Getting Rid Of Those Nasty Toxins

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday June 8, 2005

By taking the nasties out of your diet for a few days and simultaneously supporting your digestive system, this three-day detox program will give your body the chance to get rid of some of its stored wastes.

For those who want to really give their system a kick-start, add some herbal and nutritional supplements - these are optional though and the detox plan will still be effective without them.

Finally, since some people feel a little under the weather in the first few days of a detox program, plan to do this over a weekend. Avoid making social and other commitments so you'll be free to have naps, take a walk, or go for a swim as the urge takes you.

Monday to Thursday: The lead up

Spend at least four days adapting to a healthier way of living before you start. Gradually reduce intake of cigarettes, caffeine, alcohol, sugar and fatty foods. Drink two litres of water a day, and increase fresh fruit and vegetable intake.

Friday- Sunday: Weekend Detox

Refer to the list below for your daily detox menu. Of course you must only use organic produce. This is more important during a detox since you are trying to reduce your body's exposure to toxins and clear out those stored in your system. Try to stick to this daily menu, because these meals and snacks have been specially designed to provide you with a varied diet while ensuring your daily requirements of protein, carbs and essential fatty acids ('good' fats).

On rising

n Juice of one quarter to half a lemon in a cup of hot water - helps to get your digestive system moving.

n Optional extra: Herbal formulas such as Blackmores Digestive Bitters.

Breakfast

n Fruit salad with yoghurt and LSA* (see note) mix.

n OR porridge or raw unsweetened muesli, served with LSA mix, fresh or stewed fruit, and either acidophilus yoghurt or soy or rice milk.

n OR baked beans or egg (poached or boiled) on wheat-free rye toast; side dish of avocado and grilled tomato.

n PLUS a freshly made raw fruit and/or vegetable juice.

Morning tea

n Rye toast with avocado, tomato, cracked pepper.

n OR rice cracker with mashed hard-boiled egg, alfalfa sprouts and cucumber.

n OR yoghurt with LSA mix and freshly chopped fruit.

Lunch

n Mushroom stack (field mushroom topped with a poached egg and wilted English spinach). Piece of fruit.

n OR tabouleh served with lean protein (eg grilled fish, organic free-range chicken or marinated tofu). Piece of fruit.

n OR tofu vegetable stir-fry with raw cashews and sesame seeds, served on a bed of brown rice. Piece of fruit.

Afternoon tea

n Hummus on rice/rye/corn cracker or with raw veggies. Corn on the cob. Piece of fruit.

n OR rye toast with avocado, tomato cracked pepper.

Dinner

n Mixed beans and corn chilli con carne, with carrots, beans, capsicum, stewed tomatoes; served on a bed of quinoa or millet. Stewed fruit with nutmeg, cinnamon and a few drops of vanilla.

n OR brown rice, 'green' risotto; asparagus, snow peas, celery, spinach, peas, mint, onions, garlic. Grilled nectarines with yoghurt.

n OR baked/steamed veggie plate (roots, garlic, greens), serve of lean protein (same as lunch examples). Baked apple stuffed with sun-dried sultanas.

*Note: LSA mix is made from ground linseeds, sunflower seeds and almonds and is available from your health or organic produce store. Store in the fridge.

Extracted from the book Clean Food Organic.

© 2005 Illawarra Mercury

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