glutathione binds with harmful wastes, labelling them up for expulsion from the cell. Normally the body adjusts levels of glutathione according to the amount of toxins present in the body. However, there are limits.
As we are exposed to ever-increasing levels of toxins, our bodies need to work harder. Glutathione gets used up more quickly and faster than we are able to replace it. If too many harmful agents accumulate, the body is unable to expel them. The mercury your liver can’t eliminate may well end up in your hair, while destructive hormone-like substances called xenoestrogens may make a home for themselves in our fat cells. This ‘body burden’ can result in immediate problems like fatigue, headache and lower back pain. Over time, some experts believe it may create conditions ripe for disease.
By following the 24 Hour Diet and Three-day Cleanse you will be helping to restore your body’s normal functions and elimination processes.
You may wish to use the 24 Hour Diet and Three-day Cleanse as a time to think about your body and your health. Clearing your schedule allows you to watch, moment to moment, the effects of food and lifestyle choices that often remain unnoticed in our busy day-to-day lives. It also provides an opportunity for fresh insights into how diet and lifestyle habits are serving to support or undermine your health.
The 24 Hour Diet and Three-day Cleanse provide the benefits of fasting without the physical hardships, which can often be quite uncomfortable. For example, when toxins are released from the fat cells during a fast, the body has insufficient nutrient support to rid itself of them. This often results in headaches, fatigue and other problems, which is one reason why anyone tempted to fast should consult their doctor first.
The 24 Hour Diet is rich in nutrients and low in calories. By following the diet for 24 hours, the aim is that you will lose some weight and inches. As a consequence, this is a targeted plan that requires some organization and planning to get the most from it. To help you I have included a shopping list, recipes and instructions for taking your measurements. When I have followed the diet I have lost three pounds and just under three inches over my waist, belly and hips. Some people have lost more, others a little less, but everyone loses something!
BEFORE YOU START
Here are some considerations to help you get the most out of the diet.
1 Since your calorie intake will be less than normal I don’t recommend you do any vigorous exercise on the day of your 24 Hour Diet. However, it’s important you are still physically active as this will assist your body’s cleansing process and aid your digestion. Being inactive will slow down your internal system and make you feel less comfortable. Walking and light yoga stretches first thing in the morning and in the evening are advisable. I have detailed three yoga stretches for you to do if you desire (see page 14). If you wear my pedometer, aim to walk at least 6,000 steps on the day of the diet, but anything more than 12,000 steps may make you feel a little tired (12,000 steps equates to six miles).
2 Avoid drinking alcohol the night before your 24 Hour Diet or keep to fewer than two units.
3 It’s very important to keep well-hydrated before and during the diet. This is necessary to help you achieve inch Loss. The diet consists of liquid foods and other easy-to-digest meals. This enhances your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, aiding your energy and the body’s cleansing process.
4 You may experience a slight headache. The first time I did the diet I had a mild headache in the afternoon, but I’ve been fine on subsequent occasions. Some people report a slight headache while others don’t. A headache is a natural response; part of your body’s cleansing process. Keeping your water intake up as well as your elixirs and teas will help.
5 Please follow the plan as closely as possible. The blending of the meals enhances absorption so you may well feel more energized. Some people feel more energetic throughout the whole day while others feel a little tired in the afternoon, but everyone wakes up the following day feeling really good – and that’s before they’ve seen their decreased measurements and weight loss.
6 All the nutrients have been specially designed to assist your body to cleanse itself whilst helping to optimize energy. This is not a detox; it’s more of a cleansing plan. The timing of the food is also important; you shouldn’t go for more than four hours without consuming something. You’ll find out more in the ‘Nutrient Know-how’ section, on page 9.
7 If your digestive system is sluggish and you suffer from constipation, you may wish to take a natural tea laxative the night before the diet.
8 If you have been advised by your doctor not to follow a special eating or exercise plan, it’s important to seek medical advice before starting this diet.
9 It’s a good idea to do the diet at the weekend. If you want to do it during the week, try to choose a day when it will be convenient for you, perhaps when you don’t have to be madly rushing here, there and everywhere.
10 You’ll find a comprehensive shopping list with everything you’ll need on page 18. In Part 4 you’ll find other recipes using these ingredients, which you can use in the 20-day Follow-on Plan.
I’ve designed the plan so that it is high in nutrients and low in calories. The 24 Hour Diet:
• is rich in essential antioxidants – to boost your immunity and help your body cleanse itself and reduce excess fluid and body fat
• provides slow-releasing energy, helping you feel satisfied and energized
• is rich in the important omega 3 and 6 fats – these are vital for your health and make you feel full and satisfied
• is free of artificial sugars
• is naturally low in sodium
• helps stabilize your blood sugar levels
• is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
You may feel a little hungry as your calorie intake will probably be a little lower than normal. However, the specific combination of nutrients means you will feel satisfied and nourished without feeling bloated.
The plan is supported by some dietary supplements. These have been specifically chosen to energize your body and help it eliminate excess fluid and weight.
LECITHIN
Lecithin granules are obtained from soya beans and have a distinct, pleasant, nutty flavour. They are naturally rich in choline, an important nutrient for controlling dietary fat, which is why lecithin is an important supplement for people following a low-cholesterol diet.
NEEM
An Ayurvedic herbal extract, neem can be added to a little cold water to be taken as a tincture. It has powerful cleansing properties, and is particularly beneficial to the liver and for internal inflammation. As
