Before you begin a weight loss program or make your healthy lifestyle changes, use this focal point in your life to embark on a total body detox program - it's great way to start your new life with vigour. Learning how to detox the right way can begin the process of eliminating the toxins embedded deep within your organs and skin tissues, left behind by processed foods and pharmaceutical residues.

Probably top of the list is the fact that a deep cleansing detox program will help protect yourself against future disease and illness, and will revitalise your whole body. Doing a detox about 3 times a year is the ideal regimen for optimum health, and each detox diet should last for at least 3 days - 7 day detox plans are even better, if you have the will power.

Although a three-day cleanse will go a far way in removing mucous and systemic sludge, it usually does not get to the root of a chronic problem. A seven-day detox, on the other hand, may get to the root of a chronic problem but poses a greater challenge to sustain and complete. Regardless of whichever detox plan is utilized, here are some of the basic benefits that one can expect.

Better concentration and mental clarity - a more refreshing and cleaner smelling system due to the fact that your digestive tract will have been cleared of waste build-up - a more efficient functioning liver and kidneys, and cleaner blood - improved skin tone and complexion - improved and deeper sleep patterns - a reduced need or dependency on habitual drugs and stimulants like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol - a flatter and smaller stomach - a noticeable increase in energy and vitality

If you're able to run with the 7 day detox, these benefits will be more pronounced and noticeable.

Preparing For Your Detox Program

If you eat a lot of red meat and dairy products, it's a good idea to go on a 3 day vegetarian diet before your start any detox program. Edible seeds, unsalted nut and various beans can provide all the protein you need, along with various soy products including soy milk. If there's anything you're unsure about you should check with your physician or nutritionist first.

The How To's Of Detoxing

No cooked food or dairy products. Use coconut water as your water (if you have issues with this, then use purified water). Blend juices in coconut water.

No foreign fruits, instead use only local fruits and vegetables in season. No sweeteners except for sugar cane or/and cane juice.

At least one glass of green juice should be consumed daily (see instructions below on preparation). Green juices come packed with an artillery of iron, calcium, vitamin C, folic acid and other nutrients, as well as cancer fighting antioxidants and phyto-chemicals.

Them there's aloe vera and what I call the Immune Booster. These are optional, but will add an extra punch to your detox program. Aloe vera is known the world over for its amazing health giving properties. The best time to take it is last thing at night before going to bed.

Another favourite of mine is what I call the Immune Booster. It's basically orange juice with garlic, but to that you can add guava or passion fruit as these will really boost the vitamin c levels.

Green Juice.

Take the following ingredients and juice together (or blend together and strain): lime juice, cucumber, fresh ginger, coconut water (or purified/filtered water), and any green vegetables like broccoli, string beans, okra, parsley, spinach, callaloo, pakchoy, etc.

It doesn't really matter which vegetables you use, just so long as the juice you create is definitely green. Try a few experiments to find a flavour you like. A good tip to enhance the taste is to use carrot juice instead of coconut water. To make the aloe juice, juice a grapefruit or orange and add a third of an aloe leaf - peeled first.