3 Day Detox Diet

If you are struggling to lose weight despite your best efforts, or you constantly feel tired and lethargic, a deep cleansing 3-day detox diet may be an ideal solution.

Our modern diets and lifestyles cause toxins and additives to build up in our bodies, which have a serious impact on health.

It can be tricky to break bad habits, but a detox regime can help to kick start a healthy eating programme - an effective detox provides a quick and simple boost to health, boosting weight loss, energy levels, concentration, and skin tone.

In fact, many people lose 4 to 5 lbs following 3-day juice diets.

Detox diets involve eating more antioxidant-rich superfoods, while avoiding toxins and sugar. Fruit and vegetable smoothies are quick to prepare and can be made in batches ahead of time. When following a 3-day detox diet it is also important to drink lots of water to help the body flush out toxins, and get plenty of sleep to support the body's renewal process and immune system.

Regular gentle exercise also boosts health and reduces stress, but avoid anything too strenuous. A brisk daily walk or yoga routine will be sufficient. The perfect duration for a detox diet is 3 to 5 days; just enough time to give the body a break.

Although these diets are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and fibres, they may not cover all the food groups and so should not be followed long term.

Despite this, there are lifestyle changes you can continue with, such as daily herbal teas, smoothies and drinking lots of water.

3 Day Detox Diet

Morning

Start your day with a short gentle yoga sequence (5-10 minutes) to get the blood flowing and to help you feel energised throughout the day. Follow this with the morning smoothie above, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre to help fill you up.

Mid-Morning

Instead of reaching for your coffee fix, try a cup of green tea instead. Green tea has powerful antioxidant benefits that further support the cleansing process. If you're not keen on the taste, add a few drops of lemon juice to make it more palatable, and drink as many cups throughout the day as needed.

Lunch

During your lunch break it's important to get up and move away from your desk for a few minutes to help re-energise the body. The light lunch smoothie is packed with healthy fats and fibres to help you avoid afternoon energy slumps without weighing you down.

Snacks

To avoid mid-afternoon hunger pangs prepare fresh snacks ahead of time. Sticks of cucumber, carrot and celery can be useful, or you could have an additional smoothie of your choice from the list above. A light snack will help to control appetite and boost energy and concentration.

Dinner

This dinner-time smoothie offers different nutrients from the morning and lunch time smoothies to ensure your body gets everything it needs. Plus, they offer three very different flavours so you don't get bored.

Bed Time

Good quality sleep can help the body to combat weight gain, dwindling energy levels and stress. Set aside time to unwind the body and mind with a relaxing bath or shower, and avoid technology in the hour before bed. Chamomile or valerian can also help to calm the body and prepare for a restful night's sleep. Try this 3-day detox diet to help you smile inside and out.