Clean Eating and Detox

Clean and Lean Diet...not a 'diet' persay but change in lifestyle, absolutely amazing. No mumbo jumbo or atkins or what have you, very logical basics - no sugar, good, healthy, nature-intended foods and very satisfying!

What are you hoping to "detox"? The body does an excellent job of "cleansing" itself. Just treat it right and it will treat you right. There is no "cleanse" as effective as simply eating well.

"The best way to 'detox' the body is simply to let your body do its job. Unless you have a medical problem, your body takes care of itself quite nicely, experts say.

"The liver and kidneys are nature's best-kept secret, because they are the weapons to eliminate toxins from your body," says Gerbstadt. "If you are concerned about certain substances in your diet, it is easier and safer to simply eliminate [those substances] rather than engage in unhealthy detox plans."

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=64306
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-purging-myths

According to Chau Che MD, with New York University:

"Despite evidence to the contrary, the idea that colon cleansing is therapeutic by removing impurities, lives on. However, these claims largely fail to consider normal physiology. The digestive tract has inherent properties that work to clean our colon. After food ingestion, the small intestine absorbs nutrients and contracts to move indigestible residue into the colon. The colon continues the digestive process by absorbing and secreting electrolytes and fluids while its resident bacteria ferments the undigested food products. These are just some of the many mechanisms in which the digestive tract works in order to ensure that the colon does not become encrusted with fecal matter as some products claim. The black, rubbery material passed on a colon cleanse is actually a byproduct from the supplements and fiber in the colon cleansing product as opposed to old fecal material, in which consumers are led to believe."

http://www.clinicalcorrelations.org/?p=1605
Reviewed by Michael Poles MD and Fritz Francois MD, NYU Division of Gastroenterology

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I just read Tosca Reno's Clean Eating Recharged and have been following it for about 3 weeks...trust me...you will not need a detox if you are eating right -lol...it really is just eating foods as close to their natural source and non-processed foods-I can't tell you how much better I feel and my clothes are getting looser!

I haven't ever done it, but just read an article about cleansing and detox last night and urge you to be careful. They say sometimes doing these types of things can strip the body of electrolytes and nutrients and be harmful. I never did a detox, but started cutting things out slowly. If you want ice cream, eat fruit instead and i would put money on it that a half hour later, you don't want ice cream anymore The longer you can do the switch, the less you will want the ice cream later.

I basically just watch a lot of movies and read a bunch of reports on organic foods vs. processed crap.

Check out Food Inc., Fast Food Nation, and Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead for starters :flowerforyou:

I picked up a few magazines and books to help with recipes, too.

Clean Eating magazine, and anything by Tosca Reno are great reads!

I've been trying to eat "clean" for about a year now. I rarely have any cravings for anything processed, sweet or salty. I can't even remember the last time I had ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Try adjusting your sugar and sodium goals manually on your diary. I have my sodium set to 1600mg and don't go over that too often. As with sugar intake, don't worry too much if the sugars in fruits send you over your goal

Lots of water! Sweeten it with frozen fruit, fresh mint or lemons if you wish. If you own a juicer, making your own juice is a great place to start, too!

Best of luck with everything!!

Nice to see the multi-level-marketers pop up, as usual. Right on cue, smelling blood int he water. :grumble:

If you eat well you will feel well. Save your money, and sanity by not doing a detox. Check out this website for whole nutritious recipes. http://www.cleaneatingmag.com
Plan your meals at the beginning of the week and shop for just those items. If you don't have junk and temptations around you won't want them.

Please believe me because I have done it all. A lot of "cleansing"! It does not help other than help you lose weight which is mostly water and which you gain back immediately and then some. Like others have stated, the body takes care of itself. There is no quick fixes, however tempting it may be. Want to stop craving sugar? Then stop eating sugar. I know it sounds easier than done but that is the only answer. Start by limiting your sugar intake little by little. When I was told this years ago I did not listen and one of the cleases I did only made me to gain twice the weight I lost months later. Don't fool yourself by saying the cleanse is only for the cravings, most people do it for the "weight loss" benefits but it's not a long term strategy. It can be very frustrating, especially if you want to see results, but living healthy and reaching your "reasonable goal weight" will cost some time and energy but believe me, in the long run you will be so much happier! Please do not do this cleanse or any other wonder cleanse and instead research on how to eat what you like but healthier versions of it and less portions. Good luck! Did not mean to sound preachy.

I recently did a 4 day cleanse and loved it. My very fit/healthy yoga instructor suggested it so I figured it would be a huge challenge...it really wasn't that difficult. Here's the basic plan:
1. veggies - as many as you like prepared how you like (raw, steamed, baked, frozen, etc)
2. fruits - as many as you like prepared how you like (raw, steamed, baked, frozen, etc)
3. lean meat - 3 fist size portions per day
4. water, water, water (hot tea, water, water with lemon, etc)

The most difficult part was not having coffee in the morning, but hot tea was a great replacement. Since i did the cleanse, I have continued this healthy eating plan. However, I added whole grains and dairy back to my diet as I don't have any gluten or lactose "issues". Good luck!