Health

Detox Diaries: My One-Day Detox

A McDonald's-eating detox-newbie goes on her first cleanse. Can she do it? Will she change her fast food-eating ways? Find out

by Sharon J. Yi

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The plan The program includes a seven-day prequel that leads up to a one-day fast, then ends with a three-day sequel when you're reintroducing foods into your diet. Unlike other detoxes, the Fast Track plan doesn't provide a strict diet menu. Gittleman simply lays out eight categories of foods that you have to consume every day, from the "liver-healing" foods (like Brussels sprouts and kale) to "colon-caring" foods (like apples and flaxseeds). You can, therefore, create your own menu and vary your meals as long as you incorporate each group and control your portions.

There are also the "Detox Detractors" that you must avoid, which include fats (think fried foods, sugar, and all processed foods), gluten, soy products, alcohol, and caffeine. While the advice in the book is to gently wean yourself off these detox no-nos, I (unwisely) ignored that advice. Turns out it's amazingly hard to not stop for a venti iced coffee when that's what you're used to doing every morning on your way to work. You'll see how my venti coffee habit turns me into a raging b-word on this detox diet next.

SEE NEXT PAGE: My starting point

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Older comments

REALLY loving this! I used to be a caffeine addict, but I switched to water in the school where I teach because it has no A/C and is hot year 'round (the heating is very intense and dry in the winter). I realized that I became "addicted" to water and can't really handle caffeine the way I used to; I like that.

by GigiSD Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 01:21PM Report as inappropriate

I appreciate the honest assessment.

by purple9a Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 05:53AM Report as inappropriate

I wanna try it... Sounds good!

by Zeaundra Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 09:21AM Report as inappropriate

This was great info, I was just looking into detoxing especially after all the crap I've ate during the Holidays!!!

by MizzPink Friday, January 4, 2013 at 07:17AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting article. I've been thinking about doing a detox, maybe now is the time!

by WiccanLady Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 04:16PM Report as inappropriate

I couldn't do it, I'd take death if I can't have my caffeine intake!

by yestfl Monday, November 19, 2012 at 01:53PM Report as inappropriate

That is so terrifying, but your detox is probably the only one I've read so far that I feel capable of doing.

by schien Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 05:37PM Report as inappropriate

I have begun a serious diet - I will add a Detox into it soon. I still stop for a fast food but no later than 3pm. Actually my life have been a continual diet.

by Janann Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 07:29PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting & well written. And definitely educational.

by tallredamanda Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

Thank you so much for this! You had to deal with a little torture! This sounds like a good detox, but I am one of the people who needs something with my medication (thank you for mentioning that by the way) but the pre-tox sounds interesting!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 02:41PM Report as inappropriate