The human body is equipped with organs such as the kidneys and liver to help detoxify on a daily basis. But after years of a poor diet or unhealthy lifestyle, you may choose to help your body eliminate toxins with a short cleanse. A 72-hour detox plan can help rid your body of toxins, kick-start a weight loss plan and increase your energy levels. Perform these steps each day for three days to reap the benefits of detoxification.
Drink a glass of water with fresh lemon juice when you wake. For breakfast, make a smoothie with a banana, strawberries, blueberries, orange juice, raw coconut butter and water, with a handful of spinach leaves added to promote radiant skin and high energy levels. Alternatively, juice apples, kale and ginger or apples, oranges and kale for a healthy breakfast beverage. If you don't have access to a blender or juicer, eat fruits whole.
Prepare a large green salad for lunch with vegetables, avocado slices, olive oil and vinegar, with apple slices dipped in almond butter on the side. Choose from a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables dipped in hummus or raw trail mix made from raw nuts, raisins and dried berries for your afternoon snack.
Make a vegetable stir-fry for dinner with lightly steamed vegetables and beans over brown rice or quinoa. Alternatively, choose another salad with a side of brown rice or quinoa and beans. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a square of dark chocolate for dessert.
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Drink at least 64 ounces of lemon water or herbal tea with lemon throughout the day. Drink more water if your urine is dark yellow at any point during the cleanse.
Perform 30 minutes of light exercise per day to help your body circulate and release toxins. Choose restorative activities such as yoga, Pilates or light walking.
Tip
Eat enough to satisfy your hunger. If you're hungry after or between meals, add fruits and vegetables as snacks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate your body and force your kidneys and liver to work harder. You may exercise more if you're used to following a regular exercise routine, but be sure to eat enough to support hard exercise.
Warning
Be sure to consult with your physician before beginning a detoxification program. You may experience lethargy, headaches, flu-like symptoms and slight nausea as your body clears toxins from the cells and brings them into the bloodstream for elimination. End your detox plan if you feel weak for prolonged periods of time. This plan is not meant as a long-term diet program.
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Writer Bio
Danielle DeSimone is a writer and sports nutritionist living in Point Pleasant, N.J. She holds a B.A. in writing, literature and publishing from Emerson College and is currently a student of veterinary technology. As a freelance writer, DeSimone enjoys covering health, fitness and nutrition.