You are what you eat, they say. But there’s a good chance that your gut health is being destroyed by what you’re eating, which hurts and makes you uncomfortable. Although the human body is resilient and can heal itself, there are many ways of cleansing human bodies, with one being detoxification via juicing.
A juice detox diet has many benefits, including improved digestion, more energy, mental clarity, and glowing skin. It is done by consuming only fruit and vegetable juices for a specific period, typically 3–10 days. Some people do it to reset their eating habits, some to detoxify their bodies, and others do it for both reasons.
What to Do After Detoxification?
If you have just completed a juice cleanse, you probably feel pretty good about yourself—light, healthy, and refreshed. But before you dive headfirst into your old eating habits, it is important to think about what you put into your body after a cleanse. There are certain foods you should incorporate back into your diet and others to avoid. We’ve put together some helpful ideas of what you should and shouldn’t eat to ensure that post-cleanse eating goes smoothly and allows room to avoid any unwanted side effects or complications from starting off slowly with new habits!
DO EAT:
Fruits and Vegetables – These are the foundation of a healthy diet and are essential after a cleanse. Choose fresh, organic produce whenever possible. Add at least 2 fruit and 3 vegetable servings, either steamed or raw, per meal. Moreover, incorporate a wide variety of colors to get the most benefit from different phytonutrients. Another important food component is fiber; get as much fiber as possible from high-fiber vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, apples, carrots, and raspberries, to keep your digestive system functioning.
Whole Grains – After a master cleanse, your body craves fiber and complex carbohydrates. Include whole grains in your diet to help with regularity and digestion. Quinoa, brown rice, and oats are all great choices. Whole foods being more nutritious than processed ones, will benefit your body and be light on your digestive system.
Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are all great options. They are packed with fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Adding a handful of nuts or a tablespoon of chia seeds to your morning smoothie or oatmeal is a great way to start your day.
Lean Protein – After a cleanse, you might feel lighter and less bloated, so it is important to get enough protein to help your body function properly. Chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes are excellent protein sources. Add them to salads and grain bowls, or make a simple stir-fry for dinner. You should aim for about 20-25 grams of protein per meal.
Healthy Fats – Incorporating healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, tofu, peanut butter, and coconut oil, back into the diet is crucial. These help with nutrient absorption and are great for cooking or adding to meals. Healthy fats can keep you satiated and full, which reduces your tendency to snack and undo the cleanse’s positive effects.
Water – It is important to drink plenty of water every day, but it is especially crucial after a master cleanse when consuming mostly liquids. Aim for 8-10 glasses per day. Herbal tea is a great way to stay hydrated and get additional benefits from different herbs.
DON’T EAT:
Processed Foods – These are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
Alcohol – Alcohol is high in sugar and calories and can dehydrate your body.
Caffeine – Coffee, tea, and energy drinks can interfere with sleep and increase anxiety levels.
Sugar – Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, cavities, and diabetes.
Conclusion
After you finish your juice fasting, you must ease your way back into eating solid foods again. Reintroduce solid foods into your diet gradually; start with small meals that are easy to digest and gentle on your stomach. Soups, smoothies, and raw fruits and vegetables are all good options. And be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Your body has been through a lot during the cleanse and needs time to adjust. Be patient with yourself and listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs.