That's What The Detox DIet Is All About

Lose a lot of weight in a short time? That promises the detox diet. Sounds tempting - especially after a hearty gourmet day. EAT SMARTER explains the principle of the detox diet and checks whether it keeps its promise and you can say goodbye to your winter fat!

We encounter the term detox everywhere – the diet is hotly debated in magazines, on TV and on the internet. The name comes from the English word "detoxication", which means something like "detoxification".

This is also the basic principle of the detox diet: detoxification and purification of the body. The inventors of the diet assume that too much stress, work, stimulants and an unhealthy diet cause pollutants to be deposited in the body. Within a 7 to 21-day fasting cure, these toxins, so-called "slags", should be smuggled out of the body. However, it is scientifically disputed whether these waste products actually exist in our body.

The Detox Diet: The Principle

The first days of the detox diet pose a great challenge for many. Not just because of hunger, because a slight headache and feeling of weakness often occur. This only changes after the first three days of fasting, then the body adapts and the symptoms slowly decrease.

Nutrition: Depending on the program, you completely abstain from solid food for one to three weeks. In principle, the detox diet is more like a modern fasting cure than a classic diet. It is important that you drink a lot: 2.5 to 3 liters of water or unsweetened herbal teas are mandatory during the fasting period. Instead of solid foods, only vegetable broth and freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices are allowed. Sugared drinks, alcohol and coffee are taboo!

Movement: Anyone who believes that movement is forbidden is wrong. Long walks are even desirable, but you should keep your distance from extremely strenuous sports during the fast.

Relaxation: A lot of sleep and conscious relaxation exercises are a must of the detox diet. To support the metabolism, alternating showers and brush massages should be done daily. After the fasting period, you should slowly get your body used to solid food again. Treat yourself and your body to something good. Start slowly with small, light meals – soups and salads are ideal. Over time, increase food choices and portion sizes. You should still avoid fatty and sweet meals. After a week, you no longer have to do without any food.

Detox Diet: Do's and Don'ts 

DO'S

• freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices
• Water  and herbal tea
•  Enough  sleep relaxation 
• Exercises contrast showers
• Walks

DON'T

• Coffee
• Sugared drinks
• Too less sleep 
• Smoking and alcohol 
• Milk and milkproducts 
• Extreme sports

Conclusion : Detox Diet – Yes Or No?

Do you want to lose a lot of weight fast? Then the detox diet might be right for you. This is guaranteed to work, as you only eat around 400 calories a day. But whether this diet is really recommended is doubtful. Firstly, this type of zero diet is often followed by the yo-yo effect, on the other hand, the detox diet does not teach you how to eat healthy and balanced. Another contra: Such fasting cures may actually only be carried out under strict medical supervision. So if you decide to do it, talk to a doctor beforehand about whether fasting is right for you.

Our Conclusion : If you want to lose weight, you better rely on a long-term change in diet and sufficient exercise! There is nothing wrong with occasional fasting days, they can even be good for the body. But you shouldn't do the detox diet on your own. If you fancy a single fasting day, why not try our delicious vegetable juice recipes or our fruit juice recipes.