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The Simplest Diet Cleanse Ever: The Basics

My Diet Cleanse focuses on only four things. I say “only” four things to show you just how do-able this is, but don’t be fooled. These four things have the ability to make a HUGE impact on your health, energy level and waistline.It may be tough to give up the four diet categories at first, but I promise to make this as realistic and manageable as possible. Plus, the payoff is sooo worth it. And remember…we’re all in this together!

A few things to note:

  1. Some foods fall into more than one category. However, for simplicity’s sake, I’ve listed foods under only one category.
  2. Many sweet treats and popular snack foods are made with white starch and excess sugar, and therefore, are off the menu. Instead, buy or prepare more nutritious alternatives made with whole grains and fruit. Also look for healthy packaged items with less than 12 grams of sugar per serving.
  3. “Diet” items or anything that contains non-caloric sweeteners are not allowed. Why? This plan is about cleansing our palates and learning to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures without being overwhelmed by an intense sweet or salty taste.
  4. If weight loss is your goal, be mindful of portions. For example, while whole grain products are much healthier than their refined counterparts (brown rice versus white rice), they still contain about the same amount of calories, so it’s critical to limit serving sizes.
  5. Make this cleanse your own—these rules are not set in stone and can be personally tailored to ensure your success. Also, if you blow it at one meal, don’t get discouraged and give up completely. Shake it off and make sure to get back on track with your next bite. After all, the goal is to eat better in 2016!

Here’s to a New Year filled with good health and boundless energy!

Next up, learn about the foods you’re allowed to eat and those you should avoid while following the plan and see what that looks like in a sample three-day menu plan:

Note: Check in with your doctor before making any significant changes to your eating plan. Also, keep in mind, while this plan is presented in a “lose it/choose it” fashion, you can certainly enjoy small amounts of the off-limit items as part of a healthy eating plan.