An Introduction to Detoxification

                                                                                                    

I'm about to embark on an experiment in detox. As a personal trainer, I feel like I should be well-informed and well-experienced in this ever-growing sect of health and fitness. Care to join me?

Natural detox programs can be an effective way to support overall health, but whether the goal is to eliminate toxins, flush away excess fat, or simply to live healthier, it’s important to know the difference between what is healthy and supportive, and what is potentially harmful and counterproductive. For example, if you’ve considered natural detoxification as a way to jumpstart weight loss, it’s best to think about your goal before you get started and focus on taking a healthy approach.

Avoid regimens that involve things like strict fasting, eliminating entire food groups from your diet, or other unsafe practices that can leave your body feeling deprived and run down. Such methods typically end up having the exact opposite effect—causing sharp fluctuations in blood sugar that often lead to increased cravings and overeating. 

 

Instead, choose an herbal cleansing formula made with natural ingredients to support long-term weight management, combined with a high-fiber, low-calorie diet and healthy lifestyle habits such as getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and of course, exercising. (adapted from brendawatson.com)

WHAT WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY "DETOXIFICATION"

Big word? Yes. Complicated? Hardly. Nevertheless, people do indeed try to make it far more complicated than it ever had to be. By saying "detoxification," we mean this: The physiological removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including, but not limited to, the human body. Toxic substances include waste build-up that can be found in the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, and cells.

WORKING LIST OF DETOXIFYING FOODS

Hot water with lemon, Dandelion root tea, Green tea, Cranberries, Ground flax, Natural oats, Chia seeds, Raw sauerkraut, Whey protein, Artichokes, Beets, Celery, Asparagus, Leafy greens (Kale, Spinach, Brussel sprouts), Daikon radishes, Onions, Garlic, Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage), Broccoli sprouts, Pomegranate seeds, Sesame seeds, Blueberries, Cucumbers, Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Cinnamon, Cilantro, Oregano

THE EXPERIMENT

What: A short-term detoxification diet. During this time, I will only consume detoxifying foods and water for this period of time (ideally in the form of shakes/smoothies). I will, however, be committed to maintaining a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Why: To clean out my system and rid the body of build-up and toxins (This includes my stomach, intestines, blood cells, liver, etc). This will also help facilitate weight loss (I should clarify here that I'm not looking to lose weight, but I hope to prove the effect for others who are seeking to drop inches)!

 Duration: 5 days (Thursday morning-Tuesday morning, February 9-14, 2012)

 MY STATS

 

Starting Weight: 116.0 lb

BMI: 21.2

Body Fat: 15.5%

Waist: 27.0 inches

Daily Caloric Goal: About 1,580 calories/day

  

MY GROCERY LIST

Greens: Kale, Spinach, Brussel Sprouts, Asparagus, Cucumbers

Colorful Veggies: Carrots

Colorful Fruits: Bananas, blood oranges, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, lemons

Grains/Seeds: Sesame seeds, natural oats

Nuts: Almonds

Spices: Cinnamon, cilantro

Liquids: Water, almond milk (both vanilla and chocolate), green tea

Other: Natural whey protein

Okay ladies and gentlemen, here we go!!...

Day One: Thursday, February 9, 2012

 

TOTAL DAILY CALORIC INTAKE: 1171 calories (too low!)

PRE-BREAKFAST (not pictured)

• 1/2 cup natural oats
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk

 

NUTRITION: 180 calories, 28 g carbs, 6 g protein, 5.5 g fat, 5 g fiber

MEAL #1: WHEY PROTEIN SHAKE AND ALMONDS

• 1/2 cup chocolate almond milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1 scoop natural whey protein
• 1/4 cup almonds

NUTRITION: 350 calories, 17 g carbs, 23 g protein, 23 g fat, 9 g fiber

MEAL #2: PURPLE SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup cucumbers
• 1 blood orange
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 Tbsp pomegranate seeds
• 1 scoop natural Whey protein

NUTRITION: 337 calories, 64 g carbs, 19 g protein, 4.5 g fat, 11.7 g fiber

 

MEAL #3: GREEN SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup cucumbers
• 1 medium banana
• 3 spears of asparagus
• 1 cup kale
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

NUTRITION: 304 calories, 64.5 g carbs, 8 g protein, 4 g fat, 14 g fiber

 
 

DRINKS: WATER AND GREEN TEA

• At least 60 ounces of water (combined with at least 4 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup of all natural green tea

Oh! I almost forgot...

I'd like to introduce to you my sweet friends who will play the biggest role in getting me through this detox. On the left, we have Justin - my boss, friend, and motivation for this detox. Justin is currently on the tail-end of a 10-day detox, and it's because of his dedication and perseverance that I've decided to take the plunge myself (An added bonus? I get to learn from his mistakes!). 

Annnd on the right, we have my beautiful friend, Jen (in the striped shirt), who will be going through this 5-day detox with me! Jen has the sweetest heart and the most wonderful sense of positivity, so I could not be more grateful to have her as a partner through this.  

    Stay tuned!