(This article was written by our guest, Marie Ortiz, a DIY Mother. As we continue our health kick and follow our New Year’s resolutions to stay fit, we enjoyed learning Marie’s way of quick cleanses.)
I’ve tried every fad-diet that exists: from low-carb to no-carb to sugar-free. The reason none of them have worked is because I’m perpetually lazy. I don’t want to count calories or track my food with an app. I’ve found that the best motivator for losing weight is an “event.” Something that I want to look good for to give me a time frame for weight loss. Weddings, baby showers, family get-togethers…I’ll look for any excuse to do a quick cleanse. I circle the date on my calendar, and start the preparation process.
If you’re a lazy girl like me, this probably sounds familiar.
I’ve put together a quick list of all of my go-to fasts for an event. Each fast focuses on only one type of food; that way, there’s no counting or wondering.
These aren’t meant to be used for long-term dieting. They’re simply ingredients to use for a week or two in order to shed about 10-20 pounds. Keep in mind that the weight lost is usually water weight and if you return to eating poorly, you’ll gain it all back within 3 days. Trust me, I’ve done it.
Fruit
Bananas, apples, mangoes, pineapples, etc. There is no fruit that’s off-limits. Be sure to eat your fruit every two hours beginning at 8a.m. and stop eating it by 8p.m. The antioxidants and vitamins in the fruit will brighten your skin.
Note: I’ve found that drinking coconut juice (straight from the coconut) will help keep you regular.
Vegetables
Eating nothing but vegetables is a surefire way to regulate bowel movements-making you feel lighter. If all you need is a week of preparation, try eating different salads every day. For snacks, eat carrots, tomatoes, and other small, raw veggies.
Yogurt
Yogurt cleans out your intestines through its live cultures. Greek yogurt, especially, helps to feed the good bacteria in your body and rid you of the bad. Try doing it for four days. Add in fruit or granola if you can’t stomach plain yogurt.
Water
I went on a 4-day water cleanse after I had a water softener installation in my kitchen and it worked wonders. After the second day of dizzy spells and occasional headaches, I felt rejuvenated. My skin was clearer, my body looked totally different than the week before, and I had energy.
Some view water fasting as the only way to truly “purify” and heal the body.
(Disclaimer: I am by no means promoting unhealthy eating habits. I am providing information from my own explorations in extreme dieting. Fasts aren’t intended for weight loss. They are detox methods to purify and cleanse your mind and body; the weight loss is an added bonus.)
About the author:
Marie Ortiz is a blogger, DIY enthusiast, and mother of two beautiful girls. She is always working on new ways for her girls to develop and learn, and loves to share all of her discoveries along the way. When she is not perusing the Internet for inspiration, you can find her at the farmers’ market or looking for new deals on beauty products at her local drugstore. You can check her out at www.DIYMother.org.