Detoxing. Cleansing. There are definitely more than a few buzzwords focused on detoxing right now.
I’ve done some work detoxing my body in several different ways:
- I’ve eaten very clean to detox.
- I’ve removed toxins from my routine to detox my skin.
- I’ve even detoxed my armpits.
- I’ve done Whole30…TWICE.
But for some people the thought of detoxing immediately conjures negative feelings…. Things like
- Starvation.
- Liquid diets.
- The Master Cleanse (also called the Lemonade Diet).
- HUGE mounds of supplements to take every day.
- Eating all kinds of weird (and super unappetizing) foods.
Thanks in part to the media, doing a detox has gotten a bad rap both for being unhealthy and being unsafe.
The truth is, a detox doesn’t have to involve any of those aspects. When detoxing in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve weight loss, energy gain, and total body health advances.
I don’t blame anyone for being hesitant about a detox – when the above is what you immediately think of, no one would want to take part in one! But let me tell you about 4 detox myths and give you the truths behind them.
You may find a detox is just what your body is craving.
Detox Myth #1: You won’t enjoy anything you eat while on a detox.
While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, detoxing isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil. There are so many delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy ingredients that not only taste amazing, but nourish and detox your body (just look at the Whole30!).
The best part is, many of them don’t involve any fancy ingredients and can be prepared even by a cooking novice. In fact, you may discover new foods and recipes you absolutely love by branching out a little during a detox.
Detox Myth #2: You’ll constantly be hungry while detoxing.
While you might end up consuming fewer calories while following a detox (and let’s be honest – most Americans probably should), but you shouldn’t feel deprived or hungry. Going on an extremely low-calorie diet can actually disrupt your hormones and metabolism, making your body less efficient in the long run.
So don’t do it, okay?
Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a detox should never dictate how many calories you consume.
By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you will be able to detox your body while feeling satisfied. My clients are always amazed that they never feel hungry during detox.
Detox Myth #3: You need to do an all-liquid detox to remove toxins from your body.
Liquid-only detoxes have had more than their fair share of popularity. These types of detoxes can backfire, though.
Not only do all most people often gain the weight back almost as soon as the detox ends, but such restrictive eating can be detrimental to your health. An effective detox should include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body and produce long-term results.
Detox Myth #4: Detoxes are just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements.
Supplements involved in a detox should be just that, a supplementary part of the program, not the primary source of your nutrition. While on a detox, you should get most of your vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources.
Supplements may be recommended to help your body make the most of the nutrients it receives from these foods. For example, by including a quality probiotic in your diet, you help your body process and produce vitamins, absorb minerals and remove toxins from the body.
Detoxing is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term.
I’ve worked with detox participants who not only have lost weight and kept it off, but who have also seen their energy level skyrocket, their skin clear up and even their allergies disappear. If you’re ready to jump start your weight loss and get healthy this year, then I’ve got an amazing Detox that you don’t want to miss.