New Delhi: Most of us seem to forget that a proper diet is key to a healthy mind and soul. Perhaps, with the busy lifestyles we lead in today’s world, it’s so easy to ignore one’s health and diet, which often leads to tremendous weight gain, especially around the abdomen. Being overweight or obese puts an individual at an increased risk of numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Excess weight can also result in lethargy, depression, and insomnia. However, the good news is even modest weight loss – just 5 per cent of your total body weight can do wonders for your health. In fact, experts believe that a detox diet can successfully help you achieve your fitness goals.
In fact, detoxification diets are increasingly gaining popularity across the world, particularly amongst those trying to shed the pounds. These detoxification diets claim to eliminate harmful toxins from your body and purify your blood. Toxins are harmful chemicals that harm your body. These toxins can be found everywhere from what we eat, our workplace, and even our home. Toxins are usually eliminated from our body through the liver and kidneys. However, when toxins are excessive in amount one can suffer rapid weight gain. This is when our body needs that extra push in the form of a detox diet to help get rid of the bad stuff and ultimately achieve weight loss. Here’s a detailed review of detox diets, including how they can help with weight loss.
What exactly is a detox diet and how does it help you lose weight?
As mentioned above, detox diets are specifically based on getting the toxins out of our body. The primary goal of this kind of diet is to avoid foods that may contain toxins in them. Many who have tried the detox diets claim an increase in their energy level, weight loss and also an improvement in certain health conditions, said Dr Manjari Chandra, Consultant, Functional Nutrition, Daivam Wellness, who also suggests a list of detoxifying foods to help flatten your tummy.
Detox diets can also lead to a stronger immune system and metabolism. Metabolism has a direct effect on weight loss. The higher the metabolism is the rapidly a person will lose weight. The stronger immune system also helps the body to keep itself healthy from within.
Characteristics of detox diets
Low in unhealthy calories
Calories provide energy to our body but there are some calories that are harmful to our body and can lead to fat storage. Therefore, a detox diet is usually very low in calories and will only provide you enough calories your body needs to function normally for the day.
No pills or medication: A true detox diet will never advise you to consume expensive pill or products. These diets are organic in nature and will always provide the body with natural foods so that they can fight unhealthy weight gain or certain diseases by itself.
Eliminate certain food groups: Detox diets can help eliminate some food groups. These usually include eliminating grease-based, sugar-based and junk foods, all of which pose risk to your health when taken in excess. A proper detox plan includes a variety of nutrient-based whole foods rather than relying on juices and supplements.
Healthy detox recipe ideas for weight loss – breakfast, lunch and dinner
Detox smoothies during breakfast
Smoothies, especially homemade, are a big part of the detox diet. A smoothie during breakfast will give the body enough energy to start the day without any unnecessary weight gain. Try to include at least 3 to 4 ingredients from strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, unsweetened almond milk, pineapple, banana, kale, spinach, and sweet peas while making your detox smoothie every morning.
A big bowl of detox salad for lunch
For lunch, make a detox salad by choosing a number of food items and seasonings from the following- mixed greens, baby spinach, brussels sprouts, orange, avocado, almonds, boiled chicken, red onion, cooked quinoa, homemade peanut butter, sesame oil, low sodium ginger soy sauce, salt, and pepper are all excellent choices to help you lose weight.
Detox meal for dinner
While making meals for detox diets, try to include food items like tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn kernels, Greek yogurt, baked potatoes, almond oil, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, unrefined whole grains, zucchini, egg whites, and mushrooms. These foods will keep your stomach full while doing their own cleansing work. If you feel hungry in between your big meals you can easily take any of the detox diet proven fruits or vegetables.
The bottom line
The truth is there isn’t enough evidence that detox diets can eliminate toxins from your body, however, a healthy, balanced diet that focuses on eating plenty of whole foods (such as antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables ) drinking enough water, increasing intake of foods that are rich in dietary fibre, as well as staying physically active may help cleanse your digestive tract safely and promote a healthy weight loss.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
