Homemade Detox Drinks

With all the horrible things we put into our body, is it any wonder that detox is the new buzzword? Fat units, alcohol units, caffeine and who knows what else, combine in a daily ritual to produce a cocktail of zero benefits and high harm. Unless you're regimented, strict about your diet or serious about health, you're in the vast majority of people who are careless, not by intention or design, but because it's just so much more convenient to eat what you like when you're hungry, replace meals with coffee when the need arises, and live the fast life on the road to success, making pit stops for donuts and Coke. This is where detoxing comes in, to allow you to give your body a break from the heavy load of toxins and unhealthy foods. Detox drinks are not only simple to make, but inexpensive too, and are the answer to kick starting a healthier lifestyle, or just breaking routine and making a few beneficial changes. The best part? They can help you shed some of the pounds, and chances are they'll make your hair and skin look great too!

Best Detox Drinks

If you aim to start off on a detox diet, there are some things it may help to remember. First, remember to check with your doctor before you jump into a diet, especially if there are any health concerns that need to be taken into account. Second, start off slow, and allow your body the time to adjust to the difference in nutrition. A large number of diets that promise detoxifying benefits are stringent, and very difficult, some, are frankly crazy, and just not worth the effort. Also, it's inadvisable to stay on these diets for long periods of time, I'd say a day or two maybe once a month will show benefits, but if you must extend the time frame, never extend the duration beyond 14 days, and try to keep it within 4 to 7 days. Finally, introduce foods slowly when coming off the diet, again to give your body the time to adjust. The following are some detox drink recipes to get you started.

Lemon Cayenne Pepper Detox Drink
This drink forms the basis of the Master Cleanse Diet. Should you be attempting detoxing for the first time, the Master Cleanse may not be the best diet because of its stringent rules and difficulty. However, you could adjust the diet plan to include just fruits or vegetables, to enable your body to cope with the sudden nutritional change.

Ingredients

• Fresh lemon juice - 2 tbsp
• Organic B Grade maple syrup - 2 tbsp
• Cayenne pepper - 1/8th tsp (add more or less as required)
• Purified/filtered/spring water - 5 ounces

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in a clean pitcher and consume as required, warm, hot or cold.
2. Makes one serving.

Mixed Fruit Smoothie
Replacing all processed food with fruits can be a good way to detox. This is an easier diet to stick to, since you're giving your body food that it needs to function, and in the process ensuring that at least nutritional needs are met. A fruit smoothie is one of the great tasting detox drink - up health levels by using organic fruits and watch your skin take on a healthy glow. Take a look at the smoothie recipe below.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries - 2 cups
• Banana - 1
• Apple Juice - 1 liter, unsweetened
• Fresh lemon juice - 2 tbsp

Method

1. Wash and hull the strawberries, peel the banana and cut into chunks. Place in a blender with about a third of the apple juice and blend.
2. Add the remaining juice, lemon juice and blend again. Serve immediately.
3. Makes 4 servings.

Carrot Juice with Pineapples and Cucumber
This is a refreshing and great tasting detox drink, with cooling properties of cucumber and mint. Use fresh pineapples as far as possible and drink up pure health!

Ingredients

• Carrots - 4 medium-sized
• Cucumber - 2
• Fresh pineapple - 1 small
• Lemon Juice - of ½ lemon
• Mint - 1 small sprig

Method

1. Peel the carrots, and cucumber. Peel and core the pineapple.
2. Cut all the above into chunks, then add the lemon juice, and place in the blender.
3. Blend for 45 seconds or until smooth.
4. Strain and serve, garnished with mint.

You can even add these detox drinks to your daily diet to up your health quotient. Include fresh fruit and vegetables as much as possible in your diet for an instant boost, and ensure that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise 4 times a week. Drink lots of water, and stay positive, to detox your mind as well as your body!