You may like to try this de-tox programme. Please note, only undertake this if you are physically able to do so. You should consult your doctor if you are in any doubt.
The purpose of a de-tox is to help your body clear itself of any toxins. And believe me we all have them no matter how careful we are. This is not only the type of foods we eat but takes into account the production of food in our society. Very few foodstuffs are produced without some chemical input, even to the wax used to make the apples look shiny, or the two sprays used on bananas, one to stop them ripening on the way here, one to start them ripening when they arrive.
We also take in toxins via the air and water and create our own with chemical reactions to stress such as muscle rigidity. Toxins have a tendency to make us feel slow and sluggish, or simply, just not quite 100%. You probably don't feel ill at all but are not at your peak.
This is a three day de-tox programme which will help your body get rid of at least some of the effects of any toxins. Please note, you will probably suffer slight headaches, some flu-like symptoms, occasionally diarrhoea and you may feel irritable while your body fights off the toxins so be prepared. Do ensure you are as healthy as possible before you start. It is probably better to start on a day when you are not working away from home.
To enhance the effects, try to take a 20 minute walk every day. Drink loads of plain water, and every time you crave a snack, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Your mouth is going to feel furry anyway and it helps control cravings.
It couldn't be easier - for three days eat nothing that is cooked. Cut out all tea, coffees, colas etc and drink only water, hot or cold, or fruit teas. You may have fruit juices you squeeze yourself - ALL shop bought variety have some sort of preservative added.
Eat raw fruit and vegetables. This does not mean a diet of lettuce leaves and carrots. In this day and age the variety available is tremendous. You can find baby sweet corn, avocados, broccoli, courgettes and sugar fat peas as well as more traditional carrots, cauliflower, cabbage and mushrooms. Yes I know these are probably not things you would normally eat raw but just try them; you'll be surprised at how good they are.
However, instead of getting together a huge place of mixed fruit and vegetables I want you to try what is known as "intuitive eating". Put simply, it is another way of extending your self-awareness: of allowing your body, in this case your palette, to decide what it needs at any particular moment. You start your meal by choosing one vegetable which appeals to you, say a broccoli spear. You then keep eating that type until if feels less appealing to your taste. This is your body indicating it has had enough of that particular item and you move on to another one, say slices of avocado.
You will be amazed at how different the same vegetable can taste after several slices. From being really tasty the same thing can very quickly become tasteless, even unpleasant when your body has had enough. If you mix varieties together it is impossible to tell when your body has had enough of that variety.
Do not eat only fruit; you must include vegetables to ensure the correct mix of nutrients. Add nuts to give protein and sprouting beans to really enhance the mineral elements. Sprouting beans have essential elements found no where else as well as being very tasty.
If you can keep this up for 3 days you will find your body responding in a very positive manner. You will feel lighter and much more energetic.
I don't recommend it for longer than 3 days: frankly it is boring! At the end of three days you will be ready to cut an arm off for a plate of soup. However I do recommend that you introduce some raw foods into your diet regularly, something every day if possible.
