10 Top Tips for a Diet Reset

Ok, it is time to get serious and take control of your diet. The good news is that you can with a little focus and a few diet tricks of the trade.

While there is no scientific evidence to show that the body needs to be detoxed, what a diet clean out can do is simply make us a little more aware of the bad food habits that have gradually crept into our lives and how much better we feel when we focus on eating fresh unprocessed foods. In this context a ‘diet reset’ is simply a short period of time in which the diet is based primarily around unprocessed, natural foods such as fruit and vegetables, nuts, wholegrains and seeds as well as small amount of nutrient dense, lean protein such as tuna and salmon.

It is a time to get rid of the extra sugars, and processed foods, and caffeine, and alcohol – all the foods that slip into our diet when we find ourselves busy, tired and overwhelmed with huge demands on our time. There is no need for special drinks or tablets or long periods of not eating as after just 3-5 days of eating this well will find that your sugar cravings disappear, as well as the constipation and bloated tummies. Your skin and hair will look healthier and you will have more energy than ever before, and you are even likely to drop a few kg in the process.

1. Commit for a period of 3-5 days.
2. Eliminate all caffeine from tea, coffee and cola drinks as well as alcohol.
3. Eliminate all processed biscuits, bars, cakes, muffins, cereals and snack food.
4. Eat at least 3 cups of vegetables or salad and 2 pieces of fruit each day.
5. Snack on fresh fruit or a handful of nuts.
6. Stick to lean proteins such as chicken breast and vegetables/salad for main meals.
7. Include 1- 2 cups of wholegrain carbohydrates such as oats, beans, chick peas and sweet potato as desired.
8. Expect to feel tired and headachy for the first couple of days before feeling revitalised by Day 3.
9. Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water each day. More than this is not necessarily better.
10. Do not over-train during your detox – a 30 -60 minute walk each day is more than adequate when you are not eating many calories.

Image: Susie Diet