I tried so many versions of “magical” detox diets and struggled a lot until I understood exactly how it works. The concept is really basic – unless you suffer from chronic illness, a detox should be actually a re-connection with the whole food, an easy to do and intuitive one, adapted to the season and to your own lifestyle. For me, it would be impossible to keep a juice-only detox during winter when my body craves warm food.
Putting lots of pressure on your body and feeling guilty about all the little things that you just can’t handle will not lead you to a balanced state of body and mind. Moreover, you will feel stressed, your body will react, and your detox will have no results.
Why do you need a 3 Day Detox?
Your body neutralizes and eliminates toxins every day, so the so-called detox is happening all the time. However, sometimes we loose track and eat foods that aren’t exactly good for us, we eat sugar, junk food and refined carbs, and our body has a harder time metabolizing it, nutrients are consumed in the process and the liver gets tired.
This is when you should reconsider a nutrient-dense diet, to fuel the cells with everything they need for a healthy activity.
I see the nutrient-rich diet should as a lifetime objective, rather than a 1, 3 or 7 day of “detox”.
Since we don’t always have the time or possibility to eat healthy, getting a few days of healthy eating, or “detox”, every now and then is a thing that will body will thank you for, and a new occasion to reconsider the attention and time you give to your health, and why not, to set a healthier lifestyle intention you can try stick to.
When I plan short periods of detox, I always have in mind two main objectives – nourishing my body with high quality nutrients and keeping my mind calm and focused.
It may sound overwhelming, but it’s actually easy if you don’t view the detox as a stressful must-do, but more as a treat, a pleasure for your mind and body, and an opportunity to reconnect with your inner self. It will need your full attention, but it’s just another way to take control over your life and your state of wellness, to feel and look your best.
I think the best period for a short detox is during the weekend, because you have more time to focus on your needs, to mindfully prepare the food, and to pay more attention to your thoughts and emotions.
However, if you decide to handle your detox during the weekdays, starting on Monday is a great idea, as you can plan everything, shop, and cook during the weekend.
Do I lose weight during a 3 Day Detox?
Yes, you will lose weight during a 3 Day Detox.
However, I haven’t designed this detox program for a quick weight loss but as a way to reconnect to your body, mind and regain inner balance.
Your body will be nurtured with fresh nutrients and since you won’t be eating processed and fat foods anymore the weight loss process will naturally occur.
You will find the basics of my 3 day detox below.
How to do a complete Body Detox?
– Eat clean – eliminate meat, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, processed food, fast food, fried food, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and gluten. If possible stay away from salt.
– Drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice twice a day for a high intake of nutrients (about 2 cups).
– Snack carefully – eat nuts and seeds soaked overnight for magnesium intake.
– Add nourishing and colorful ingredients to your diet, freshly prepared vegetables with greens, legumes or brown rice.
– Supplement with super foods for detoxing the liver – turmeric, ginger, spirulina.
– Increase fiber intake for flushing out toxins – chia, flax seed, greens, broccoli, oranges.
– Drink two liters of filtered water (with lemon, chia seeds, turmeric, ginger, or grapefruit) or herbal tea every day.
– Consume healthy fats only – cold pressed virgin olive oil, flax seed oil, coconut oil, or avocado.
– Choose organic fruits and vegetables.
– Don’t skip meals.
– Make enema to flush out the accumulated toxins in the colon (this one is recommended especially if you eat meat and/or junk food daily), and/or try this homemade drink for colon cleanse.
How can I do a Mind Detox?
– Start your day with 15-20 minutes of yoga practice to relieve stress and focus your mind.
– Take long walks every day (if your schedule is very busy, maybe walking to work would be an option).
– Be present and focused on your body changes and emotions during the detox.
– Stay away from negative thoughts and emotions, don’t watch the news and annoying television programs.
Watch the video below for a quick overview of the detox plan and get the recipes:
Although this is an easy to keep detox plan, if you find it difficult you can start with my 1 Day Detox recipe or, even simpler, you can have one of my famous Liver Cleanse Soups or the newest Red Cabbage Soup for detox . You can pair them with one of the Liver Detox Smoothie or Liver Cleanse Juice , they’re the perfect ones to start experimenting with detox. Also make sure to check out this article on how to restore gut health.
If you try any one of these don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @theawesomegreen so I can see them and share with the community!
3 Day Detox and Restore Plan
Ingredients
- Cleansing Juice
- 4 carrots
- 1 medium beet root
- 1 lemon peeled
- 1 green apple
- Power Detox Green Smoothie
- 1 celery stalk
- ½ cup mixed greens any of the following: spinach, dandelion leaves, kale, chard, watercress, beet greens
- ½ green apple or ½ ripe banana
- ½ cup fresh pineapple
- 1 tsp spirulina
- small cucumber
- 1 lemon juice only
- 2 2 Brazil nuts optional, for their Selenium
- ½ cup almond milk
- Mega Detox Salad (serves 2)
- 1 avocado cut into cubes
- 1 cucumber
- ½ cup broccoli florets
- 4 kale leaves chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup red cabbage thinly sliced
- ½ cup cooked brown rice
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts
- dressing: 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, ½ lemon – juice only, ½ inch ginger, peeled and grated, 1/2 tsp turmeric, freshly ground black pepper
- Cleansing Juice
- 4 carrots
- 1 medium beet root
- 1 lemon peeled
- 1 green apple
- Snack
- 1 1 handful mixed nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts soaked overnight and well drained
- Dinner
- Serve one of the soups from my Liver cleanse detox soups post
Instructions
- DETOX PLAN FOR THREE DAYS (the same routine every day)
- Start your day with 1 cup of cleansing juice. Double the portions and pack into a glass bottle for drinking over lunch
- Breakfast
- Power Detox Green Smoothie
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and drink right away.
- Lunch
- Mega Detox Salad
- Add everything into a small jar, lid it and shake well, then pour the dressing over the salad and mix to combine.
- Cleansing Juice
- Juice everything and drink right away.
- Snack
- Serve it whenever you feel hungry.
- Dinner
- Serve one of the soups from my Liver detox soups post.
Ema says
This is great! What a delicious, manageable detox plan. Also I love that you put the recipes all on the same page! All the detoxes I’ve seen, you have to follow lots of links. This is much more convenient! Thanks :))
Ana says
Hi Ema, I tried to make it as easier as possible, so that anyone could benefit from the restoring powers of a detox. Happy you found it useful! 🙂
Ellie says
Is there another smoothie I can make? Or different lunch for a little bit of variety?
Aida says
Isn’t 8 carrots a day a bit too much???
Ana says
It’s only the juice of 8 carrots divided into 2 servings so no, it’s not too much.
Aida says
Ok thanks
And why do u soak the nuts?
Ana says
To improve the nutrient apsorbtion and make them easier to digest.
Aida says
Ok thanks
But u eat them wet? Last question approx how many calories is a day without nuts. I know it will depeends on which soup but approx
Ana says
The nut snack of about 40 g has approximate 200 calories. You drain the nuts before serving them.
Aysegul - Ice says
It is funny, because my husband and I just talked about doing a detox. After eating so much and super unhealthy during the holidays, this comes so handy. We have done detoxes in the past and felt very good afterwards.
This one looks similar do the ones we did before, but I love the fact that it allows you to have a bowl of soup for dinner.
Thank you so much for sharing! Cheers!
Ana says
During summertime is easier to do a detox with raw ingredients only, but in winter our bodies crave for comfort food – so a bowl of warm, healing soup wouldn’t do any harm as long as the body receives loads of nutrients and potassium throughout the day. Let me know how it works for you! Cheers!
Jenika says
Do you have any alternatives to the soup? Now that it is summer, would love to try something else to eat while I’m sitting on my patio (in Florida….).
Molly says
Your detox looks amazing. I have a question though, I don’t have a juicer, would you recommend an alternative to the morning juice?
Ana says
Hi Molly, try to have at least two servings of fresh organic carrots per day – the idea is to supply the cells with high amounts of potassium and eating fresh vegetables or their juice (because it’s more concentrated) is the only thing that will do the trick.
lisa says
Hi Ana!
Looks amazing!!
Any idea the cal count for the day on the detox plan?
Will this help with post holiday weight loss or is it just for detoxing?
Thank you!!
Ana says
Hi Lisa, thank you very much! The detox is not exactly a weight-loss plan, as it counts more than 1500 calories/day. I believe that skipping the fresh juice, using water instead of almond milk in smoothie, skipping the avocado in salad and choosing the broccoli soup are some steps for reducing the calories. Hope it works 🙂
lisa says
Yes Ana that sounds like a good plan! That may bring it down to say 1200-1300 Kcal per day I would think?
Ana says
Yes, I think so. I really hope this works for you!
Lee says
Do you use fresh beets in the juice or do you cook them first?
Ana says
Lee, I use fresh beets to take the maximum benefit from its nutrients.
Cynthia says
Anna
Thanks for this great plan & recipes. We will be hosting a spring detox at Pacific Peace Retreat and I’ll be using some of these ideas with our group. Appreciate finding this.
Ana says
Thank you Cynthia, I hope your group will like my recipe and feel inspired!
vera says
hi! i can’t wait to try this detox plan but i don’t have a juicer, which one would u suggest? thanks
Ana says
Vera, cold press juicers are the best choice for getting the best from the nutrients in fresh veggies and fruits.
louise says
Hi Ana I don’t have a juicer but do have a nutribullet – could I blend the ingredients for the juices instead? thanks Louise
Ana says
Louise, having smoothie instead of juice is perfectly fine, but you need to reduce the ingredient quantities. For instance, for the Cleaning Juice, instead of 4 carrots
1 small beet root, 1 lemon/1 apple I would use only 1 carrot, 1/2 beet root and 1/2 lemon, and add purified water to make it easier to drink. I hope it works!
Kelsey says
How often do you suggest a cleanse like this?
Ana says
Hey Kelsey, you can have a cleanse any time you feel your liver is tired. I have it twice a month and it’s perfect!
Phil says
Hello what would you recommend in place of the soup
Ana says
Hi Phil, you can have a veggie loaded curry with a lot of turmeric (for its anti-inflammatory properties) or another salad. As long as you have a mostly vegetable-based meal, without sugar or wheat, it’s just fine. I hope this detox will make you feel great!
Joanne says
Hi Ana,
Thanks for posting this simple detox! I’m excited to start tomorrow. Two quick questions tho: should I use an apple & a lemon in the morning cleansing drink, or just one? I’m
guessing it’s just one, but I want to be sure. Also, I’ve never bought spirulina. Does it add flavor or is it just there for the nutritional benefits? It’s the only ingredient I don’t already have on hand, so I was wondering if I can skip it 🙂 Thanks again! I’m so happy I found your blog. It’s a wonderful nutritional resource and the photography is gorgeous.
Ana says
For the morning juice it’s either the apple or the lemon, not both. About spirulina, I wouldn’t exclude it from the detox because it has magical cleansing powers, and it’s also a highly nutritious food, containing minerals, vitamins, protein, fiber and chlorophyll for an intense nourishment of the body cells. Yes, it has a strange smell and taste, but this is why the lemon/apple are intended – to hide it 🙂 I hope this detox will work for you!
Kirsty says
Cant wait to try this! Will the juice be ok to do in a good blender? Also, do you have the juice again after lunch? Didnt quite understand if thats what it meant. Then a snack and dinner?
Thank you
hl says
How do you make the Enema you recommended?
Yetunde alade says
Can I use a blender as I don’t have a juicer ,thanks so much for this
Ana says
Sure, you can use a blender, but make sure you add some unsweetened plant milk to create a creamier and easier to drink liquid.
Eliza says
Hi Ana,
When you mention the enema recommended in the steps. At what stage do you do this and do you just use a store bought type?
Thankyou
Ana says
Hi Eliza, at the time I wrote the article I was doing enemas once a week, using a store bought device. At the moment I don’t use it any more because I improved my fiber intake and I consume fermented foods and probiotics to nurture the microbiome. If you’re just starting with a healthy diet, you consume a lot of meat and poor amounts of fiber, I would reccomend an enema a month.
Alex says
Oh my goodness that breakfast smoothie! I just started a weekend detox and found yours to be the easiest to manoeuvre….not as in being able to stick with the diet…but your page layout! Super simple, to the point, not overly-wordy like most blogs and easy to follow.
I thought I’d be hungry after my breakfast smoothie, like needing something to really chew on, but it really filled me up and I can’t imagine eating anything right now. So excited to give this detox a go 🙂 So far, so good!
Thanks for keeping it simple 🙂
Ana says
Wow, thanks so much, I’m so excited to read that you tried my detox and appreciated my approach! The smoothie is really satiating because of the greens fiber and nuts, and it’s also a favourite of mine! I hope you feel at your best after the 3 detox days. Thanks for the feedback!
Yekaterina says
Oh my God.. that headache on the first day of detox!! Thank you for the detox plan. It is great and doesn’t leave one hungry at all.
Ana says
Oh, that annoying first-day headache!!!!!I’m so excited you tried my detox and it worked for you 🙂
Samantha Walmsley says
I came across your 3 day detox a few weeks ago. I have recently had to come off all dairy including beef and was feeling really good then started to feel ‘icky’ again even though I wasn’t consuming any dairy at all. I decided to have a really good detox and start it in the new year (yesterday) 🙂 I love all your ingredients apart from celery but you can’t taste it once it’s in the smoothie at all. Stuck to it all to the letter yesterday. Must admit I was hungry after the smoothie but I kept on drinking water and then lemon and water. The salad, oh my god. I never thought that the raw ingredients could be so nice the way you had done them, even the small amount of oil lemon and ginger changed the way it tasted. I really enjoyed it – alot. I did start to get a headache in the afternoon but I don’t know if that was because of the detox or because I do suffer with migraines. I had the Broccoli soup for my dinner but then I just felt so sick after it. Not because of anything in it but just because I had so much fresh food in my system for the first time in I don’t know how long. I just kept drinking water and when I woke up this morning I actually didn’t feel hungry at all. Normally I’m ravenous. I do feel better today and actually don’t miss caffeine. Look forward to my salad and I think i will cook the sweet potato soup. Thanks again. Everything is so delicious
Ana says
Hi Samantha, wow, thanks so much for such a detailed feedback, it’s so useful for everybody who wants to give this detox a try! I totally get your thoughts – I gave up dairy a while ago and didn’t really feel comfortable. Now I’m having yogurt mostly daily for nurturing my microbiome, and feel okay. It’s so great that you decided to have a detox instead of giving up your decision to have a healthier diet. Sending you all the good vibes and health!
Rita Windle says
I decided to take on your detox challenge. I have enjoyed all the recipes as well as the soups. However I must say that i did find it a little difficult due to the fact that i was still trying to maintain my high level of cardio and weight training. I was left feeling hungry on the second day, but managed to get through. I will be continuing on to eat a mainly plant based diet for a couple of weeks, hoping at least a month. I have generally very good clean eating habits and was just looking for a good kick start especially after ll the indulging over Christmas. Thanks for sharing i look forward to following and trying more of your yummy recipes
Ana says
Thanks so much for the detailed feedback, Rita! For my other readers that have a similar active lifestyle with intense cardio training, adding protein powder and nut butter to the smoothie could make a difference in making it more filling! Your comment is so helpful for the community!
Teresa says
Hi Ana,
Thanks so much for these recipes. I especially love the simplicity of them because it makes it less daunting to embark on a detox. I am easing into a detox over the next few days before doing 3 days straight. May I ask if you have any recommendations for nutrition / health coach courses as I am currently looking into this but there are so many and such a price range it’s confusing?
Ana says
Hi Teresa, happy to read you like my detox program – it really was my aim to create recipes that are easy to make and can be included not only into detox plan, but also into a daily healthy diet routine. Regarding the health coach programme, try Dr Sears Wellness Institute or The School of Applied Functional Medicine.
Teresa says
Hi Ana,
Thank you so much I will definitely look into those programmes, there’s so much choice out there it can be overwhelming. Have been making some of your recipes and they are quickly becoming part of my daily meal planning, I love them all and such a great and easy way to eat healthy every day, thank you!
Ana says
Hi Teresa, I totally agree with getting overwhelmed by so much choice, and one can easily get lost from her true self and needs. I am really happy you resonate with my recipes and that some got into your daily meal planning! Thank you so much for the feedback 🙂
Jenika says
Do you have any alternatives to the soup? Now that it is summer, would love to try something else to eat while I’m sitting on my patio (in Florida….).
Ana says
Sitting on your patio in Florida sounds like Paradise 🙂 You can try the raw alternative of the soups, by adding everything into the blender and processing to get a smooth, creamy texture. I hope this helps 🙂
Denise Wilmot says
I tried this cleanse and even though I did not have a juicer it worked well. I really feel good and less bloated after three days. I will do this every couple of months from now on. I really love the beet juice. I did add ginger to it. Thanks for sharing
Ana says
Hi Denise, I’m so happy to read you felt better after the detox plan. Adding ginger to the beet juice sounds like a great idea, especially if you tend to be bloated. Sending you all the positive vibes!
Jerusha says
Hi Ana,
Looking forward to starting this detox tomorrow. Would like to know if I can swap out the brown rice in the detox salad with quinoa? And for the juice do I have to use a lemon and an apple or either / or ?
Thanks 🙂
Ana says
Sure, you can replace the rice with quinoa. As for the juice, you can have it the way you like it, any version will do just fine.
Nasim says
Want to try this out starting tomorrow but not sure what another option to pineapple could be as we do t have any here yet.
Thank you
Ana says
You can replace it with grapefruit for a nice flavour and detox boost. Let me know how did the detox work for you.
Amelia says
Hi Ana!
I came across your 3 Day Detox Plan at the beginning of the week, and I am already at Day 2! I am beyond grateful to have found it, I love every part of it (so yummyyyy)! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
I read in the old comments that you have it twice a month, which inspire me to do the same! I was wondering if you always do/did it for 3 days?
Thank you again for this precious gift! I can’t wait to feel the full results at the end of day 3.
Wishing you a wonderful day ♥
Ana says
Hi Amelia, so lovely to read you’re doing the detox and you like it! The program is more of a reconnection with a healthy way of eating, so you can have it in full or just a day or two anytime you feel you need a little reminder to come back to balance. It’s the way I do this too, and I adapt it to what ingredients are in season, so you can adjust it according to your preferences. I hope you will feel great after having it! Warm wishes
Bia says
Hi Ana,
I really, really don’t like beetroot. Is there anything else that I can substitute for it?
Ana says
You can replace it with a celeriac root or celery stalks, or simply up the carrot quantity.
saskia says
Hi Ana,
Is it possible to add some blueberries as snack to this detox?
Lots of love,
Saskia
Ana says
Sure, they will work just fine!
Vicky says
Absolutely love it!! Will do it with my husband ASAP. I was wondering what to do next…How should we continue with our normal diets after this 3 day detox? We already eat healthy, no fast food at all, everything homemade and as clean as possible, but I was wondering how to return to our regular healthy diet. Also, I suffer from migraines… Do you recommend NOT taking any medication during the detox? For example ibuprofen.
Thanks so much!!
Ana says
Great to read you’re doing the detox! Your usual diet sounds really healthy, so it won’t be any issue returning after doing the detox. Normally I would advise not taking any medication during the detox, but it might enhance your migraines, so please do as you feel to be comfortable. Drinking plenty of liquids (water, juices from the program, herbal tea) might help with migraines. Let me know how it was!
Claudia says
The recipe for the green smoothie says 2 2 Brazil nuts. Is it 2 Brazil nuts or 22? Thank you!
Claudia says
I read they are high in selenium so I will assume only 2, as eating more than 5 is too much selenium per day. So I’m sure it’s not 22 correct?
Ana says
If you’re only consuming them for short-term during the detox, it’s ok.
vanya says
how many calories are in the morning juice
Jackie says
Hi Ana,
I decided to use some of my Christmas money towards doing some kind of health reset and I found your fabulous plan and It ticked all my boxes! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge with us.
I’m on day 2, the smoothie was unbelievably tasty and the cucumber makes it so velvety.
It’s made me realise how mindlessly I’ve been eating.
Thank you once again, you’re a gem.
With warm wishes, Jackie x
Ana says
So lovely to read you’re enjoying my Detox plan and that you’ve been inspired towards a more mindfully diet! Warm wishes!
Mackenzie says
Hi Ana! I’m preparing my Mega Detox salad for Day 1, so far so good! Question… the detox salad indicates it serves 2. Is that telling me to eat half of the recipe at one lunch, saving the remainder for next day’s lunch? Or eat the whole thing?
I’m really excited about this! Thank you for sharing.
Ana says
I make the detox salads a bit bigger to make sure they keep you satiated. You can have it all at once, or serve it the next day.
Shirley says
Hi Ana, I’ve done your detox before and felt amazing after. Doing it again this week, and wondering if you recommend taking daily vitamins (multi, D3, probiotic and Bcom) during the detox?
Ana says
I would advise taking some of these supplements (and also vitamin C and Magnesium) not only during the detox, but for longer for better results. So great to read you felt great after the detox!
Shirley says
Thank you! That’s really helpful.
Also do you have any recommendations on how to transition (what do eat) after the detox?
Ana says
Just avoid any processed foods, sugar and baked goods, eat plenty of vegetables cooked or raw, legumes and stay hydrated.
Victoria R says
Hello, I can’t wait to get started on this on Monday but wondering if I had one coffee in the morning would this hinder my detox? Many thanks vicki x
Darren says
What would you recommmend I ad to support cleansing the gut?