Many people are attracted to the idea of a detox diet as a fast way to lose a few pounds. While it is effective for that purpose, it is also common knowledge that crash dieting is not good for the body's long term. But that does not mean that detox diet is bad for you. On the contrary, a detoxification can eliminate built-up toxins in the body, diminish congestion, cleanse the colon and kidneys, eliminate waste and hardened materials in the joints and muscles, and enhance circulation.
Why detox works
A detoxification process can also reverse built-up effects of foods that don't agree with your body, cause allergic reactions or even, just make you feel sluggish. You know the feeling after a few days of junk food, or vacation where you aren't always provided with the healthiest options? Not only are you prone to feeling icky, the buildup of "bad food" is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Other unfortunate side effects include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain. Detoxifying your system can be just what you need to improve or even reverse these conditions, and get your body back in order.
Detox with cabbage soup
The cabbage soup recipe detailed in this article uses the base ingredients of such fad diets as the "Master Cleanse" and "Lemonade" diets, which are basically cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and pure grade maple syrup. Sound delicious? We think not. Instead, pair these ingredients with delicious cabbage, seasoned tomatoes, tomato broth, carrots and celery, and you have a delicious, filling, savory detoxification meal.
While 10 to 14 days is the recommended amount of time for a complete detoxification plan, it is still a beneficial and healthy diet if you do it for a few days, or even one. Adding cabbage to your diet at any time provides an excellent source of Vitamin C, and also significant amounts of glutamine, an amino acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. So you will be doing your body and your taste buds a service if you enjoy this soup for even one meal.
A sample healthy detox diet would be to have Cleansing Cabbage Soup for either lunch or dinner (or both) along with some whole grain bread, crackers or rice. Round out your other meals with all-natural, high fiber options including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. As with any diet, you should also drink lots of water. Intake at least 8, 8 oz. glasses per day.
Cleansing Cabbage Soup Recipe
(Makes 10 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 1 can seasoned diced tomatoes (seasonings of your choice. Note: mexican spices will give the soup a spicier taste, while basil and oregano will provide an Italian-style soup.)
- one half head of a large cabbage (approximately 3 cups shredded)
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pure grademaple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, diced
Directions
- Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large stock pot on stove.
- Reduce heat and simmer for one hour or more until vegetables are desired consistency.
- Serve hot.
Anyone considering a detox diet should consult a qualified health professional and/or their medical doctor first.
Kelly Donlea - Kelly Donlea Where the right and left brain meet. Writing about food is my chance to bring my passion to my profession. My goal is ...
