Published 22:13 IST, October 30th 2019
Detox diets: Debunking 5 myths that everyone hears while detoxing
While the process of detoxing oneself is a necessity, there are a few myths associated with it that prove to be more harmful than beneficial. Read on to know.
While people are still basking in the post-festive fun, many are looking to detox themselves after the stressful weekend. While detoxing is a must, there are a few myths that one should know about. Here is the list of five myths about detox diets:
Juices and concoctions are a good way to detox
Juices and concoctions may contain fruits and vegetables but they have two drawbacks. They contain a higher quantity of sugar and do not have the same amount of fibre like fresh fruits or vegetables. Also, a liquid-only diet is never advisable for detox diets since one could end up starving themselves. Small quantities of meat and pulses are needed to boost the detoxing of the body. Drinking lots of water is, however, strongly recommended.
Detox is a diet
While the process of detoxing includes regulating one’s diet, it is not necessarily the same as dieting. For one, detox diets does not involve weight loss. It also does not mean starving or fasting. But one should always be careful to avoid sugar, junk food or barbecued food and include vegetables and fruits to their detox diets enhance the process of detoxing. Khichdi or daal-chawal are good detox meals to consume after a hectic Diwali schedule.
One should cut down on fats and carbs in detox diets
This is the most common thing that people resort to if they want to lose weight quickly. But carbs and fats are also important for the body as macronutrients. Instead of omitting them from the meal, one should focus on including them in healthy proportions for proper balanced detox diets.
No exercise, only diet
It is possible to lose weight through detox diets. But one also tends to lose muscle mass by not including any physical activity. If one wishes to tone their muscles, then exercising is a must. On the contrary, eating unhealthy foods and working long hours at the gym also affects the body adversely. Everything should be done in a balanced way.
Detox diets are an easy way out from months of over-indulging
While one usually thinks of detoxing themselves after some major indulgent sessions. They tend to opt for detoxing as a quick fix to it. While it may help them temporarily, one needs to really focus on the long term results. To keep oneself detoxed, they need to make changes to their everyday habits that will make a significant change. People need to think sustainably while thinking about undergoing the detoxing process.
Detox diets do not mean starving or depriving themselves of food. All changes to one's diets and eating habits should be made after consulting with a nutritionist. One should also consult a physician in case of the previous history of allergies.
DISCLAIMER: If any deteriorating of symptoms or new symptoms occur during a detox diet, one should visit a qualified health professional or consult a dietician. Also, the effects of the above information may vary from person to person.
Updated 00:06 IST, October 31st 2019