Detox tips

(From Ninemsn)

Healthy = hot! Check back here each week for little tips you can integrate into your daily routine. Loving your body starts here. Try this:

After the sluggish winter months, summer makes everyone want to cleanse! Here are some tips on dietary detox ...

While there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that the body needs to be "cleaned out" as the kidneys and liver do a very good job at ridding our bodies of unwanted bugs. Getting rid of the additives, caffeine and processed foods does tend to make the body work a little more efficiently in terms of ridding itself of waste, improving energy levels and clearing skin and eyes. So, here are some simple detox steps to get you started.

Simple steps to Detox
1) Plan to "detox" for a week at most
2) Drink at least 2 litres of water each day
3) Cut out the caffeine in tea, coffee, chocolate and cola drinks (yes, you will get a headache). Herbal teas can be used
4) Bump your vegetables up to at least 3 cups each day
5) Snack on either fruit or a handful of nuts
6) Get rid of fatty and processed meats and stick to tuna or salmon only
7)Some people also like to get rid of wheat and dairy. That is up to you
8) Try adding in a vegetable soup at night to rid the body of extra fluid that can make us feel tired

Sample detox plan:
Breakfast: Fresh fruit and thick Greek style yogurt OR oats with milk
Morning tea: Fruit
Lunch: Tuna/bean salad with Mountain bread
Afternoon Tea: Handful of nuts
Dinner: Steamed fish/Vegetables
Dessert: Baked apple

You can see that this type of eating plan is difficult to sustain but will make you feel reenergized and refreshed if followed for 5 days or so. Please note, any dietary information is a suggestion only and cannot replace specific health advice for an individualized advise from your own GP or dietitian.