Should You Detox?

Published Jan 19, 2012

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Are you considering a detoxifying cleanse after all that holiday feasting? While there are many different types of cleanses it can be hard to decide which one is right for your body, and whether it's even worth it. Because, really, who wants to give up bread, pasta, and sugar? We spoke with New York City-based nutritionist Melissa Paris, and learned that while a cleanse is a great way to hit the reset button on your body, it isn't going to change your life.

There are a slew of detoxifying cleanses (and diets) on the market. From the juice cleanse to the no-carbs or sugar diet, plenty of dietitians, nutritionists, and companies are telling you to purge yourself of unwanted chemicals and bad food. But which one is the best? "I believe the juice cleanse is the best for your body," says Melissa. “A juice cleanse will ensure you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs and not missing out on anything.”

So what about those other detox plans? "Cutting out carbs and sugar for a week is not going to do your body any good, as you need these nutrients to function properly," says Melissa. Nor is going on a program that only allows you to eat or drink only one thing, such as the infamous spicy lemonade Master Cleanse. Your body won't be getting essential vitamins or minerals, which can make you seriously ill. "The best cleanse is to cut out all sugar, alcohol, and caffeine from your diet for just two to three days—but no longer," says Melissa. "You can still eat regular food, but the short break from those addictive foods will give your body time to recharge and heal itself. A cleanse is never going to completely change your lifestyle habits, cause significant weight loss, or make you a whole new person.” You should think of it as hitting the reset button on your body and giving it a vacation—just like when you take a mental break from the everyday stresses of work. Instead of being an instant fix, a cleanse just gives you enough time to stop the cravings you have for unhealthy foods—such as cookies, chips, or anything that contains mostly processed sugar and chemicals—and start a new, healthier lifestyle that you should work on all year long.

Melissa Paris is a New York City-based personal trainer and nutritionist. She has a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Montclair State University and is actively involved in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Association. Her philosophy emphasizes long-term results through challenging and varied workouts. She strives to focus on positivity, self-empowerment, and enjoyment throughout her process. Follow her on twitter @melissa_paris for fitness and healthy eating tips!

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Jan 22, 2012

Stephanie T.

I did a raw diet a few times and I definitely felt so much better afterwards! I think i lost about 5-7 pounds in the process but the thing was i wasnt doing it to loose weight, I did it mainly to cleanse my body. Basically you eat only raw foods, nothing cooked, nothing preserved, strictly raw. I felt so energized at the end of it. actually thinking about doing it again since I have been feeling a little sluggish lately and m eating habits are quite horrible right now.

Jan 03, 2013

Kim P.

I've wanted to do the raw diet for a while because I'm sick of limiting myself to only a certain amount of food, I want to be able to eat healthy grains with nutella or drink chocolate milk whenever! Do you have any planning tips for a raw diet? I'm 15, and my mom does all the shopping, and I tend to be lazy and go for overly processed school lunches, all those excuses you've probably heard before.

Jan 22, 2012

Lindsay Z.

I am going to try this! What is the best way to loose weight in your arms? I feel like since ive gained some weight thats where it all went! HELPPP!! lol

Jan 21, 2012

LeeAnn B.

I have always hesitated when it came to detoxes because the majority of them sound extreme and dangerous. Also, I already live a pretty active lifestyle and see a detox as a loss of valuable energy and vitamins for me.

Jan 03, 2013

Kim P.

You could always do a main raw foods diet with whole grains and tons of water on the side. You really don't need all that other stuff, because fruits, vegetables, and whole grains really contain all the energy and vitamins you'll even need.

Jan 21, 2012

Nikki B.

I like to go vegan for a week or 2 as a cleanse. With all the fruits and veggies I start to have more energy, and a plus it helps me get back on track to making healthier choices once I stop it.

Jan 20, 2012

Blondee B.

ive thought of trying a detox diet thing but wasnt sure what to include and exclude now ill have a pretty good idea of what to eat i cant wait to try it!!!!!!

Jan 19, 2012

Sassybeth B.

I did a vegan detox and lost 15 pounds, I feel so amazing and have never had so much energy before!!

Jan 19, 2012

Myra W.

Explain please!

Jan 20, 2012

Blondee B.

my boy friend is a vegan and basicly hes a vegitarian, but he doesnt eat dairy, eggs, or fish. nothing from any animal, so basically he lives on pickles and he reasearched it and kraft mac and cheese is actually vegan friendly if you use almond, or soy milk or just water instead of regular milk lol ill never have to cook another thing ever again!!! yay me!!!

Elite

Jan 19, 2012

Jasmine P.

I really dislike when people do detoxes that don't incorporate the vitamins you need when you're omitting foods that you need in your diet. This article is great for people who are going into it blindly. I have a friend who does a detox every year before lent starts and he becomes so irritable, tired, pale, etc. during the process. It's just not healthy.

Jan 20, 2012

Belle G.

I agree

Jan 21, 2012

LeeAnn B.

I love that you pointed this out! I agree with you 100% on this, I just think making the switch to healthier fresher foods is a better resort than going on a juice cleanse.

Elite

Jan 23, 2012

Jasmine P.

I think in some circumstances it's a great idea, but only if it's done the right way. I agree with you though LeeAnna bout just switching to eating healthier food.

Jan 03, 2013

Kim P.

Before Christmas break this year, my class through a Christmas party among ourselves and honestly 95% of the food was cookies, cake, and soda. I just settled for half a plate of the fruits of the only fruit platter and cranberry juice, and when I sat at the table my friends all looked at me and asked if I was anorexic and dieting and told me I shouldn't do that to myself but it just kind of irritated me because so little people know the benefits of choosing fruits over cakes and cookies. I know it's the holidays and a cookie every once and a while isn't going to hurt, but I'd also just eaten lunch and knew I was going to go to a family christmas party with tons more cookies and cakes, so fruiting myself that day was not even really depriving myself of anything.

Jan 19, 2012

Stephanie v.

I've done the maplesyrupdiet a year ago. It's not really a diet(you do lose weights though) but it's to detox your body in 10 days. I lost 12 pounds in 10 days.. and gained 15 after, what a disaster! Detoxing wasn't fun, it was horrible.. You can only drink this maplesyrup drink with lemonjuice, which taste awefull.

Jan 03, 2013

Kim P.

The maple-syrup-diet sounds horrible. Raw food/vegan for 10 days is much more beneficial, I hope you try it some day so you see how good real detoxing feels.

Jan 19, 2012

Xuan N.

for "detoxing" i generally cut out sweets and salty foods and increase my water intake by a lot. i also drink corn silk tea (natural diuretic). it's not torturous either. i just make sure i don't eat ramen/cookies, or drink soda. by the end of the week i usually lose 2-3 lbs of yucky/water retention caused by bad food.

Jan 19, 2012

Tara L.

I've tried a juice cleanse, and it was really hard! The only thing is that I seem to have forgotten exactly how much I hated it, because now I'm thinking of doing it again!