The truth about diet cleanses - 4 biggest myths debunked

Thanks to much of what we hear in the media, “diet cleanse” has earned a reputation for being unhealthy and even unsafe. When you hear the word “cleanse,” you immediately think of all-liquid diets, expensive supplements and short-term deprivation for short-term gains?

The truth is, a diet cleanse doesn’t have to involve any of the above—and if you do it in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve lasting results in weight loss, energy gain and full-body health.

The following are four myths you may have heard about cleanses, making them scarier than intended. The purpose behind a cleanse is to eliminate junk foods from your diet and replace it with nutrient-rich foods that help your body’s natural detoxification process. Keep reading to find out the truth behind these myths and why a diet cleanse might be just what your body is craving.

Myth # 1: You won’t enjoy anything you’re eating while on a cleanse.

While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, a cleanse isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil. There are many delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy ingredients that not only taste amazing, but nourish and help your body detoxify itself.

The best part is, many of them don’t involve any fancy ingredients and can be prepared even by a cooking novice. In fact, my cleanse participants always discover new foods and recipes that they absolutely love that have become staples in their diets long after the detox ends.

Myth #2: You’ll constantly be hungry while on a cleanse.

While you might end up consuming fewer calories, you shouldn't feel deprived or hungry. Going on an extremely low-calorie diet, long-term can actually disrupt your hormones and metabolism, making your body less efficient in the long run.

Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a cleanse should never dictate how many calories you consume. By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you help detox your body while feeling satisfied. My participants are always amazed that they don't feel hungry during my cleanses.

Myth #3: You need to do an all-liquid detox to remove toxins from your body.

Liquid-only cleanses have had more than their fair share of popularity. These types of cleanses can backfire: not only do people often gain the weight back as soon as the cleanse ends, such restrictive eating for several days can be detrimental to your health unless following a well-designed and monitored intermittent fasting cycle. An effective cleanse will include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body and produce long-term results.

Myth #4: A diet cleanse is just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements.

Supplements involved in a cleanse should be just that, a supplementary part of the program, not the primary source of your nutrition. While on a cleanse, you get most of your vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources. Supplements may be recommended to help your body make the most of the nutrients it receives from these foods. For example, probiotics may help your body’s GI tract function properly to better absorb vitamins and minerals, and remove toxins from the body. However, not everyone will need or benefit from this supplement.

Aside from the benefits discussed above, a cleanse is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term.

I’ve worked with cleanse participants who not only have lost weight and kept it off, but who have also seen their energy level skyrocket, their skin clear up and even their allergies disappear.

If you’re ready to discover the benefits of a cleanse for yourself, click here to learn more about my upcoming 21 Day Jump Start.

It starts on January 15th.

What questions or concerns do you have about participating in a cleanse?

Before you try something new, like a cleanse, it’s normal to feel hesitant. I want to hear from you. Email me at laurel@lbsfitwell.com. I read every email that comes into my inbox and I promise to email you back personally.

My cleanse is meant as a jump start to healthier eating while enabling the body to function optimally and heal through nutrient-packed, whole foods. It is not intended to cure diseases or chronic conditions. As always, consult with your primary care provider to determine your best course of action.