Cleansing for Weight Loss

Many proponents of detoxification believe that a cleansing diet is a key part of an effective weight-loss strategy. While burning more calories than you consume is the only proven method for slimming down, cleansing strategies should not be overlooked as a means of facilitating the weight-loss process. Toxins can build up in our bodies over time as a result of the things we eat, drink and breathe, and are stored primarily in fat deposits, which in turn may slow down metabolism. Detoxification diets may help to clean out your system and enhance the results of your weight-loss efforts.

Breakfast

Staying hydrated is crucial for internal cleansing. Begin each day with a large glass of water. Jump-start your metabolism by eating a healthy breakfast. Fruit cocktails are an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants and cleansing fiber. Chop up apples, oranges, pineapples, strawberries and peaches. Throw in some blueberries and grapes as well. A serving of fresh fruit for breakfast can trigger metabolic function in the body while providing you with essential detoxifying nutrients.

Snack 1

Avoiding solid foods in favor of liquids is a standard part of a cleansing diet. Make a detox smoothie for a midmorning snack. Fill your blender with fresh diced fruit, ice cubes and water. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or honey. Blend these ingredients until the smoothie has a consistent texture. The fruit has antioxidants and fiber, which may help your body eliminate excess waste. The lemon and honey may have cleansing properties as well.

Lunch

Continue to drink large amounts of water. Ideally, you will drink more than 64 fluid ounces of water throughout the day. Proper hydration facilitates the detoxification process, helping to rid the body of free radicals. Focus on dietary fiber for lunch; a fresh salad is one option to fuel your body while cleaning out your digestive system. Eat mixed greens combined with diced onions and tomatoes. Rather than adding flavor with salad dressing, squeeze a lemon over the salad for flavor and to further help with detoxification.

Snack 2

You may be feeling hungry and dizzy by this point in the day. This is natural when you are on a cleansing diet. Boost your energy with a single serving of whole-grain crackers. The complex carbohydrates provide energy, and the dietary fiber is good for cleansing the bowels.

Dinner

Boil brown rice, a food rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Prepare broccoli or spinach to serve alongside the rice. Add other raw vegetables, such as carrots and celery, for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Eat small portions for dinner. This is the last meal of the day and you want your body to have enough time to metabolize all the calories before you go to bed as part of your weight-loss strategy. Drink water until you feel full if hunger pangs strike later in the evening.

Precautions

According to an article by Health24.com, a cleansing diet should last for no more than two or three consecutive days. A low-calorie liquid cleansing diet depletes your energy levels and should not be continued for extended periods of time. Resume regular eating habits after a few days of detox. Remember to eat natural foods low in fat and calories, even after finishing your cleansing diet. It is possible to feel full and energetic while still losing weight if you use common sense when choosing what to eat. Make sure to rest while you are on your cleansing diet. The limited intake of calories and solid food may drain your energy and lead to dizziness and fatigue. Hold off on any exercise or strenuous activities until you have finished the detox process.

Effectiveness

A 2009 article published by the Louisville Courier-Journal makes some insightful points about the nature of cleansing diets and weight loss. Dr. Stephen McClave, a professor of medicine and director of clinical nutrition at the University of Louisville, says a brief cleansing diet may lead to rapid weight loss at first, but this kind of weight loss is not sustainable. The pounds may return when you resume eating normally. However, a cleansing diet can serve as an effective starting point for a long-term weight-loss plan that includes eating healthier and exercising regularly.