Article for The Times Of India

--REJUVENATE WITH THE DETOX DIET--
Fitness today is much more than merely looking good. It relates more to the ‘feel good’ factor that adds to the effervescence and confidence that one feels from within. The drive to attain the svelte look and the key to keep fit seem to come with a wholesome and healthy diet coupled with an earnest and guided work-out.

A Detox Diet is a dietary regimen aimed at removing the toxins or contaminants present in the body. Toxins can come from food or water or from chemicals used to grow or prepare food. They can even come from the polluted air that we breathe. Our bodies bring in toxins and then process those toxins through organs like the liver and the kidneys. If accumulated, they can create serious health hazards. Following a Detox diet is an attempt at detoxifying the body and cleansing it internally by following a certain schedule of food consumption.

Seema Thakur, Pune’s leading fitness expert elucidated the intricacies of a Detox diet plan. She explained, “A Detox diet is ideally effective if followed for at least a fortnight. The indispensable thumb rules of the diet include the consumption of lots of fruits, vegetables and water and the abstinence from alcohol and caffeine. This helps in keeping the body hydrated and also in radiating the skin. The diet maintains a gradual progression from liquid to semi-liquid to semi-solid and finally solid food intake. The typical diet constituents are essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and fibres that can be obtained from various fruit juices like orange, grape, lemon, apple or pineapple and food preparations like vegetable soups, salads, steamed cabbage or broccoli and roasted chicken. Herbal tea containing peppermint or chamomile can be taken. Also fish, organic chicken or some beans such as lentils, mung or black beans can be consumed to maintain the protein levels”.

Speaking about the ideal work-out regime, fitness trainer, Rajeshree Sureshmane said, “While following a Detox diet, work-out needs to be carefully monitored as the carbohydrate intake is highly reduced, which can alter one’s energy levels. Thus, a steady but low-intensity work-out needs to be carried out. It needs to be holistic including cardio-sets, abs and toning exercises. It is quintessential to warm up before the work-out and incorporate the cooling down exercises involving stretching and relaxation after the work-out. Work-outs coupled with yoga and meditation can work wonders and can be really synergetic for the body”.

After all, for that perfect silhouette, we surely need to burn it up!