In this day in age, toxins or substances that are harmful to the body are ubiquitous in nature. Constant exposure to chemicals and pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and parasites, and even compounds in healthy foods can really tax our bodies to a point where our detoxification systems become overwhelmed and we no longer clear wastes effectively. Eventually, we might begin to experience mild symptoms like skin rashes, headaches, depression, or weight gain, but if the offending agents are not removed, toxic buildup and resulting inflammation will result in chronic disease and degenerative illness.

Throughout history and within various cultures, people have regularly undergone some form of detoxification or cleansing. Whether using steam baths and sweat lodges, or observing dietary restrictions like fasting for religious custom, individuals have observed the need to periodically release toxic buildup to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. Whether deciding to begin a detoxification program because symptoms have worsened or disease has set in, or as a practice undertaken as a preventative measure repeated monthly, seasonally, or yearly, individuals can expect to experience a number of short and long-term benefits such as improved mental function, enhanced immunity, and increased energy.  Continuing to follow good practices in between cleansing cycles will minimize toxic buildup and greatly enhance the benefits achieved during each cleanse.

In the Mindbodygreen.com article, This 3-Day Reset Will Tame The Inflammation That's Causing Your Weight Gain, Lyn-Genet Recitas, nutritionist and author of The Plan, The Plan Cookbook, and The Metabolism Plan, outlines steps you can take to reduce the total toxic load your body while removing foods that cause inflammation and weight gain.

The 3-day food-based cleanse we use on The Plan provides energy and specific nutrients needed to support its detoxification pathways and restore balance. No Master Cleanse or juice fasts here! We believe in the power of whole foods to heal and nourish and the systematic protocol we use after the cleanse helps you figure out exactly which “health” foods might be causing issues for you in the first place!

The 3-Day Cleanse

Day One

Breakfast

• 1 cup Flax granola with 1/2 cup blueberries or 1/2 pear and Silk Coconut milk or Rice Dream

Lunch

• Carrot ginger soup with sunflower seeds, 2 cups sautéed or steamed broccoli, Baby Romaine with lemon and extra virgin olive oil

Snack

• 1 apple

Dinner

• Sautéed kale, 3 to 4 carrots, onion, zucchini, shiitakes, and broccoli with spicy coco sauce

• Grated Carrot and raw grated beet salad with pumpkin seeds

Day Two

Breakfast

• Flax with 1/2 cup blueberries or 1/2 apple and Silk Coconut milk or Rice Dream

Lunch

• Carrot ginger soup with sunflower seeds, Baby Romaine with 1/4 avocado, lemon, and evo with 2 cups sautéed or steamed broccoli

Snack

• 1 oz. raw almonds

Dinner

• Leftover sautéed kale and veggies, 1 cup basmati rice with pumpkin seeds

• Beet/carrot salad with sunflower seeds, lemon and evo

Day Three

Breakfast

• Flax with choice of 1/2 cup blueberries or 1/2 pear

Lunch

• Baby romaine with 1/4 avocado, carrots and pumpkin seeds, lemon and evo,

• Cream of Broccoli soup

Snack

• 12 to 15 almonds

Dinner

• Chicken with Italian herbs and orange zest on a bed of baby romaine

• Oven-roasted zucchini, broccoli, carrots, onions, garlic, and Italian herb blend—finish with orange oil and fresh black pepper