Lately, it is very popular to try to improve your health by detoxing. Sometimes these plans help people get healthier, and sometimes they actually do more damage than anything else. The best detox plans are ones that start you on a path to more long term solutions and lifestyle changes. While I would caution you against any extreme measures, some detox plans can be effective. Below are some tips for a healthy, safe seven day detox based on a plan created by a dietician.

1. Detox Diet Basics

There are some foods you want to stock up on if you’re doing a detox. Buy lots of your favorite fruits, like bananas and oranges. Fruits are always good so buy as many as you want. You should also get some unsweetened fruit juices. Vegetables are probably the most important thing you can eat during your detox. Stock up on carrots, onions, cabbage, mushrooms, and other healthy veggies.

<span”>Buy some beans and lentils, oats, and potatoes for hearty additions to your detox meals. Rice and some natural rice products are good too. For snacking, get lots of unsalted nuts and seeds. Plain popcorn is also an acceptable snack, just don’t add any salt. Get some yogurt, tofu, and honey. As far as meat goes, you’ll want to stick to fresh fish only.

2. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is always important, but even more so during a detox. Drink at least two liters a day. Unsweetened herbal or fruit teas are a great way to stay hydrated in addition to water. Keep track of what you’re drinking to make sure you’re getting enough. If your urine is not clear, that means you’re not drinking enough water.

3. Foods To Avoid

Don’t eat any red meat, chicken, or turkey during your detox. In fact, you should avoid any meat that isn’t fish during the first seven days. Most dairy products should be off the menu during your detox, like milk, cheese, eggs, butter, and cream. You shouldn’t eat anything that has wheat in it either, like bread, cereals, or pastries.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to avoid chocolate and other sweets, including jams. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made for your health. Definitely don’t eat any processed foods or takeout food. During your detox you should also avoid alcohol and anything with caffeine like coffee or energy drinks. Soda is also not an option.

4. Artificial Sweeteners

Just because something doesn’t have sugar in it, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Foods and drinks that include artificial sweeteners like aspartame in them can be just as toxic as corn syrup or sugar. There are some natural low calorie sweeteners available, but for the duration of your detox you should avoid sweeteners altogether.

5. Remember To Eat

Make a meal plan and stick to it. If you skip a meal and get hungry, you are much more likely to break your detox diet. Plus, skipping meals can put your body into starvation mode, slowing down your metabolism. Eating regularly will keep you healthy, and your detox will stay on track.

6. Get Plenty Of Sleep

Our bodies only function properly when we get enough sleep each night. A healthy sleep schedule is every bit as important as diet and exercise, so make a plan to go to bed and wake up at the same time every single day, especially during your detox.

7. Carrying New Habits Forward

Your detox won’t do you any good if you don’t make some new healthy habits. It’s not necessary to follow the same detox diet after the first seven days, but you should attempt to make progress with your everyday routine. Hopefully when you’re done with your detox, you will feel better, and be inspired to stick to a healthier diet and schedule from then on.