Detox Diets & Meals

A detox diet is a short-term change in the way you eat. Its intended to rid your body of toxins, fill it with healthy vitamins and nutrients, and minimize consumption of chemicals. Those goals can be achieved in a number of different ways. Some are more radical, and should only be done for a few days; some, like the vegan diet, can be maintained for as long as you want.

Liquid

The most extreme way to detoxify your body is by going on a liquids-only diet. This diet may be harmful if prolonged, resulting in nutritional deficiencies.

Popular liquid diets include the Master Cleanse, which involves drinking a mixture of lemon juice, water, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup, juice fasts, and water fasts. A juice fast is the best way to get the nutrients your body needs while still consuming only liquids.

Whip up a vitamin-packed smoothie to get you through those hungry mornings. For a tropical-inspired drink, blend pineapple, mango, and a banana with cup orange juice, 1/8 avocado (for some much-needed calories), and about five cubes of ice. If your detox diet allows, add a few scoops of protein powder.

Vegan

While veganism is a popular lifestyle, some people choose to go temporarily vegan to give their bodies a break from animal products, unhealthy fats, chemicals, and hormones. On a vegan detox diet, youll be eliminating meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, and probably honey from your meals (some vegans arent as strict about the honey clause). Youll be eating a lot of whole grains, beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. A vegan detox is especially great for those with heart problems or a history of family heart disease, since there are no artery-clogging fats present.

Heres an example of a delicious vegan meal plan: for breakfast, give yourself an energy kick with a bowl of oatmeal, soymilk, dried fruits, and nuts. A Mediterranean-inspired lunch includes a pita stuffed with hummus, falafel, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Supper is veggie stir-fry with tofu, followed by one of the million vegan dessert options available at the grocery store (everything from rice milk ice cream to chewy vegan brownies). Of course, if youre cutting out sugar from your detox diet, you might want to end the day with a cup of tea instead.

Raw Food

The raw food diet takes veganism one step further: everything you eat must be uncooked. The principle behind raw food is that heating food above 116 degrees F destroys the life-giving enzymes in the food. Be creative and use a blender, a juicer, or a dehydrator to add variety to your food. Get your protein from nuts and seeds.

Heres a recipe for raw sprouted rice pilaf, from www.fromsadtoraw.com. Soak two cups of wild rice in water for 12-18 hours until the rice splits open and is soft. Mix with chopped carrots, celery, green onions, tomato, and avocado (measure to taste). Top with cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp agave (honey substitute), and 3 tbsp soy sauce. Enjoy!