Whether you want a flatter stomach, to refresh your mind or rejuvenate your body, a one-day detox will give you just that bit of a boost to help kick off some positive new habits.
“The simple concept of a detox is to cleanse and purify the body by ridding it of accumulated toxins to help support the immune function, re-energise the body and promote clearer, brighter skin,” says nutritional therapist Cheda. A one-day detox can make a real difference to your body as toxins will start to break down and you’ll release water retention. The trick is not to do it suddenly…
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Follow these five steps to success
1 The week before…
A week before you detox, start cutting down on wheat, meat and dairy, sugar, salt, alcohol, sweets, coffee and tea. Try spending a day without your usual stressers and energy zappers – avoid your cellphone, TV, car, computer and radio. Instead, spend time doing nothing – clearing your mind or simply meditating.
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2 The night before…
The night before you detox, eat light and drink a relaxing herbal tea, such as chamomile or green tea. Have a warm bath with a detoxifying bath oil or salts such as Epsom salts. Wake naturally on the morning of your detox.
3 Kick-start your detox
First thing, skip the morning coffee and kick-start your day with hot water and lemon wedges to rev up your system and cleanse the palette. Next use a scrub and body brush to stimulate detoxification, but make sure you’re not overdoing it, as over-zealous body brushing can cause thread veins and minor skin irritations. Then shower with a few drops of essential oils in your shower and finish with a blast of cold, bearable water. Slip into cosy clothes.
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4 Liquid only
Make this a liquid-only day. Have a fruit smoothie for breakfast, and veg soup for lunch and dinner. Drink water and herbal teas, and make sure you eat dinner by the latest 8pm to give your system a rest before bed.
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5 Don’t forget your brain
Detox your mind too. Avoid the TV – start a new novel, do some yoga or indulge in a mini manicure. Aim to be in bed by no later than 10pm. Pay lots of attention to your skin and make bedtime a sensory experience. You’ll start to visit it more often and at an earlier time, which benefits body and soul.
