Thanks to much of what we hear in the media, detoxing has earned a reputation for being unhealthy. And even unsafe. When you hear the word “detox,” you immediately think of all-liquid diets, expensive supplements and short-term deprivation for short-term gains? There are a lot of other detoxing myths out there.
The truth is, a detox doesn’t have to involve any of the above. And if you detox or cleanse (as I like to call it), in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve lasting results in weight loss, energy gain and immune support.
The following are four myths you may have heard about detoxing. Understandably, these myths may cause you to be hesitant to try a detox.
Keep reading to find out the truth behind these myths. And why detoxing might be just what your body is craving.
Detoxing Myth #1: You won’t enjoy anything you’re eating while on a detox.
While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, cleansing isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil. There are tons of delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy, whole food ingredients that not only taste amazing but nourish and cleanse your body.
Cleansing is about crowding out the gunk and build up that occurs in your body. You can do this by filling up on healthy, delicious foods, that “crowd out” the not so healthy foods that you may be used to eating.
The best part is, many of them don’t involve any fancy ingredients. They can be prepared even by a cooking novice. In fact, my cleanse participants always discover new foods and recipes that they absolutely love that have become staples in their diets long after the cleanse ends.
Detoxing Myth #2: You’ll constantly be hungry.
While you might end up consuming fewer calories while following a cleanse, 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.
Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a cleanse should never dictate how many calories you consume. By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you help detox your body while feeling satisfied. My participants are always amazed that they rarely feel hungry during my programs.
Detoxing 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 cleanses can backfire. Not only do people often gain the weight back as soon as the detox ends, but such restrictive eating for several days can be detrimental to your health. An effective cleanse will include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body from the inside out. And produce long lasting benefits.
Detoxing Myth #4: Cleanses are just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements.
Supplements involved in a cleanse should be just that, a supplementary part of the program. NOT the primary source of your nutrition. While doing a cleanse, you 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 probiotics in your diet, you help your body better absorb the vitamins and minerals. as well as remove toxins from the body.
Aside from the benefits discussed above, cleansing, detoxing, clean eating, whatever you want to call it is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term. It is also beneficial in boosting your immune system, something we all need these days.
I’ve worked with program participants who not only have lost weight and kept it off, but who have also seen their energy levels skyrocket, their skin clear up and even their allergies diminish.
Are you ready to discover the benefits of healthy cleansing for yourself?
Click here to learn more about by joining my upcoming Summer Reset Clean Eating Program. No restrictions, just healthy recipes.