The 7-day detox plan is a limited detox diet, consisting only of whole plants, or in juice form, for 1 to 7 consecutive days. In addition to helping with weight loss, this 7-day detox menu will also help you detox your body and feel better.
Table of Contents
Features of the detox diet:
• Food based on fruit, vegetables or juice
• Time from 1 to 7 consecutive days
• Lose weight and detox your body
• Very restrictive diet
• Unlimited lemonade, water and tea
The main principles:
There is not one but several detox diets: with lemon, juice-based or whole fruits and vegetables. This type of diet is intended to assist the organs in their cleansing function for detoxification.
How does the lemon detox diet work?
Detox diets come in many different forms:
• Change time: 1 to 7 days
• Eat only fruit
• Consume only vegetables
• Consume juice or smoothies
• Vegetarian food
How does it helps you lose weight?
Detox diets promise improved physical and mental health, increased energy levels, reduced cravings, improved sleep, glowing skin, and a healthier immune system. Let us consider the human body like the engine of a car that gets dirty over time, accumulating waste and toxins that can lead to fatigue, dull skin and hair, weakened immune system, digestive problems, etc. Toxins come from the body itself but can also come from outside through pollution, drugs, smoking, alcohol, etc. At some point, the body will not be able to get rid of all these wastes and this is where detoxification will be needed. The liver, kidneys, and intestines are the organs most targeted in the “detox” healing process. By doing a detox diet, these organs will then function more efficiently and metabolism will be stronger. As a result, we will be more likely to burn calories.
It is important that the human body, and mainly the liver and kidneys, are important organs in the body’s waste disposal process. The body produces waste products but they are taken care of and eliminated naturally by the upper organs. In addition, the liver is involved in the formation of urea before eliminating waste from the body, metabolizing and eliminating alcohol and drugs with the help of the kidneys, breaking down fatty acids, etc. Next, the kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the quality of our blood if the kidneys are working properly.
How long does a detox diet last?
The detox diet should only last from 1 to 7 days, it should not be exceeded. Indeed, on top of that, it’s a very restrictive diet, which in the long run can lead to significant deficiencies. There are many ways to do this detox diet: a few days in a row, one day a week, and so on.
Types of food used in the detox diet
A “detox” day food or drink is usually:
• Tea
• Carrot
• Tomato
• Celery
• Artichokes
• Sugar beet
• Citrus: lemon, orange, grapefruit
• Red fruits: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries
• Types of food rich in chlorophyll: asparagus, dandelion, avocado, kiwi, kale, watercress, chives, mint, basil, thyme, parsley, etc.
Normally, during this period, you should drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day. Some detox diets also recommend drinking water in the morning, on an empty stomach, water with lemon juice or green tea throughout the day.
The foods provided during the detox process are foods that contain significant amounts of antioxidants. Remember that antioxidants have a role in neutralizing free radicals that damage the body. These free radicals are considered waste products produced by the body itself, but can also come from the outside through burning smoke, chemicals, dust, etc. These compounds with antioxidant properties are vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids. Therefore, the foods required in the detox method should also be rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids.
Types of food that should not be used in a detox diet
Foods that should not be used in a detox diet are those that increase toxins in the body and “congest” the organs. Here is a list of foods that should not be used while detoxing, but not exhaustive:
• Refined sugar
• fat
• Cigarette
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Animal products: especially red meat and sometimes dairy products
• Processed foods
Foods to avoid on a detox diet, such as red meat, or even alcohol, have been scientifically proven to have negative health effects. Therefore, we should not consume them daily and not just for a few days.
Detox diet: standard menu for 2 and 3 days:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | |
| Breakfast | When you wake up: 1 cup of water with lemon juice Red fruit smoothie with almond and hemp seed drink | When waking up: 1 cup of water with lemon juice Apple, Celery and Spinach Juice | When Waking Up: 1 Cup of Water with Lemon Juice Mango Pineapple Lemon Smoothie |
| Lunch | Kale and Artichoke Salad Fruits Herbal tea | Carrot and Raisin Salad with Almonds and Lemon Fruits Tea | Grapefruit, avocado and celery salad Fruits Tea |
| Tea break | 1 cup of lemon tea Raw nuts and vegetables | Lemon herbal tea Raw root vegetables | Citrus tea Fruit compote without added sugar |
| Dinner | Carrot Ginger and Crab Soup 2-3 dattes | Thai soup with shrimp and vegetables 2-3 dattes | Tomato, pepper and cucumber soup 2-3 dattes |
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
• Rich in fiber
• Good supply of antioxidants and micronutrients
• Very short time
• Feeling healthy
• Requires little cooking
• Easy to understand and easy to apply
Disadvantages
• Very limited and low in calories
• Lack of protein
• Feeling hungry often
• Monotonous and difficult to maintain in the long term
• Incompatible with an active social life
• Dangerous in vulnerable people as it can lead to obsessive eating behaviors
Recommendations and precautions to take
Are there any risks to following a detox diet?
While these methods often rely on large amounts of vegetables and fruits, it’s important to note that they often contain too few calories to reach the recommended vitamin and mineral intake. The American College of Sports Medicine states that women should consume at least 1,200 calories per day and men should consume at least 1,800. Therefore, this diet should not be followed for a long time. Most of the weight lost will be water as the body gets rid of all its glycogen stores. Finally, a very low protein intake (about 30 g / day) is also the cause of muscle wear and tear.
Is this a diet for you?
Regardless of your health situation, do not follow the lemon or juice detox diet for too long. On the other hand, a detox day can be a very good thing when the body needs it. For example, the day after a hearty family meal, there is no harm in eating very lightly to allow the organs to recover and cleanse.
Is it a suitable sports diet?
This type of diet in no case should not be followed continuously. It is better not to do intense physical activity on detox days, you should exercise on other days. Physical activity helps the body get rid of toxins and slows down muscle loss caused by an overly restrictive diet.
How not to gain weight after detox fruit juice diet?
If the detox is done well, there’s no reason to gain weight back afterwards. Also understand that weight loss should not be the goal of a detox diet. This regimen should not be used for longer than two consecutive days and should be followed by a few days with protein foods.
Dietitian’s advice on detox diets:
The detox diet is actually an extreme diet, very low in calories and most of all, makes you lose a lot of water. Substances called toxins are eliminated by our body regularly but above all naturally and especially by our liver. No single food or nutrient can act on the liver and help it carry out its functions. It’s important to have a healthy diet every day, rather than going on a detox diet a few times a year for a day or two. On the other hand, a typical detox day can be used without danger when the body needs it, such as after a hearty meal. The only important thing is to listen to your body under all circumstances.
Credits: Passport Santé