A cleanse that isn’t crazy

It’s no secret that many women will go to nutty extremes to trim off a few pounds—especially this time of year, when we’re feeling the guilt hangover of holiday indulgences. Still, when I heard that a study in the journal Obesity found that one in 20 women would rather give up a limb—a limb!—than be obese, my jaw hit the floor

I blame the recent proliferation of trendy detox diets that promise miraculous results. Who can resist the allure of a quick fix ? The truth is, most cleanses are an unhealthy formula of minimal calories, accompanied by dangerous diuretics that flush your body of important nutrients. Sure, that may result in weight loss—but not the lasting kind you want. You may end up losing water weight (or worse, muscle mass) instead of fat. Plus, there’s no science to back up the claims that these diets are actually “detoxifying.”

What science does confirm: Your liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system have the power to detox all on their own. That’s why Women’s Health created a saner cleansing plan—one that eliminates added sugar, saturated fats, and alcohol to give your system a break, while still providing you with enough calories and nutrients to keep you satisfied. Dive in and start 2011 happier and healthier than ever.

The Plan

Breakfast

• 8 oz water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

• Scrambled egg whites with chopped fresh herbs (such as basil or oregano), topped with a dollop of salsa, and 1 slice whole-wheat toast, dry

or 1 cup cooked oats or cooked oatmeal topped with ? cup berries or 2 Tbsp nuts

• 8 oz decaffeinated green or herbal tea

Snack:

• Sliced apple with 1 Tbsp natural peanut butter

or 1/3 cup natural trail mix

Lunch

• 1 cup fresh spinach or lightly sauteed spinach or kale, squeezed with fresh lemon or orange juice

or 1 cup asparagus with 1 tsp olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice

• 4 oz grilled, baked, or broiled salmon, chicken, or pork tenderloin, seasoned with spices such as lemon pepper

• ? cup edamame beans, steamed

• 8 oz water or decaffeinated green or herbal tea

• 8 pecan halves

Snack:

• ? sweet potato or one citrus fruit (orange or grapefruit)

• 4 oz low-fat yogurt

Dinner

• Large spinach or romaine salad with vegetables. Dress with 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil mixed with lemon juice or vinegar (any variety)

• ? cup to 1 cup asparagus or artichoke hearts, steamed

• 4 oz lean chicken with spices, baked or grilled

• ? cup brown rice, barley, bulgur, or quinoa

• 8 oz water or decaffeinated green or herbal tea

Snack:

• ? cup to 1 cup blueberries

or ? cup pomegranate seeds

• 4 oz nonfat Greek yogurt

or low-fat organic yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese

What’s the craziest diet you’ve ever tried???