If the recent sunshine has put you in a spin about wearing less and baring all, then a summer detox could be just what you need. This can be a simple way to get you on the road to looking and feeling fabulous for all that the summer season has to offer.

by Lucy Osborne

Summer is the perfect time to ‘eat clean’ and give your body the care and attention it deserves. A detox isn’t about starving yourself, it is about using fresh and vital foods to cleanse and support your body. There are plenty of these foods seasonally available at this time of year, which simply adds to the ease of a summer detox.

The main aim of a detox is to cleanse and support our overworked livers. This can stimulate weight loss, reduce bloating, improve the quality of our skin, improve hormonal balance, assist digestion and improve bowel function, as well as increase energy and improve mood and concentration. This can all be achieved by merely thinking about the food we eat.

I urge you not to embark on these dietary changes lightly – it is important to plan your detox period carefully, try to choose a time with few social engagements. If your diet is usually high in sugar then expect to feel tired initially as your body adjusts to the changes; remember you will feel much more energised by the end. If you regularly drink caffeine then suddenly stopping may give you a headache, so cut down slowly over a few days before the detox. A detox can last from 7 to 30 days, but I advise you start with 10 days; this is easily achievable for most people and should produce noticeable results.

Foods to Avoid

Wheat (bread, pasta, cakes, biscuits, wheat-based cereals, cous cous)

Wheat contains gluten which is a common allergen and can cause constipation, bloating, fatigue and anaemia, as well as coeliac disease.

Milk and dairy products (cheese and yoghurt)

Dairy is common allergen for many people. If you are sensitive to milk protein, your immune system will treat it as a foreign invader and trigger an inflammatory response that can produce any number of symptoms, including bloating, headache, weight gain and joint pain.

Caffeine (tea, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks)

Although a stimulant, caffeine can really sap overall energy levels and can also interfere with the body’s ability to burn fat.

Refined sugar (sweets, cakes, biscuits, dessert, fizzy drinks)

Too much refined sugar not only makes you fat, it also leaches vital nutrients from the body making you tired and weakening the immune system.

Alcohol

An intestinal irritant, alcohol is laden with sugar and as a result makes you fat around the middle. Alcohol has to be processed by the liver and during this time the liver stops doing the important job of fat burning, making it a double whammy for our tummies.

Processed foods and bad fats

The more processed a food the less goodness it contains. Have you noticed how white bread is fortified with vitamins? Many processed foods contain undesirable trans fats that should be avoided.

Foods to Enjoy

Fresh fruits and vegetables (all and any, except white potatoes) – Aim to eat a serving of raw vegetables daily

Whole grains (excluding wheat) – Oats, rye, brown rice and quinoa

Fish (fresh or canned in water / olive oil) – Aim for at least 4 servings in the 10 days

Lean red meat and chicken (organic if possible) – Limit to 3 servings in the 10 days

Legumes (chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans)

Eggs (organic is preferable)

Olive oil and coconut oil

Nuts and seeds (raw and unsalted) – Eat a handful daily

Water – aim to drink two litres of filtered water daily

Green tea and herbal / fruit teas – Starting the day with the juice of half a lemon in a cup of hot water will help kick start the cleansing process

Sample Menu

Breakfast: Spinach omelette

Snack: Apple and a handful of almonds

Lunch: Tuna and avocado salad

Snack: Two oatcakes with hummus

Dinner: Chicken and vegetable stir fry with brown rice

Note: Do not undertake a detox if you are pregnant, breast feeding or underweight. If in doubt consult your health practitioner before starting.

Lucy Osborne (BSc (Hons), ND, Dip Nut, DRM, DBM, MCThA) is a naturopath, nutritionist, medical herbalist and a Zest4Life weight loss consultant. For more information about Lucy, Zest4Life nutrition and weight loss, contact her on 01303 760001 or lucy@foremanandjones.co.uk.

Foreman & Jones Integrated Health Practice
112d High Street
Hythe
CT21 5LE
www.foremanandjones.co.uk