3-Day Detox Plan (with emphasis on greens)

Detoxification [dee-tok-suh-fi-key-shuh n].  The metabolic process by which toxins are changed into less toxic or more readily excretable substances; the act of detoxifying; the state of being detoxified.

In simplified terms?  It's time to get the junk out of the trunk and do some internal house cleaning.  Our bodies do amazing work in digesting food and cleaning our organs, but have you ever thought of your organs needing a rest?  They do.  In fact, when our organs are not overworked and function like clean-running machines, they often thank us in the form of renewed energy, mental clarity, improved moods and vibrant and glowing skin.  If you are lacking in any of those areas it may be a fine time to detox.

The “3 Greens for 3 Days” Plan is a whole foods detoxification for beginners and veterans alike.  For some on a raw vegan diet, the “3 Greens for 3 Days” Challenge is already close to their everyday lifestyle.  However, for those on the SAD diet (aka the “Standard American Diet”), adding this regiment of fresh greens will both cleanse and nourish the cells with power-packed phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins.  It’s only three days so who’s in?

Instructions:  “3 Greens for 3 Days” Plan

First, find at least two friends to do this with you.  It is fun to discuss what you are all eating, and the added bonus is you’ll be held accountable.  Second, write on the calendar which three consecutive days you’ll do the “3 Greens for 3 Days” plan.  Third, follow the steps below.

GREEN 1:  Drink a green juice.  This can be your first meal of the day.  A favorite green juice ofmine involves juicing 1 large cucumber, 2 celery stalks, 1 bunch leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc), 1-inch cube ginger and 1 apple to sweeten.

GREEN 2:  Drink a green juice or green smoothie.  A favorite green smoothie of mine involves blending 1 bunch kale or romaine lettuce, 1 cup water, 1 orange or mango and 1 banana.  Ice cubes are optional.  I often add superfood supplements, such as minerals, spirulina and chlorella for added nutrients.

GREEN 3:  Drink a green juice, green smoothie or eat a green salad.  A favorite green salad of mine includes chopping up a head of romaine lettuce and tossing in sprouts, sunflower seeds, olives, sliced avocado, raisins, apple cubes, and shredded beets or carrots.  For the salad dressing, simply squeeze the juice of one lemon, add a spoonful of olive oil, and dash on some sea salt.

What if I consume my 3 greens before noon?  Can I eat anything else?

The purpose of this plan is not to list restricted foods.  Let's keep it simple.  Instead, it simply encourages you to add in more greens with the goal of at least 3 greens per day.  Interested?  Let me know in the comments below.  And feel free to exceed your 3 servings of greens!