After eating more than my fair share of calorie-laden goods this year, I have decided to go on a 10 Day Fruit and Vegetable detox. The goal is to eliminate all the toxins and waste build up in my body and give my immune system a boost! Here is a little bit of information about detoxing and what to expect:

What is a detox?

Detox, short for detoxification, is the body’s natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins are anything that can potentially harm body tissue, including waste products that result from normal cell activity, such as ammonia, lactic acid and homocysteine, and human-made toxins that we are exposed to in our environment, food, and water. The liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, skin, blood and lymphatic systems work together to ensure that toxins are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds and excreted from the body.

Why do People go on a Detox Diet?

A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. Toxins include pesticides, antibiotics and hormones in food, chemicals from food packaging, household cleaners, detergents, food additives, heavy metals, pollution, drugs, and cigarette smoke. A diet that lacks certain nutrients may also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body. The cumulative load, called the “body burden”, is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Signs are thought to include indigestion, poor concentration and sluggishness, headaches, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.

Benefits

People often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity after a detox diet.

Who Shouldn’t Try a Detox Diet?

Anyone considering a detox diet should consult a qualified health professional and/or their medical doctor first. Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn’t go on a detox diet. People with anemia, eating disorder, diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases, and other chronic conditions shouldn’t try this diet or should do so only under the supervision of their primary care provider. It is not intended for alcohol or drug detoxification.

Side Effects

One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to caffeine withdrawal. For this reason, practitioners often suggest gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine prior to starting a detox diet. In addition, some people opt to take time off work to begin a detox diet or start the diet on the weekend.  Other side effects include excessive diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss. Constipation may occur if people consume excess fiber without also increasing their fluid intake. Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger. Any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms that occur during a detox diet should prompt a visit to a qualified health professional. If a detox diet is continued for a longer time, it may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium. Source

Melissa’s Detox Plan 

My plan is to mainly consume green juice made from fruit and vegetables. I am not going to be eating any grains or nuts during the ten days.

What I will be eating:

Fruit – pineapple, apples, kiwi fruit, banana, strawberry, lemons, oranges, berries, avocado

Vegetables – spinach leaves, silverbeet, cucumber, kale, capsicum, lettuce, onion, carrot, pumpkin, tomato, beetroot, sweet potato

Herbs – fresh & dried Sea salt

What I will be avoiding:

Coffee
Dairy – eggs, milk, cheese
Bread
Chocolate, lollies etc
Tofu

My Goals: The main goal is to detox my system and boost my immune system! I am not doing this as a weight loss diet. Obviously, I will lose weight while on the detox and that will just be an added bonus. I honestly don’t think I would be able to stick to the plan if it was only for weight loss!

Exercise:  Normally I lift weights at the gym and don’t do a lot of cardio. I plan to do light cardio sessions while on the detox and stretching exercises such as yoga or pilates!

DAY ONE

I started off the morning with a Zaraffas coffee and sour straps. Wait..that isn’t detox food? WOOPS! So not off to a good start, I made my official starting time at 12 midday!

Meal One: Green juice made from spinach, kale, two small pieces of pineapple, 1/2 green apple & 1 kiwi fruit & small piece of melon

Meal 2: Green juice made from spinach, strawberry, melon and mint

Meal 3: Carrot sticks and cauliflower dip [RECIPE]

Meal 4:Banana, strawberry and coconut icecream [RECIPE]

Raw vegan cauliflower, chive and avocado dip!

Banana, Strawberry Ice Cream with Coconut Sprinkles (vegan, raw, no added sugar)

Bikini Photo Before 10 Day Fruit & Vegetable Detox