Detoxing is based on the concept that your body needs help getting rid of unwanted toxins from contaminants in processed foods and the environment. In theory, once free of toxins, your body functions better and your metabolism soars so you can shed those extra pounds.
I choose the UltraSimple Diet because I read about it in Experience Life and it sounded short & simple at just 7 days. I also didn't want to buy or deal with anything complicated or weird like herbs, pills, powders, enemas, and other forms of intestinal and colon cleansing that are part of some detox diets. Those aren't necessary with this plan.
I also like that there is no starving or fasting on this plan. I don't like the word diet as I don't plan to restrict myself on eating. I'll follow the plan and won't eat the "bad foods" and instead I'll focus on the "good foods" that are allowed.
It's only 7 days and I'm really excited to see if I feel better, sleep better and loose a couple of pounds. I'm starting Sunday and I'll be keeping a daily journal as the book suggests and I'll blog about it next week.
Below is a basic outline of the UltraSimple diet.
6 Steps of the UltraSimple Diet
- Get Rid of Bad Foods — (causes of toxicity and inflammation)
- Add Good Foods — (detoxifying and anti-inflammatory)
- Detoxify — (cleansing and detoxifying UltraBroth drink, plus herbal laxative as needed)
- Reduce Inflammation — (anti-inflammatory UltraShakes)
- Relax — (relaxing and detoxifying UltraBath every night)
- Reflect — (reflect on, and journal, your learning and feelings during the program)
Bad foods to be eliminated
(starting with the preparation week, then entirely absent during the program)
- High-fructose corn syrup and all sugars
- Trans or hydrogenated fats
- Processed and junk foods, fast foods
- Artificial sweeteners
- Foods with additives, preservatives, and colors
- Caffeine and alcohol (except green tea)
Foods to eat
- Filtered water (6 – 8 glasses per day)
- Fish (especially non predatory species such as sardines, herring, wild salmon, black cod or sable fish, sole, and cod)
- Lean white meat chicken breasts
- Fresh or frozen non citrus fruits (ideally berries only)
- Fresh vegetables
- Fresh vegetable broth (3 – 4 cups per day)
- Legumes (lentils, navy beans, adzuki beans, mung beans, tofu, and others)
- Brown rice
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and pumpkin seeds)
- Flax seeds (ground)
- Lemons
UltraBroth is a vegetable broth, whose recipe is included in the book. Dr. Hyman recommends one should drink 3–4 cups of UltraBroth per day, as part of a meal or as a snack.
UltraShake also has a recipe provided, and is designed to sustain you, even out your blood sugar, and help control your appetite throughout the day. UltraShake contains essential protein for detoxification, omega-3 fatty acids from flax oil, fiber for healthy digestion, increased elimination from flax seeds, and anti-oxidants and phytonutrients from berries and fruit. Variations are suggested to maintain interest.
UltraBath is a 20 minute bath before bed each night, in a hot bath containing Epsom salts, baking soda and lavender oil to the recipe given. UltraBath promotes relaxation, enhances detoxification, and improves sleep.
Have you ever tried a detox? Do you want to try one for the first time?
This post was shared at Small Footprint Friday, Your Green Resource
