As I’ve always said, cleansing should be considered a verb, not a noun. What I mean by that is that you should incorporate long-term shifts in your lifestyle, which are far more effective in cleansing the body on a continual and deeper basis rather than short-term “detoxes.” That being said, this “one day cleanse” is about helping you jump-start the process of getting on track with long-term lifestyle changes, or getting back on track, for those of you who have already been changing aspects of your lifestyle
For someone new to the program, incorporate these guidelines below and those outlined in The Detox Diet Solution slowly and over time in order to avoid any drastic side effects. If you do too much too fast, your eliminating organs (liver, colon etc.) will be totally overwhelmed and overworked. This fast approach could lead to nausea, headaches and breakouts as your body begins to circulate the toxins that were previously tucked away and protected in fat. Short-term programs don’t really get out the deep toxicity anyway- think of how long you’ve been eating a certain way. Can it all magically leave the body in 3 days? No! Eat right to pull the toxins out of your fat, shed the fat, and feel fabulous for the long-term!
Cleansing and detoxing are one of the most powerful instruments we have in our toolbox to bring our bodies (and our minds) back into alignment. After all, balance is one of the most important things in our lives, right? The important thing to remember about this “one day” cleanse is that is meant to install long-term habits, which I want you to keep doing after the one day is over. Most cleanses don’t teach you how to shift you long-term habits, which is really the key to looking and feeling your best.
Get your Lemons: Lemons are a powerful fruit that pack a kick. They are filled with flavour, while delivering an extra blast of vitamin C and enzymes to your diet. Lemon has been associated with boosting liver’s function and tissue regeneration, which is helpful while cleansing as the liver is our main detoxifying organ. Coffee dries out your skin and dehydration is a major energy-sapper so skip your coffee to avoid energy loss.
To maximize cleansing benefits, get into the habit of drinking one hot mug of water with the juice of half a lemon squeezed in first thing in the morning. Refresh yourself throughout the day with cool lemon water. Something sweeter more your speed? Feel free to throw in some stevia or xylitol for a lighter taste with the same benefits.
Super Greens Ensure that your first meal of the day is a Super Greens – a potent bottle of spinach, kale, celery, cucumber and a touch of apple. It’s a rich and highly nutritious blend of fruit and vegetables containing more iron than beef, more calcium than milk and more Vitamin C than an orange; boosting your immune system, your metabolism and hydration whilst injecting a burst of Vitamin C to keep any colds at bay!. It’s the core of the Detox Diet program for a reason: it is the most efficient way to supply a vast assortment of vitamins and minerals into your system, while simultaneously cleansing your system with its high content of fibre and enzymes.
Making your morning ritual centred on the Juice cleanses is truly a daily detox. I miss it tremendously on the rare days I don’t have access to it. Over time, you will get “addicted” to feeling so good and energized from your morning juice cleanses. I was actually in a bind this morning as I had meetings in Notting Hill London, and I got a Green Pharmacy juice instead, it’s an antioxidant-rich blend of celery, spinach, kale, cucumber and blueberries. It was fantastic as keep me going until i finish and back to home, so I’m doing the same tonight.
Detox Tea: Try out my signature Detox Tea over a traditional snack for your mid-morning snack. Detox tea consists of lemon, ginger and cayenne pepper. These three foods all work together to create a powerful cleanse, to help break up mucus and toxins in the body, while creating a shield for unwanted bacteria in your system. For step-by-step instructions on how to make Detox Tea, click here.
Dark Leafy Greens and Vegetables: You don’t have to starve yourself to cleanse, there are foods that you can and should eat. Dark leafy greens are the top of the list. They have loads of fibre, cleansing water inherently contained in them, enzymes, antioxidants and so many phytonutrients that scientists haven’t discovered them all yet. Some of my favourites are kale, arugula, collard greens and spinach.
If you feel for a midday snack, sliced vegetables will give you the same crunch of a potato chip without saturated fat, sugar or having to eat something “bready”. Dip carrots, bell peppers and celery some of Sally’s Salsa or Green Miso Dressing to fill the tummy with complex fibres and feel like you’re really eating- though you’ll still be detoxing.
Spice it up: Cayenne pepper literally fires up your digestive system and indirectly helps you burn more calories while rebuilding tissue and stimulating your metabolism. It also helps to break up mucus and toxins. Could we love it more? Cayenne pepper curbs cravings as well so stock up! Dash some of this powerful herb on your salads and mix it into your dressings to ensure you reap the beauty benefits. I add it into so many recipes.
No Meat: Okay, you’ve made it this far, don’t give up! Dinner should be something light, without cooked oils (yes, even olive oil). Make or order steamed vegetables with a large green salad. It’s just one day- you will live. Add an array of colour through adding your favourite raw vegetables (for me it would be avocado and tomato) and dress it up with something light and oil-free like my Asian Miso-Carrot Dressing. Nixing the avocado for a day would help speed cleansing even more, as eliminating fat makes for faster cleansing. Again, this is just one day! Go back to the avocado tomorrow.
No Oil: Cutting fat, but especially oil helps you cleanse faster. For the long-term, cook with coconut oil, which is a cholesterol-free, medium chain fatty acid that has so many benefits, likes supporting thyroid function and having anti-bacterial qualities. It is much more stable, since it is saturated, than olive oil, for cooking at higher temperatures. I suggest limiting your daily oil intake in general, and instead choosing dressings that are more filling and nutritious like my Oil-Free Basil Lover’s Dressing (probably my favourite, that my clients love), or Oil-Free Red Pepper and Cilantro Dressing.
As with all things, there is never an “overnight fix.” Take care with incorporating these suggestions into your diet and be responsible… after all, you know yourself best. Following these guidelines will be sure to get you right back on track if you are feeling, bloated or unbalanced!
Work the lemon water, and the other suggestions into your long-term lifestyle for maximum benefit and so you experience true, ongoing cleansing.
