Tried and Tested 10-day Detox…

Is taking a break from coffee, wine and red meat all it’s cracked up to be? We go on a 10-day cleanse to find out

I do love a good detox plan. I have been doing detoxes once or twice a year for the past 10 years and have been amazed how much they have evolved in that time.

Forget subsisting on carrot sticks and repackaged laxatives, the modern cleanse features clean, delicious, wholesome food.

With some careful planning, it’s possible to go DIY, but if you want a plan that’s easy to follow and stick to, there are some fabulous companies that will deliver healthy meals to your door so you don’t have to do a thing.

For my most recent detox, I trialled the Dietlicious 10-day Cleanse. Here’s how it went…

DAY 1 I wake up with a sore throat and thumping headache – not a good start. I consider postponing the cleanse but then remind myself that all that fresh food will probably help me recover faster. I drink a delicious watermelon, mint and acai smoothie for brekkie and feel much better. While the food is yummy, I do find myself feeling hungry through the day so I snack on cashews and bananas to fill myself up.

DAY 2 The temptation to order a coffee is strong, so I cheat a little and get a decaf. My mouth waters at the sight of some delicious cakes at my local bakery but I know it’s just a case of wanting what I can’t have! For lunch, I have spinach chana dhal with basmati rice and dinner is barramundi with fresh veggies.

DAY 3 This is the hardest day so far as withdrawals really kick in. I miss coffee, I miss wine, I miss chocolate. The mango and chia seed smoothie I have for brekkie gives me the sweet hit I need. My daily cup of ginger tea is proving very addictive too.

DAY 6 I am really in full swing now – and more than halfway through the plan. The food is yummy and so easy to prepare and I don’t feel as hungry as I did at the start of the plan. It seems my body is readjusting to eating lighter, fresher meals.

Day 8 Only a few days left to go and I am feeling light and fresh. I am moving quicker and my skinny jeans are feeling a little looser. I no longer have a 3pm craving for chocolate; instead, I snack on mixed nuts or fruit and have a peppermint tea. I love the feeling of having good energy levels all day long and I am sleeping like a baby.

DAY 10 Last day! I have a frittata for brekkie and enjoy my last meal of salmon with chermoula and sweet potato mash. I have no real desire to drink wine or wolf down a pizza, but I am looking forward to cooking and preparing my own meals again and eating with my family.

Some final thoughts
While a detox is not for the faint-hearted, it’s a great way to get your health back on track and develop some good habits.

I have found that if I bring nuts and fruit to work with me I don’t even think about hitting the vending machine at 3pm. It really is all about the planning.

I’ve also cut my daily coffee to two to three times weekly, and am drinking more tea instead.

If you do go on a detox, plan it well, let everyone around you know what you’re doing so they’ll be supportive (no nicking your food!) and phase in and out of the cleanse gently rather than indulging before and afterward, however tempting it might be!

More information: The Dietlicious 10-day Cleanse includes healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, fresh seasonal fruit and superfood smoothies. The cost is $353 excluding delivery. A 5-day cleanse is also available. Visit http://www.dietlicious.com.au/ for more information.