Can Detox Diets Help You Lose Weight?

Consider the word diet...what does it really mean? When you hear the word you may think of a number of things - the desire to lose weight, the necessity of eating less in order for that to happen, and oftentimes the struggle to achieve the goal of a slimmer waist and toned body. Dieting is a billion-dollar industry in America, with thousands of people trying some brand of pill, shake, frozen dinner, or mail-order meal plan that claims so many pounds lost in thirty days. Diet, however, may also be defined as an eating regimen designed not necessarily to help you lose weight but to detox your body and promote better health. Question is, can a program like that bring you the added bonus of shed pounds?

Cleansing detox plans are done by people mainly for health improvement. Participants may adhere to a strict menu of specific foods, or liquid supplements in place of food, for a period of seven to fourteen days depending on the goal. The idea behinds these "diets" is to relieve the liver, kidneys, and other organs of unhealthy toxins that cause the body to become sluggish and fatigued. If you have ever experienced a slow metabolism and/or muscle and joint pain, a doctor may prescribe a new manner of eating to help kick start healthier habits.

The raw food detox diet, in particular, uses the abundance of vitamins and minerals in fruits, nuts, and vegetables to help restore energy and vitality, and to flush away what is damaging to your body. Eating like this regularly, however, may not shed weight drastically, but you might find you lose a pound here and there as the protein from nuts and the healthful properties of the vegetables helps to burn fat. Such foods, however, build muscle that weighs more than fat. At the very best, your body may eventually look more toned.

With a fasting-type program like the lemonade detox diet, however, it is possible to see dramatic results in a short time. This regimen has been used by celebrities needing to change the way their bodies look for an upcoming role - it is an intense week to two weeks of drinking a special lemon and maple syrup concoction with cayenne pepper that increases metabolism. One benefit to this diet is that it also aids in cleansing the body so you feel more energetic and willing to exercise more. However, this detox is not recommended for everyone - you must be able to withstand fasting, and follow the directions.

Can a detox diet help you lose weight? In some cases, depending on your body style and dedication to the plan, you may see smaller numbers next time you stand on a scale. However, the long-term goal of a detox diet is to cleanse your body and prepare for it healthful eating habits and exercise that will guide you through a life journey of weight loss. Sometimes a detox can be that kick to get you motivated.