14 DAY TRIAL // In order to prepare your body for a diet and weight loss, you can try a cleanse. Marissa Lippert has devised a 3-7-day detox plan that is bound to get the metabolism going, contributing to weight loss and good health.
Nutritionists usually advise against cleanses for the simple reason that they’re no more than fancy ways of starving oneself.
They’re dangerous and ultimately return no result, which is why health experts would rather recommend moderation than an excessive regime that can only do harm.
This detox plan is different in that it trains the dieter into changing his or her attitude towards food, shifting the focus from the inclination to indulging every whim to wanting to lead a happier life.
The first thing you must do to prepare your body for dieting, weight loss and better health is to “purge” the pantry, Lippert says for Health. In other words, get rid of temptations.
“It’ll be much easier to have a successful reboot if you’re not staring down three bags of cookies. Get rid of all the junk that has crept into the pantry. Indulgences should be really worthwhile and thoughtful, not just stuff you mindlessly munch on,” Lippert says.
Another important step is to include whole foods into the diet. Renounce foods that come with empty calories and that only make you feel hungrier (like with refined sugars and fats), and choose healthier options.
“To boost your metabolism, focus on eating simple whole food (fresh fruits and veggies, raw salads, lean protein, and nutrient-rich whole grains),” Lippert suggests.
In this context, the menu for a typical day would include grapefruit and cooked oatmeal for breakfast, grilled chicken salad for lunch, poached salmon and vegetables for dinner. Two snacks (also healthy) are allowed daily as well.
Another important tip to detox, shed excess water and weight is to cut out alcohol, the expert advises.
“Nix refined sugars and flours, too. The more you take in of these empty calories, the more your body may start to crave them – plus they leave you feeling hungry, encouraging you to eat more,” Lippert says.
In the end, detox cleanses can also be good, but only if the emphasis is on health and not on quick weight loss (like is the case with the controversial maple syrup detox program or the cayenne pepper cleanse).