No matter the time of year, it's tough to avoid quick-fix diet ads on social media. Whether you're seeing tempting plans that promise to get you back on track after the holidays or ads trying to goad you into trying fad diets by convincing you that you aren't ready to hit the pool, cleanses, detoxes, and other fast-fix plans are everywhere.
Spoiler alert: your body was made to detox, no expensive teas, powders, or supplements needed.
Here, we'll delve into why cleanses are so popular, why you don't need to follow a fancy detox to help get your nutrition back on track after enjoying the deliciousness of the holidays, and how to develop a mindset that supports a healthy relationship with food. We'll also go over the things you can do to support your body if you're interested in cutting down on sugar and refined foods, allowing you to harness the power of whole, nutrient-dense foods that help you feel your best.
Why are cleanses and detox diets so popular?
It's easy to get sucked into the allure of cleanses and detox diets. For a not-so-low price, many programs promise fast, lasting weight loss, all without experiencing hunger, mood changes, and other difficulties that often come with a dietary change.
Some of the reasons many people buy into the false promises of quick-fix diets include:
- Belief that the body needs to reset: While the body does a great job of detoxing itself, many people believe that they need to go through a cleanse or detox to "get back on track." In actuality, your liver and kidneys work to remove toxins from your body, and enjoying a diet that consists mainly of unprocessed, whole foods will eventually reduce cravings for foods that are less nutrient-dense.
- Cultural appeal: Many cultures use fasting and cleansing as a part of spiritual and religious practices. Some detox diets tap into the psychology behind connecting with ancient rituals, promising psychological and spiritual benefits in tandem with support of physical wellness.
- Visible short-term effects: Much like going through a stomach flu, your body will look temporarily dehydrated after completing a cleanse. Quick visible results are often used as a part of a detox diet's marketing efforts.
Detox diet myths
Marketing claims can make it tough to figure out what's real and what's not when it comes to detox diets. Let's explore some commonly believed myths that can make quick-fix plans so enticing.
Myth: Detox diets are necessary after indulgent eating.
Fact: Eating or drinking unhealthy foods excessively can cause you to feel bloated and sluggish, but short-term detoxes aren't necessary to reset your body. Simply returning to sustainable healthy eating is all that your body needs to return to its wellness baseline.
Myth: Results gained from detox diets tend to last.
Fact: Any weight loss you experience during a detox diet or cleanse is typically due to a severely limited caloric intake, water loss, or muscle depletion. Most often, these results are temporary, and the weight typically returns once you go back to eating normally.
Myth: Detox diets remove toxins from the body.
Fact: Your body's detox system works well on its own, and continually removes toxins from your system. Detoxing doesn't require restriction or excessive exercise. Instead, eating healthy, nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods can support your body's natural detox system while helping you feel energized and strong.
How to actually detox after eating unhealthily—no cleanse required
If enjoying treats during the holiday season has left you feeling less than your best, you're not alone. The good news: there's no need to resort to extreme detox diets in order to get back to feeling like yourself. Instead, engaging in practices that support your body's natural detoxification system can be a gentle, sustainable way to get back to normal.
Try these steps to support your liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin as they work overtime after the holiday season:
- Rehydrate your body. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day (and staying away from caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate your body) can support healthy kidney and gut function.
- Choose nutrient-dense foods. Natural, unprocessed foods (like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins) support your liver and digestive system, helping your body eliminate waste.
- Stay away from processed foods. We get it—when you're feeling tired after the holidays, it can be tempting to grab fast food or order delivery. Doing so, however, can create a cycle that's tough to escape. Instead of opting for convenience foods, cook at home whenever you can, creating meals with simple, whole food ingredients.
- Enjoy fiber-rich foods. Fiber helps your body eliminate waste that may be making you feel weighed down. Adding foods like oatmeal, lentils, chia seeds, apples, pears, and berries to your diet can add bulk to your stool, making it easier to use the restroom.
- Exercise. When you engage in healthy movement, you're supporting your body's circulatory and digestive systems, all while providing a boost in mood and energy.
- Limit or eliminate alcohol and caffeine. Both substances can put a strain on your liver, negatively impact your sleep, and leave you more prone to eating foods that aren't conducive to helping you feel your best. Enjoying herbal teas and plenty of water can help.
At Evidation, we're here to help you live your best life, one healthy decision at a time
Whether you're deciding to dial in your nutrition for the first time in your life or you have years of experience learning what foods help you feel your best, the Evidation team is here to support you on your journey to becoming your healthiest self. When you download our app, you'll have the chance to choose to share the health data that you're already tracking with us. We'll use this information to find trends and patterns. From there, we'll offer personalized, content-based insights that can help you determine the next steps in your health journey.
If you're ready to get started, we can't wait to support you. Click here to download Evidation and learn more about our app today.
