Hmmmm, so which detox diet to go for? The two-day liquid only; the seven-day brown rice; the five day fruit and veg. Decisions, decisions. I have to say, none of them appeal greatly given that I am a growing gal that likes her nosh. But now while things are quiet is a good time to hit it and like all these things which require discipline and motivation, the results are worth the effort. Much cheaper than botox!
The point of detoxing is to give the body a rest and to allow the liver to clean itself and the cells in the digestive tract to replace themselves. Technically, the liver should be able to do the job itself, afterall we are a highly evolved species. But somehow, nature didn't quite expect us to be stuffing our faces with chocolate cake and consuming vast quantitites of Sauvignon Blanc. I am speaking for myself here but expect I am not far different to your average late-forty-something female with varying degrees of stress in her life. At the end of a long day, red wine is where I am at, even if I know that a cup of peppermint tea is probably going to do a better job of relaxing me. So the liver, albeit quite a trouper needs a little helping hand now and then. Once a year at a minimum is recommended by the various websites I have referenced but some advocate a water-only day every week. For me, moderation in everything (except red wine) and I think a couple or three times a year is about right.
My personal rationale for detoxing is two-fold. One, to help counteract the stress I have been feeling recently and two, to help me lose weight. Some of you will know from my previous posts about the spa break at Ragdale Hall that I feel I am enveloped in a kind of Mrs-Blobby-Fat-Suit. Whilst no one could call me fat, at the same time I am carrying about a stone more than I was two years ago. And now, its time for that to go. If only because it will double my wardrobe at no extra cost. Afterall, what's the point in forking out for new kit when one already has stuff that for a bit of weight loss can come out from the back of the wardrobe. So, it's as much about economics as health. I save money, I get back into my clothes, I look good in my clothes. QED and all that.
I have decided, then, on the 7-Day Detox Miracle program from the book written by Peter Bennett, Sara Faye and Stephen Barrier. I've chosen this one because the reviews of the book are extensive and 
positive, though all from women, strangely. The book is quite academic and well referenced and gives lots of background about how detoxing have been used in various cultures, for example by the Chinese, for a thousand years. I am hoping that all that history and experience will result in sparkling eyes and a neater waistline. The program begins with a two-day fast on liquids only, followed by a carefully planned five-day detox diet which it tells me will allow my organs and digestive system to have a bit of a rest. I have been warned that I may feel crappy, tired and perhaps a little short-tempered over the two-day fast. Some of my friends may well not notice the difference.
More on my detox adventure later.