Why You Should Never Do A "Detox"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why You Should Never Do A "Detox"

To juice or not to juice.

16
Why You Should Never Do A "Detox"

The sparkle of the holiday season is long gone and you’re emerging from a hangover of mashed potatoes, Christmas cookies, and too much brie. You’re ready to get back on track. New year, new you. Right? Time to “cleanse your system.”

You've heard of the many detoxes and cleanses guaranteeing you will “lose 10 pounds in seven days.” Maybe you want to "reboot and re-energize in just five days." A quick and easy way to lose weight and revitalize sounds pretty harmless, so why not give it a try?

The summer before I entered college, my mom and I decided to give one of these detoxes a try. We cut out almost every food group, sipping expensive and scary-looking juices for seven days straight. It was miserable. Tired, cranky, emotional, depressed, and headachy, I steered clear of the kitchen all day in order to avoid the sight or smell of any real, solid food. I was so damn hungry I resented anyone spotted chewing their meal.

So how do these detoxes even work? Often, detoxes completely eliminate solid or substantial food for three days, seven days, even two weeks. You cut out the obviously harmful foods like sugar and other chemically processed foods, but you also run the risk of eliminating some essential nutrients, particularly protein and fat. Without protein and fat, you rid your body of its healing nutrients, resulting in muscle loss and a weakened immune system. This explains that tired, weak, and sick feeling. Who wouldn't be cranky and sad?

Everyone's doing it and the temptation is undeniable. Avid Pinterest-ers and health-blog readers are inundated with the newest, hottest, easiest cleanse or detox you “have to try today.” Many even have celebrity support. The “blueprint cleanse,” “master cleanse,” and Beyonce’s “lemonade detox” convince us Hollywood has the answer. Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Drew Barrymore have also attached their names. They not only look great, but claim to feel great also, who wouldn't want a piece of this magic?

Then there's the cost. While money is no object to these celebrities, most of us can't afford an expensive juice cleanse every week. It's no big deal for Sarah Jessica to shell out $200 for a five-day supply of juice, but personally I'd rather spend that $200 on weeks worth of groceries with enough left over for a movie ticket. Weeks of groceries, or just 5 days of juice? You decide.

While these extreme detoxes may result in temporary weight loss, the pounds may return rapidly when you begin eating a normal, nutrient-rich diet -- the kind you chew. Doesn’t sound quite so glamorous anymore, does it? People are meant to eat. Your body neither wants nor needs to be detoxed. So grab a fork and eat, just eat sensibly.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58803
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37950
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959479
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195201
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments