The Beginner’s Guide to Detoxing

Summer is all about “reclaiming me time,” which for a lot of us, included rosé all day and another scoop of gelato. But as fall creeps in, so do thoughts of a detox. 

If that sounds like you, you're not alone. “You should go on a juice cleanse every season,” says Etti Ben-Zion, PhD, a Miami-based holistic nutritionist. “We live in an increasingly toxic world where we are exposed to chemicals and contaminants every day."

According to Dr. Ben-Zion, the immune system can only handle so much before it begins to weaken and break down, so she says detoxing four times a year is key to keep things running smoothly. And you could start to feel the results almost immediately: The wellness pro cites a 2011 study in which good cholesterol improved in participants who went on a 12-hour detox.

"Cleansing is good for your body, mind, and spirit. It gives your digestive system a chance to rest and recharge."

Plus, the positives could go beyond the physical. ""Cleansing is good for your body, mind, and spirit," she stresses. "It gives your digestive system a chance to rest and recharge."

Still, the idea of cutting out your morning iced latte—and, yes, that glass of rosé—can be intimidating. How do you prepare? How do you make sure you’re getting enough fuel? Is your daily HIIT class still cool? To answer all of those questions, it’s smart to opt for a pre-planned detox program, like the ones offered by uber-healthy wellness café Dr Smood.

As Senior VP of Research and Product Development, Dr. Ben-Zion personally crafted each of Dr Smood detox programs—and they’re foolproof enough for busy people who want the benefits without having to think too much about it.

“These focus on detoxing and restoration,” she says. “All you have to do is follow the instructions and enjoy the experience.” Every item is USDA-certified organic, dairy-free, and non-GMO. Plus, they're free of preservatives and additives, leaving only the good stuff behind.

Scroll down to find out more about Dr Smood's detox programs—and exactly how to tackle a cleanse the right way.

 

Before you detox: Dr Smood Pre-Cleanse Program, starting at $67

If you’re brand new to detoxing, the Dr. Ben-Zion suggests this first step. “The pre-cleanse is a day of eating clean food that helps prepare your body and mind for a detox,” the cleansing expert says. The menu for this program—available in one to three days—features a selection of raw, nutrient-dense foods and juices (think salads, house-made hummus, and green blends).

Treat your body gently, and dial back your sweat seshes accordingly.

"It’s important to plan and prepare for a cleanse," advises Dr. Ben-Zion. "Don't make dinner or lunch meetings. Don't go to your favorite dessert place, and take some to breathe and exercise lightly—yoga is best." Treat your body gently, and dial back your sweat seshes accordingly.

For the newbie: Dr Smood Beginner Detox Program, starting at $213

If you’re excited to try a detox but worried that three days of juicing might leave you hungry, this is a good way to ease into the practice. “It’s an easier cleanse, because it includes solid food for dinner each night,” Dr. Ben-Zion says. 

"Replacing regular meals with cold-pressed juices and whole foods will bring back balance to your body."

And remember, those fresh sips are included for a reason. "Replacing regular meals with cold-pressed juices and whole foods will bring back balance to your body," explains Dr. Ben-Zion. "[They] replenish the live enzymes, bioactive vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients that can be diminished during the cooking process."

With this plan (available for three, five, or seven days), you'll score a full menu including a large salad each night and a Smoody No. 1 (a smoothie-like beverage packed with banana, avocado, spinach, and ginger). 

For the the next level: Dr Smood Intermediate Detox Program, starting at $204

Goodbye solid foods, hello liquids. This level skips the salad and instead offers an evening Smoody No. 2 (a fulfilling sip crafted with the brand's house-made almond milk, chia seeds, coconut meat, and fruit for sweetness).

“When you get superfoods in a liquid form, they bypass the digestive process,” Dr. Ben-Zion says. In turn, your body uses that energy to focus on clearing out buildup. (You can snag it for three, five, or seven days to accommodate your bloat-busting needs.)

For the detox pro: Dr Smood Advanced Detox Program, starting at $222

“This one is designed for experienced detoxers who want to achieve a maximum cleansing effect,” Dr. Ben-Zion notes. The program features six juices and, compared to the other options, a lower amount of calories. 

"It’s very important that during a cleanse, you have high quality nutrients that support your micro-biome and immunity."

"It’s very important that during a cleanse, you have high quality nutrients that support your micro-biome and immunity," she adds. To that end, you’ll get Dr Smood Detox Juice No. 9, which is filled with kicks from ginger, cayenne, and turmeric, plus other buzzy ingredients like raw honey, oregano, and immunity-boosting echinacea. Read: It could be the extra zip you need to get through that 5 p.m. meeting. 

After you detox: Dr Smood Post-Cleanse Program, starting at $62

To ease back into your post-cleanse life, you'll want to reach for good-for-you solid foods (translation: going straight for the tacos is not the best idea). “The post-cleanse was created to help the body and mind transition back to whole foods while preserving a healthy balance for lasting effects,” Dr. Ben-Zion explains.

A day of nutrient-rich eats like spirulina bagels with vegan cream cheese and hearty organic salads will help your body adjust to your new-and-improved situation. And since you will have probably acquired a taste for juice by now, don't worry: Dinner comes with a Detox Juice No. 9.

In partnership with Dr Smood

Photos: Dr Smood