How to Do A Cleanse Without Going Hungry

We've all returned from a vacation and felt a little extra... squishy. A cleansing detoxification can be just the ticket when getting back to healthy eating habits again.

Although the best method is to change your mindset about eating entirely before you leave on a vacation, let's face it - we're not perfect. It takes time to create new habits and to develop a truly healthy relationship with food.

A cleanse can be a great starting point, whether getting back from a vacation, preparing for warmer weather (and less clothing), or just laying the groundwork for better habits in the future!

You may think that doing a detox diet or cleanse means you're letting yourself go hungry. Although your tummy may grumble the first couple of days, it is because your body needs time to adjust for the decrease in calories. With that said, a good cleanse does not mean starving yourself.

How to Detoxify your Body Without Going Hungry

Tighten up your daily meals.
You may have fallen back into a pattern of consuming larger meals, cooking food heavy with cheese or salt, or craving sweets at the end of every meal. Be aware of where you're indulging and begin to cut back. Use smaller plates, buy some fresh herbs to use instead of salt, and have fresh fruit as dessert. Tighten up your habits little by little until they start getting back to the way they used to be. Gradual changes will reduce the likelihood of feeling depraved, and you'll feel more satisfied with your meals.

Hydrate!
One of the best ways to cleanse your body is by drinking plenty of water. Not only do we often confuse hunger for thirst, but dehydration is what is slowing down our most basic bodily functions. Making sure you're drinking enough water each day is an easy way to detoxify your body and get everything working optimally again.

Eat more.
It may seem like strange advice, but when you're eating a lot of colorful and nutrient-dense foods, you leave very little room for anything else. These highly nutritious foods will support every system in your body, make you feel better than ever, and fill you up.

Cook at home.
If you spent a lot of your vacation eating at restaurants (as most of us do), you probably consumed more calories, sodium, and sugar than you realized. Make it a point to take a break from going out to eat for a month or so, and build healthy meals at home where you can better control the ingredients you're eating. This will also make reducing your alcohol intake a little easier.

If your healthy habits have gotten off track, a cleanse can be a great way to restart your system. Discuss a plan with your doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist before beginning to ensure you're performing any detoxification process safely.

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[Credit: Rose, Darya. How to Detox Without Starving Yourself. Summer Tomato.]