
• Wheat/Gluten Products

Feeling Great Might Come Late

Detoxing – especially your first detox – requires your body to adjust to eating less. You could feel nauseous, lethargic and suffer from cravings on the first 1-3 days of your detox. You might also suffer from flu-like symptoms, as the detox will bring lurking toxins to the surface before they make their way out of your circulation. Try to start a detox when you have a few “down days” to relax and adjust to such a massive dietary change. In addition, make an effort to eliminate sugary snacks, carb heavy foods and red meats from your diet (along with the “troublesome ten”) prior to starting your first detox so your body requires a shorter adjustment period.

Wait Until You Are Healthy

Starting a detox while you’re already feeling under the weather sounds like the the ideal situation for flushing irritants out of your body, right? Not quite. When your immune system is already weakened, the last thing you should do is stir up additional toxins. This will compromise your immune system even further, making it near impossible for your body to function optimally. Take the time to rebuild your strength and make sure you are clear of allergies, stomach irritation, asthma attacks, headaches and frequent insomnia prior to starting your first detox.

You Might Gain Weight Back

The weight loss you experience during your detox might creep back on once you begin eating full meals again. That’s completely normal! A slight weight gain is common when transitioning back into a regular eating routine. It does not mean your detox was a failure. The key is to ease yourself back into eating normally. Try to add one food back at a time in its pure form. Therefore, to discover if you may have a sensitivity to that food. Stick to smaller, lighter meals for the first one to two weeks following your detox. However, to prevent bloating, stomach pains, and digestive system distress. Stay hydrated, exercise regularly and continue to avoid the “troublesome ten” as often as you can in order to maintain your post-detox weight.

Starting Your First Detox

With so many different types of detox diets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of variations, opinions and contrasting advice available. If you’re ready to start your first detox and don’t know where to begin, consult with a functional medicine doctor. He or she will discuss your health and wellness goals with you in order to create the ideal detox diet for your unique needs and lifestyle.
Dr. Lorraine Maita has years of experience helping patients lose weight and feel great with detox diets for weight loss. Dr. Maita is a recognized and award-winning holistic, functional, and anti-aging physician and author. She transforms people’s lives by getting to the root cause of illness using the best of science and nature. Her approach is personalized, precision medicine where you are treated as the unique individual you are. If you’re ready to start your journey to a healthier, happier life, schedule your visit today!