To Cleanse or NOT to Cleanse - that is the question.

cheflisa1974

Call it a detox or a cleanse - have you done it and what do you think. Complete food addict hoping to kick some cravings to the curb with a 21 day reset program. Thoughts?

1PatientBear

Your body doesn't need to be reset. You're not a Playstation.

Dianamarie91

I've done cleanses before and they have not worked for me. Just made me feel cranky, more hungry, and if anything, I only lost "water weight" and quickly rebounded when the "cleanse/detox" was over. I believe just eating clean (eliminate / reduce processed foods) is a better option. Again, this is just my personal opinion and what worked for me.

jennalennafur

21 days? Ehhhhhh.....

VoodooSyxx

I've never done one, don't know if even would. Even if I did though, 21 days seems way excessive.

brookemart81

Personally, I think they're complete nonsense. But there are people who claim to derive benefit from them. I think it's more psychological than anything else- "cleansing" and "purifying" and having a fresh start MENTALLY, not physically. Rituals can be powerful things. But don't fool yourself into thinking it's more than that.

sloth3toes

In.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

enchantedgardener

No need to cleanse. It's a gimmick to sell products, books, supplements.

You can eliminate cravings by cutting back on the things you shouldn't eat and eating more healthy things you enjoy. It doesn't take any magic formula. It does take some willpower though, especially at the beginning.

Get rid of the junk or 'trigger' foods in your house. Fill your fridge and cupboards with healthier foods you like.

Every time you feel a craving do this! Ask yourself: "Am I craving this because I am actually hungry?" If so, tell yourself that you are craving xyz because you are hungry, but that you are going to choose something else to satisfy your hunger.
If you're not actually hungry, ask yourself how you are feeling. Chances are, it's a feeling that is triggering the craving. Some people experience cravings when they are bored, angry, sad, depressed, excited, nervous, worried, etc. What could you do instead of eating xyz that would help deal with the feeling? Go for a walk, talk to a friend, do some housework, make tea, play with your kids, snuggle with your partner, engage in a favourite hobby, etc. Whatever it is that will make you feel good and is not food.

krazyforyou

This again???? OK I'm in just to see.

hei_ma_ma

Haven't done it; think it's hogwash.

aarondnguyen

Unnecessary.

Waste of time & money.

RhineDHP

OP, I invite you to look at this thread:


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1159755-looking-for-a-detox-cleanse

chrisdavey

what are you trying to achieve?

SezxyStef

No Just No.....:noway:

That is always the answer to that question.

Therealobi1

not done one before and suspect money would be wasted. the food cravings issue can only be solved by will power.

lindsayk324

Evolution has created a magnificent cleansing system built right into your body. To take advantage of your own personal cleansing equipment, try just drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of fiber in your diet!

ndj1979

1. are your kidneys not working?
2. have you stopped peeing and pooping?

if the answer is no, then you do not need a cleanse. Your body does that on its own...

you cannot jumpstart, reset, restart, your metabolism and/or weight loss.

Calorie deficit is what leads to weight loss..

eat less + move/workout more = weight loss...

and do you really think a 21 day detox is going to teach long term healthy eating habits that will last for life? What happens on day 22 when you go back to "regular programming?"

jr235

You may lose some weight, but you'll probably go nuts once you go back to not fasting. +1 For everyone who says you don't need to fast.

Lately I'm into substituting a green smoothie for a meal when I feel as if I've been eating too much, eating not too much but too much junk, or am feeling tired/stressed. Doing a mega rehydrate is plenty enough 'cleaning' for me.

sfbaumgarten

In.

Also in.

Also, also, not to cleanse.

Also, also, also, use the search option. You might be surprised. We won't be.

I'm also for the above.

MelsAuntie

Personally, I think they're complete nonsense. But there are people who claim to derive benefit from them. I think it's more psychological than anything else- "cleansing" and "purifying" and having a fresh start MENTALLY, not physically. Rituals can be powerful things. But don't fool yourself into thinking it's more than that.

THIS, all day long.

deksgrl

Unless you are talking about this:



Not.

suremeansyes

ETA: ^lol, yes, this


I cleanse daily, in the shower, with soap.

CJ_Holmes

Personally, I think they're complete nonsense. But there are people who claim to derive benefit from them. I think it's more psychological than anything else- "cleansing" and "purifying" and having a fresh start MENTALLY, not physically. Rituals can be powerful things. But don't fool yourself into thinking it's more than that.

Yep! It can be a good way to kick a habit or change your perspective, but your body has a liver, kidneys, and gut to cleanse you all day, every day.

If you are having any unexplained symptoms, elimination diets can help you identify foods you don't tolerate well.

lardbut1960

nope, no value, we are fearfully and wonderfully made, eat healthy and your amazing machine will manage the rest.

ninerbuff

How about just 21 days of eating more nutritiously and being in calorie control? No such thing as "cleanses" or "detoxes". These are programs designed by the diet and supplement industry to rob you of your hard earned money.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

BigGuy47

NO

JesterMFP

At best, unnecessary. At worst, physically and mentally unhealthy.

I can see there being a place for short-term fasting for spiritual/religious reasons (not talking about intermittent fasting), but using cleansing or "detoxing" to deal with an unhealthy relationship with food is more likely to make it worse imo.

As boring as it sounds, it's much more productive to learn to eat the foods you enjoy in appropriate portion sizes. To eat in moderation. To practise self control around the foods that you tend to want to over-eat. There's nothing wrong with cutting down on certain foods or making changes to your diet, but if you make those changes gradually, you're more likely to stick to them long-term.

FoxyLifter

I've fallen for it in the past. Do yourself a favor and save you money. Spend it on groceries instead. Calculate your TDEE and your BMR, try to eat in between those two numbers.

If you only care about the number on the scale, all you need is a calorie deficit.
If you care about body composition/body fat %, then eat enough protein and start a progressive lifting routine.
If you care about your overall health, eat enough fat, fiber, micronutrients and get plenty of water and rest... and maybe some cardio.

Fullsterkur_woman

OOOOH!! I totally know this one!

NOT to cleanse.

cheflisa1974

Well good thing this is a program where you eat three meals a day. I cannot go without food, nor would i want to. But it does require that you not eat boxed or packaged products. Good ol produce and meats.