For the most part, a cleanse and a detox are the same thing, and they both have the same goals: “to remove harmful things from your body”, “to clear your body from nasty toxins”, “to make your body healthier”. They have been trending for quite a while now, some people target a specific organ like the Colon, Liver, others do a sugar detox, some do the juice cleanse, but do they actually work?
I am all about green juices, fruit juices and veggie juices and I have tried lots of them. I am drinking one right now as I’m writing this post: Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens, Apple, Carrot and Lemon, and yes, I drink them all the time, but limiting my food intake to only juices that supposedly rids my body of toxins? I don’t think so. I have friends that do cleanses to lose weight, and they always tell me the same thing: “Fruits and Veggies are good for you” and although we are all aware of that, you also need other things (fiber, proteins, fats), and yes, you will lose weight, but it is because you are not eating, not because you are “detoxing”. People just lose water weight, and as soon as they start eating again that water weight will come right back.
Coming from a family of doctors, I believe that cleanses or detoxing does not do anything that your body doesn’t already do on its own. Our body does a pretty good job at removing toxins believe me, we would probably be dead if it didn’t. Cleanses and detoxes do not include much fiber, the body ends up absorbing more sugar and we all know that lots of sugar is not good for you either.
However, a “food reset” makes more sense, go back to basic tenets of healthy eating, by eating your veggies, your protein, your fiber, the good fats, minimal processed food, beans, fruits, nuts, that will help your body to press the reset button and make your body to feel great again. That is the big picture you should keep, rather than worrying about cleanses and detoxes. Besides, having unhealthy food on a regular basis, and doing a three or seven days detox won’t do much, don’t you think? And it is just erroneous. A healthy diet is really all you need, and a cheat day, why not right?
I drink juices as a complement. Sometimes when I’m on the run, and do not have time to make breakfast, I grab a juice, add some protein shake, blend and I’m ready to go. After a run I always make one as a recovery drink and I feel great after that. Here are some of my favorite’s juices:
For Hydration: Mix Pineapple, cucumbers and Aloe… so refreshing and delicious.
To feel Strong: Mix Carrots, Apples, Beets, and Lemon… I usually drink this one after my runs and I feel like I’m alive again.
For Energy: Mix Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens, Apples, Carrots and Lemon… I feel energetic just by writing it.
For my Skin: Mix Carrots, Oranges, Ginger, and Lemon… I love ginger and the spiciness that adds to food… just love it!
Avocados are great too… actually avocados are good with pretty much EVERYTHING, full of good fats and vitamins. Jalapenos oh yes… Picante… Picante but delicious!!!
Have fun mixing fruits and veggies, eat healthy, exercise, smile and be thankful of what you have, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!
Jeanny Ponce says
Very interesting article and agree with you! I have a favorite green juice you should try, it’s called Chaychi and the recipe is from a Thai restaurant in Tulum 🙂 frozen pinapple, spinach (the original recipe has Mayan spinach = Chaya), ginger, cilantro and lime juice, but to give it my personal touch I added Bee pollen. XOs
Marynelly says
Thank you Jeanny Love The sound of It ! I Will definitely try it. Thank you. Xo
Any Klisans says
Este post me fascinó!!!! Información súper buena, sin mitos ni modas…100 puntos!