Feeling heavy, bloated and sluggish after having a little too much festive season fun? This alkalise cleanse plan will have you feeling fresh and fabulous in just five days! Following this daily diet plan will feed your body with the nutrients needed to cleanse, detoxify and repair. Zoe Bingley-Pullin, Nutritionist and founder of the online food program Falling In Love With Food shares the ultimate 5-Day cleanse to feeling fabulous.
5-Day Alkalise Cleanse
Drink at least 6-8 glasses (approx. 300ml per glass) of fresh vegetable juice and vegetable broth throughout the day at 2 hour intervals. Carrot, spinach, beetroot and cucumber juice are all suggested. Juices are useful in weight-loss programs because they are filling yet low in calories, high in water and nutrients. In addition, drink plenty of purified non-carbonated mineral water and herbal teas to ensure you are not dehydrated.
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Continue to drink the juices, broth, water and teas, adding raw or cooked vegetables and fruits. Grape fruit is particularly recommended. Like other citrus fruit it helps the digestive system breakdown fats. It also cleanses the urinary system and is a diuretic. Watermelon is probably the most potent diuretic amongst the fruits and can help with fluid retention.
In addition to the above introduce a serving of wholegrain bread (1 slice), beans (a cup), nuts and seeds (a cup).
In addition to the above introduce a serving of fish (160g) (extra two day).
In addition to the above introduce a serving of dairy products and/or a serving of lean chicken or lean red meant (150g).
A vegetable broth (like the one below is an excellent addition to a cleans. It will help to alkalise your system (eating too much meat, alcohol, sugar, salt and caffeine all make your body’s systems over-acid) and also help to detoxify your system. The spinach has a mild laxative effect and will stimulate the liver, gall bladder and aid blood and lymph circulation. Drink approximately 500ml, warmed, daily during all stages of the detox.
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Vegetable Broth Recipe
1 large unpeeled sweet potatoes, chopped
2 large unpeeled carrots, chopped
6-8 spinach leaves, torn
1 medium beetroot, chopped
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 leek, chopped
2 cups of cabbage
4 stalks of celery, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
Add any fresh herbs
Place all vegetables in a saucepan with enough water to cover the ingredients. Simmer over very low heat for an hour or two. Strain and drink. (Note: You may want to add chilli, ginger, watercress or tomato).
