image by freeimageslive.co.uk – stockarch
In recent years detoxing has become popular way of cleansing the system and losing weight – fast. But while some view it as a beneficial way of ridding the body of toxins, which are thought to contribute to a number of illnesses, detox programmes can be expensive and there is very little scientific evidence to back up any health benefits.
When my boyfriend mentioned that he was thinking of detoxing to get rid of his paunch a few weeks ago, I didn’t actually think he’d go through with it. I had noticed he’d become quite concerned about his growing ‘beer belly’ of late, but his paranoia reached a new level after a button popped (or maybe burst) off his shirt last Monday afternoon.
He has now spent the last five days consuming nothing but lemon juice, water, natural tree syrup, a little cayenne pepper and peppermint tea. He calls it The Lemon Detox, which is a detox programme (much like the rest, I suppose), designed to cleanse your body over a recommended course of 14 days.
The real test was on Saturday night when he offered to cook me dinner. Knowing what a great cook he is, I couldn’t exactly say no. Yes, that’s right, I actually sat next to him and devoured a prawn omelette while he sipped on a browny-coloured, cayenne pepper-flavoured drink, the poor sod. Then I had popcorn for afters.
Luckily he hasn’t suffered any side effects (headaches and nausea are apparently the norm) despite losing 6lb in only five days. While, to some, losing that much weight may seem quite an accomplishment, he is only little and didn’t really need to lose any weight in the first place. Thankfully, he has now decided to finish the detox because, as he puts it, he feels he has done enough and deserves to eat something!
Some health experts say that detoxing can improve your eating habits and I would be inclined to agree – to a certain extent. What I don’t understand, however, is the benefit in practically starving yourself for days on end – regardless if you’re still getting the right nutrients or not.
In my opinion, cutting out certain food groups i.e. red meat, wheat, etc. can promote healthy weight loss, however denying yourself everything (whether healthy or not) can’t be good for you psychologically. For instance, my boyfriend said that while he didn’t feel overly hungry at any point during the detox, he thought about food constantly.
That said, I think he is glad he has done it as it was an experience at the end of the day. And, guess what, even I have noticed his three-month bump has gone down a bit!
Let's Talk About... 
I have had two pairs of trouser in the last week where the button has popped off!! Thinking I was putting on a few pounds I thought I might need a detox but after reading the article I think the best solutions would be to sew the buttons back on and perhaps lay off the snacks.
Thanks for the help.