10 Simple tips for a successful detox 
February seems to be the new January of New Year’s resolutions – well since I’ve become a parent of school age children anyway. January wasn’t the time to focus on myself, it was all about the kids. Now that they are back to school and I have some time on my hands it was time to get back on track.
My energy levels had been really low, I was craving sugar and clothes were a little tighter after the Christmas holidays so I (am my husband) decided to try the 3 day food matters detox. I ’m not going to lie – even though my normal diet is fairly healthy – I still struggled on this detox. Its not that the program is too extreme, it was just that I struggled because I didn’t follow the advice I would give to someone else starting the detox. I was unprepared and I just dove straight in!
So in case you are considering a detox here are my tips to learn from my mistakes –
1 – Early to bed the night before
First few days of a detox generally leave you feeling lethargic. (I needed a nanna nap the first 2 days). Getting to bed early the night before will give you the best possible start for your detox.
2 – Reduce caffeine before you start
Trust me those around you will appreciate you for this. Caffeine withdrawal in itself can cause headaches, moods swings and fatigue. Going from being a big coffee drinker to zero in one day is often too much for you (and those in your path) to bear so try cutting down to one a day leading up to a detox.
3 – Skip any vigorous training
I actually made the mistake of going to run club the first day of my detox even though I knew better – BIG mistake. I was extra hungry, tired and felt really unwell. Swap vigorous training for a walk, yoga or a swim. These activities will also keep your mind off the foods and drinks you are missing.
4 – Rest
You will be tired, unbelievably tired. My diet is generally pretty healthy but it was still tough for me to go without protein. First day was the toughest (mainly because I trained in the morning) and then it became easier and easier. Rest is just as important part of the process as eating healthy food and drinking lots of water.
5 – Variety
Variety in textures and flavours will keep you motivated and interested.
6 – Out with the bad and in with the good.
Stock your fridge with all the ingredients you need for the first 3 days. Like any dietary change having the right ingredients on hand makes life easier and stops you reaching for temptation.
7 – First day is the worst – it does get easier.
Its only one day – what’s one day in the scheme of things (or that’s what we kept telling our selves)! The second day was much easier than the first and the third easier than the second. Trust me.
8 – Drink lots of water
This will help to curb your appetite and increase the elimination of toxins.
9 – If it gets too much don’t give up
Ideally follow the detox 100% but if you can’t try a healthy source of fats or protein (small piece of fish or an organic egg) and avoid the guilt. Detox is not just about the process but a reset in eating habits.
10 – Pre-warn people around you (this tip is from my husband who is not a fan of going with out caffeine and suffers from “hangry-“ ness when deprived of food)
I might not have put it quite like that but it is good to tell family and friends of your plans before you start. This will give them a heads up for when you are grumpy/ tired, also makes you accountable to stick to your plan.
As difficult as it was, I definitely feel much better after it all. My husband now only has one coffee a day (he was having 3-4 double shots before our detox), he lost 3 kg and has completely turned his eating habits around. For me, my sugar cravings have gone and my energy levels are great. I am going to aim to do this detox every quarter. Whether you are doing a detox for the first time, once a month or a few times a year, these tips will hopefully help make the process a little easier. I know next time round I will be much more prepared!
