Detox Defined

Here’s a simple 7-day detox plan that most people in good health can follow. This is an effective but not too aggressive detox:

1) On days one and two, stick with liquids. Drink only pure spring or filtered water, water with lemon squeezed into it, herbal teas, juiced leafy greens, or bone broth. I like to use 50% water mixed with 50% coconut water since coconut water has valuable electrolytes in it. It's a good idea to drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids daily up to a maximum of about 100 ounces per day. Avoid fasting if you are taking prescription drugs, if you have hypoglycemia, diabetes, or another medical condition (such as pregnancy), or if you feel dizzy, nauseated, or experience cramps.

2) On days three through seven, add brown rice (1 cup throughout the day), fruits, and vegetables. Try to stick with organic produce. Cruciferous vegetables--such as bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, rutabagas, and turnips--are particularly effective at activating those enzymes in the liver that promote the natural detoxification process.  I stick to greens, greens, greens during these days.  You can add healthy oils on top, such as olive, avocado or coconut oil. You should eat portion sizes appropriate to your hand size as per Eat-Clean Diet Recharged (page 405) and eat 6 small meals each day. Healthy fats, Remember, NO breads or pastas. This is basically a strict Eat-Clean plan like The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped, however, protein is coming from brown rice and bone broth.

3) Consider herbs and supplements in addition to your standard multivitamin. Chlorophyll-rich "green" products—for example, those containing wheat grass, barley grass, or various types of algae—are a source of beta-carotene and other vitamins and minerals. Although studies are lacking, many people claim these green drinks and powders provide an energy boost. It is really important to take a good vitamin C supplement throughout the detox.

4) After 7 days return to your normal Eat-Clean Diet plan.

5) I maintained a normal workout schedule, but we are all different. You may need to go lighter. This could be an opportunity to try an equally detoxifying workout routine such as Bikram or Moksha yoga (aka hot yoga). Sweating it out in an infra-red sauna is similar. Remember, listen to your body to decide how much activity you can do.

**AS MENTIONED ABOVE, PLEASE DO NOT DETOX WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING**