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So the weather is getting nicer and the clothes are getting smaller (YIKES!)
I get asked all the time about cleanses and detoxes these days. It seems like most people are looking for the latest “quick fix”. I get it. People want results. NOW! In order to live healthy and maintain a healthy weight, you need to do one thing…CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE!!!
Personally, I don’t believe in restricting certain food groups or severely cutting back on calories to lose weight. If only it could be a s easy as “Eat when you are hungry” and “Stop when you are full”, everyone out there would be happy with their bodies!!
So instead of drinking cleanses and taking “detox” pills, why not eat only clean, unprocessed foods and no added sugar for 3-5 days to give yourself a JUMP START?
Here’s what you need to do:
- start each morning with hot water and 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon (must be on empty stomach to flush out toxins)
- no coffee , just green tea (aim for 3-5 cups)
- 1 gallon of water a day which you can add lemon, mint or ginger to
- no dairy (except plain greek yogurt)
- no bread/pasta/rice… only quiona or rolled/steel cut oats
- opt for 2-3 “juices*” a day if you want to juice, otherwise load up on fresh raw veggies. no more than 2-3 fruits each day * juices are only homemade with fresh veggies and fruit
- no sugar at all (besides the fruit)
- no carbonated beverages at all (obviously no soda but also no seltzer)
- if you want to do vegetarian, load up on raw or steamed beans (mix with raw veggies and lime juice)
- if you aren’t doing vegetarian, choose only lean white meats and fish and either steam, grill or bake (Herbs, garlic, lemon, lime (even fresh orange) are great to season)
- hard boiled eggs are great, only 1 whole egg per day, egg whites are unlimited
- All nuts are great. Make sure they are raw and unsalted. Also, no more than 14 nuts per serving, 2 servings a day.
- Lastly, make sure you get between 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Now, I know those who have kids, sometimes kids don’t get the memo. Try your best by going to bed early each night!
Besides flushing out your system with all the water, you are only eating unprocessed foods, which you will feel lighter and should give you more energy. This is a great way to focus on whole foods and add tons of vitamins and nutrients to your diet.
After the 3-5 days try to eat as many unprocessed foods as you can throughout the day. Prepare for the week ahead by stocking your refrigerator with fresh fruits and veggies and lean proteins. Comment on this blog post or my facebook page if you want to join me starting this coming Monday. GOOD LUCK!! Happy CLEAN Eating! 🙂
That’s a lot of criterion! I’m reviewing everything and thinking “could I do it?”. I do wonder, what benefits might I see if I’ve already been eating much better for the last month and a half? If I’ve already lost 10 pounds eating better…will this jump start even MORE weight loss for me? I’d really like to do this, but I think I’m nervous about eliminating bread/pasta/rice. The other stuff, I am pretty sure I can handle. You say raw veggies…can I also do some steamed or roasted veggies or does that defeat the purpose? I think I’m game to try this! I think I could use some sample menus though…because I’m uncertain. 🙂
Hi Christy! Make this whatever you want it to be. If you have been eating great and you just want to do a modified version of this plan, then go for it!
I’m going to go for it!
Lauren- I’m in! Anything to stop my afternoon goldfish/diet coke binge….
Count me in~DEFINITELY could use a jump start! I’ve been exercising for 2 weeks and still the same weight. Menopause/Over 40 stinks!!! lol Thanks Lauren!
Ok Lauren – I’m in…can I please have one cup of coffee/day – please!!!!
Shocking to see you write here Kel 🙂 Yes you can have 1 cup in the morning!!
Thanks for this wonderful information! I have been doing my best to eat healthier…trying to lower cholesterol and take off some pounds. My age (nearly 54) and my job are a hinderance to my efforts. Factory work (assembly 8-12 hours on my feet) isn’t very kind to my body or energy level which makes exercise difficult. Though doing my best to eat properly I have encountered a rather embarrassing problem…gas! Is there any way to counteract it when consuming all these vegetables???
You can count me in! 🙂 I eat gluten free and I’ve had some hiccups so this will definitely help me and my stomach to feel better. I don’t drink soda and typically drink a gallon of water a day, so that shouldn’t be too bad. This is exactly what I need right now, it is the perfect reboot to getting my eating back on track! Are you doing it for 3 or 5 days?
Great Holly! I give the option for 3-5 days so people don’t feel defeated that they didn’t last 5 days. The idea is to get rid of the guilt and to do the best you can! I am going to do it for 5 days! 🙂
Okay, I will do it for 5 days. I like how you do it for 3-5 days, I will probably need all 5. Any suggesstions for bloating with broccoli? I love it but have such a sensitive stomach and it usually causes me to bloat.
I’m joining in as a continuation – I started this on Monday but I’m hoping to extend. Yaaay!
I’m doing a similar detox at the moment and I feel great!
i am 78 years old and need to lose my last 5 lbs,but seem to be stumped,will this help?
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Hi! I don’t know anything about your dietary needs or requirements but this is a healthy jump start to clean eating. It’s safe and easy, give it a try! 🙂
I’m doing most of these things already and have lost 20 pounds. I’m gluten free, sugar free (mostly) and all my hives, upset stomach, regularity problems have vanished, plus I have lots of energy. However, I don’t juice. I do smoothies…raw fruits, coconut water and milk, greens…every day for one meal. I am not ready to give up coffee but I have fresh ground, organic, one cup a day. That’s my vice and I’m stickin’ to it! When you say quinoa, how about quinoa pasta? Or did you mean only the whole grain? I’m traveling this coming week but I think I can do most of this or at least try. Count me in!
Hi Georgene! When I say quinoa I mean actual quinoa, not quinoa pasta. What do you put in your coffee? Of course this is a plan that you can customize as your own. Thanks for joining! 🙂
I drink it black, of course! I really LIKE coffee, I don’t drink it for the buzz. It’s like a treat to me. And I only have the one cup but make it the very best it can be!
I think I’m going to do this. I eat a ton of fruit and vegetables now. My only down fall is coffee. I’ll treat myself to one cup a day, if any at all. I’m going to try to eliminate it. I have a few questions. If I skip one nut serving, can I use olive oil? I love roasted vegetables with olive oil and herbs. Oh and how about vinegar? is that allowed? Also, the lean meat, is it limited to one meal or can can I have it with two? One last question, sorry about this. How much greek yogurt can we eat? Thats it. I think I’m going to do this. Thank you! I need some way to blast the belly fat!!
Thanks for your questions! Yes you can have 1 TBS oil with your vegetables. Vinegar is ok, opt for apple cider vinegar. You can lean meats with two meals, just watch your serving sizes. You can have as much plain 0% (nonfat) greek yogurt as you want!! GOOD LUCK!
Saw this posted on Simply Gourmet Photography and am going to give it a try…. Not sure about not taking any diary products as I always have a glass of skim milk with dinner…Will buy some greek yogurt and maybe that will take over the glass of milk… but I need to do something and I am the type that needs to see results right away to stay with something. Once you do this how often should you go back to this 3=5 day quick start…
Hi there! This is safe to do whenever you need a jump start. This plan is not supposed to be strict at all. If you feel like you need some milk, then have it. The idea is to cleanse you of processed foods and all sugar (besides fruits) for a few days. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I saw this on the bar method facebook page–what a great idea! You inspired me to try it for 3 days, my only weakness is caffeine. Can I drink green tea with caffeine? Is 3-5 cups equivalent to coffee?! Thanks for the healthy “jump start”!
Hi Victoria! Yes, definitely drink the green tea with caffeine throughout the day. good luck and please feel free to ask any other questions 🙂
Can you use lemon, mint or ginger essential oils in your one gallon of water per day?
Hello Shellie! Yes, absolutely!! Thanks for asking 🙂
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive study something such as this just before. So great to locate somebody with some unique ideas on this topic. realy thank you for beginning this up. this webpage is something that is necessary on the web, somebody having a small originality. helpful profession for bringing something new for the internet!
Going to give this a shot starting on Monday, thanks for all the encouragement
Good luck Colleen! I devised so t’s easy and realistic! Let me know how you do! :0
I did the jump start and am eating a lot more healthy!!! I am down 8lbs and it’s just been over a week. Love the results!!!
Nicely done April!! So happy for you! 🙂
Lauren, I got this information from my brother Michael – Amy’s husband. I am excited to try it. Starting tomorrow morning. I have a couple of questions 1) Is canned tuna ok? 2) How much yogurt is a serving (1/2 cup I am guessing) 3) Are frozen veggies ok – like spinach 4) Is salmon considered a healthy fish? – I know it is high in fat 5) Is avacado ok?? Thanks!!
Patty
Hi patty! Welcome 🙂 Ok, here you go… !) Canned tuna,salmon, avocado are all healthy, but just not for the JUMP START. You can add those after the 5 days are over. 2) I serving of yogurt is 1 6 oz container. 3) Frozen veggies are fine! GOOD LUCK! 🙂
I’ve been eating clean up until a few days ago and last time I did the jump start it really helped. So, I decided I’m gonna do it again starting tomorrow.
Hi Holly! That is exactly why I started the JUMP START….for some to get BACK on track and for others to start! 🙂