Susie Burrell shares her 5-day detox plan

A detox can be a wonderful way to recharge your system and focus on healthy eating habits and as one of Australia’s leading dietitians shows us, all it takes is a little planning.

While there is no scientific evidence to show that the body needs to be ‘detoxed’, a period of detoxing is a great way to remind us of all the bad food habits that have crept into our lives – and how much better we feel when we eat well!

A detox does not have to mean weeks of nothing apart from water, lemon juice and sugar.

A detox can also refer to a short period in which your diet is based primarily around unprocessed, natural foods, such as fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and wholegrains, as well as small amounts of nutrient dense, lean proteins like tuna and salmon.

Even after just three to five days of eating like this, sugar cravings start to disappear, constipation eases and bloated stomaches begin to flatten. Your skin and hair will look healthier and you will have more energy, plus you’re likely to drop a few kilograms in the process. 

What to do

  1. Commit to a detox for a period of 3-5 days.
  2. Eliminate all caffeine from tea, coffee and cola drinks, as well as alcohol.
  3. Eliminate all processed biscuits, bars, cakes, muffins, cereals and snack food.
  4. Eat at least 3 cups of vegetables or salad and 2 pieces of fruit each day.
  5. Aim to drink 2L of fluid each day via soup, water or herbal tea.

Susie’s sample detox plan

Day 1

Breakfast
Vegetable juice + large bowl of fruit salad

Mid-morning
Piece of fruit

Lunch
Detox soup*

Mid-afternoon
Handful of almonds (20) + 1 piece of fresh fruit

Dinner
Detox soup*

Day 2

Breakfast
Vegetable juice + 200g natural yogurt + fresh berries and a sprinkle of walnuts

Mid-morning
Piece of fruit

Lunch
Detox soup*

Mid-afternoon
Handful of almonds (20) + 1 piece of fresh fruit

Dinner
150g white fish + detox soup*

Day 3

Breakfast
Vegetable juice + 1/3 cup oats + 1 cup low fat milk

Mid-morning
Piece of fruit

Lunch
½ cup brown rice + small tin tuna + sweet chilli sauce

Mid-afternoon
2 corn thins + 2 teaspoons No Added Sugar Peanut Butter

Dinner
150g grilled fish or chicken breast + mixed vegetables

Day 4

Breakfast
Vegetable juice + 1/3 cup oats + 1 cup low fat milk

Mid-morning
Piece of fruit

Lunch
Detox soup* + 4 rye crackers + tuna

Mid-afternoon

30g mixed nuts + 1 piece of fruit

Dinner
Prawn and vegetable stir fry with ½ cup brown rice

Day 5

Breakfast
Vegetarian omelette

Mid-morning
Piece of fruit

Lunch
Chicken salad

Mid-afternoon

2 corn thins + 2 teaspoons No Added Sugar Peanut Butter

Dinner
Detox soup*

Susie’s Vegetable ‘Detox’ Soup

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 leek, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups salt reduced vegetable stock + 3 cups water
  • 420g can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes
  • 500g pumpkin, cut into 1 cm cubes
  • ½ celery chopped

Method

Heat the olive oil with onion in a large saucepan. Add the leek and gently cook over a low heat until soft, then add the stock, water, tomatoes, carrot, pumpkin and celery.

Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Serves 6.

 

Disclaimer

A detox is not appropriate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, have high blood pressure, are underweight and always seek advice from your dietitian or GP if you are taking any medications or have any other health conditions prior to undertaking any specific dietary regime. If you are concerned about your health, book an appointment with your GP who will advise a correct treatment plan.

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