The Appeal of a Lemon Detox Diet
If you are a person who is in search of a detox method that is simple yet fast and effective, then you may want to try the lemon detox diet. With this diet, a blend of syrup from organic trees and the juice of a fresh lemon is drank by a dieter. Oftentimes, the syrup is a concoction of palm and maple syrups. Such mixture is definitely a source of balanced minerals and vitamins for every individual.
As the name implies, this diet will surely help you get rid of those unhealthy toxins and compounds from your body. And though it is not the ultimate goal, sometimes, weight loss is even obtained because of this diet. And as the body is detoxified, its system is treated and left healthier than before.
Because the diet may require the dieter t to cut back with solid foods, the body may get the energy it needs to get through its regular activities from the natural sugars of the syrup. These natural sugars help the body hold back hunger which it may experience because of the restricted diet. With just one glass of the blended drink, approximately 70 calories is absorbed by the body, together with zinc and calcium. All these elements are taken in by the body in the right amount as considered necessary for an individual.
The program may continue for several days wherein a person only takes in the blended drink together with a prescribed medication to assist the ingestion during the diet period. Dieters are still active because of the energy that they get from the drink. However, as the toxins are flushed out from the system of the dieter, he may feel a little dizzy or light-headed. To be able to increase the blood flow and accelerate the discharge of these unwanted substances from the body; many dietitians suggest that the diet should be accompanied by simple exercises.
After refraining from solid foods for a few days, it is advisable to gradually go back to the normal eating habit. The resumption should not be abrupt because it may seriously harm the body. Slowly integrate soft foods into your diet in addition to the liquids and the fruits that you are eating for the past few days.
Then, if you are well-adjusted, then you may eat solid foods moderately. The intense fasting may be too harsh for the system, thus it is best to proceed with the diet with the supervision of physicians and professional health providers.
As believed, the lemon detox diet can offer dietary support even if it lacks proof that can show unpleasant long-term effects for the body. Today’s researches that lay down the advantages and disadvantages of the diet are very much effective for the better understanding of this regimen. If you are planning to embark on this program, you should allot a time to discuss the matter with your doctor so that you may be properly advised if this treatment will be beneficial for your condition.
The lemon detox diet is very appealing, especially to those who are not well-informed regarding the matter. To those who do not have enough knowledge regarding this kind of diet, they may see it as their hope to lose weight.
But to those who are into this diet for the right reasons, they know that this diet is more of a purification of their system, so that they can become healthier and they are more protected against substances that may harm their fitness.
Detox Diet: the Key to a Healthy Lifestyle
Detox, short for detoxification, is the body’s natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins are chemically changed into less harmful compounds and flushed out of the body through stools or urine. Detox diet is the method of taking in certain food and drinks with the end purpose of getting rid of toxins from the body for finest health.
In short, it is a diet which detoxifies the body. Detox diets may vary in forms and the substances to ingest. In most of the cases, the food selections are very strict. On the other hand, some are more lenient but then certain drugs are prescribed to assist in the detoxification.
Detoxification is good for the body if done properly and with professional guidance. It is highly recommended that a person who wishes to undertake detox diet must first consult a physician or dietician. This is because detoxification may be harmful to the body if not conducted properly. Sometimes the misuse of a detox diet may produce certain diseases or even malnutrition. But with the proper guidance, detox diet can make a body healthier and stronger.
When a body is detoxified, the toxins are removed from the body through the urine or the stools. When there are less toxins in the body, blood circulation gets better, respiration is stroger, stamina is improved, stress is decreased, and the person himself will feel better. But the most popular reason why people go for a detox diet is that it is the quickest and safest way to lose weight.
Most detox diets comprise of only fruits, vegetables, and water. Since this sort of diet is very strict, meat, dairy, alcohol, and bread are big no-nos. This allows the body to absorb less calories and carbohydrates. Detoxification also produces the effect of lessening harmful substances in the body like fat and cholesterol.
However, since a deox diet is very strict, it is highly advisable that it only be used for a short period of time. Detox diets are regularly short-term only and this sort of diet is not recommended to be done for a long period of time because it may be a cause of malnutrition. A detox diet is usually low in protein and carbohydrates. Without these, muscle growth and energy is easily diminished.
So, detox diets must only be used for a short-term basis. After following a detox diet many people report having ‘more energy and losing weight quickly’ and given that the diet is so restrictive, it is hardly surprising that you will have lost a few pounds.
However, detoxing is not a weight management solution. Following the detox program will not teach you anything about basic weight management strategies such as portion control or a healthy meal pattern. As a result most people gain weight again and feel just as sluggish as usual once they stop the diet and return to their old eating habits. The real reason that detox diets work in the short-term is because people make a special effort to change their eating habits for a few days.
It stands to reason that if you swap chips and fizzy drinks for fruit and water you will loose weight. Also, if you’re not eating lots of high fat meals, which slow your body down as it tries to digest them, you will have more energy.
Recommended Meal Plan After Detox Diet
Now that you have successfully finished your detox diet, you are now facing the challenge of starting to eat healthy and practice balanced meals. You must maintain same discipline you had during your detox program, which includes battling against the lure of your favorite foods like chocolates.
There are some cookbooks that offers recipes however, majority of the recipes are low protein and low calories diet. That won’t sustain the energies you needed at work and strictly following them might lead you to diet problems.
Some people opt to return to their usual diet plan excluding excess in fatty foods and other unhealthy food items. They start the first day after detox program with drinking two glasses of water to eliminate toxic residue in the body. Actually, the habit of drinking two glasses before breakfast meal in the morning is one effective diet plan you can take to maintain the level of toxicity you just achieved.
Whole grain cereal and fresh fruits are also excellent breakfast foods. For lunch, eating green leafy vegetable salads for protein is a good choice. You might also add any poultry meat or seafood. If you wish to add calories, you can try eating rice cakes.
Opt for less starchy foods on dinnertime as your body is preparing for rest and you won’t need too much calories anymore. Vegetables and a light protein source are ideal for your dinner meal. Always remember to choose organic foods.
A healthy meal plan knows what ere the fruits and vegetables in season and incorporates in your daily meal plan rather than picking what is just in the store. If your regular meal is eating out, you might find it hard to stick on a healthy diet. Browse through local foodshops and learn what the healthy food choices in their menu are and take note of them. In that way, the moment you stomach growls for hunger, you are sure that what you are picking are just healthy and well-balanced meal.
Example After Detox Meal Plan from the book The New Detox Diet by Elson M. Haas and Daniella Chace
Day One:
Fruit and/or fruit juice: Organic Apple
Breakfast: Hot Breakfast Quinoa
Lunch: White Bean Salad and Fresh Harvest Juice
Snack: Cold Almonds
Dinner: Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Rosemary
Treat: Juice Jells
Fruit and/or fruit juice: Organic Grapes
Breakfast: Baked Apple
Lunch: Herbed Soup
Snack: Cottonwood Pea Hummus
Dinner: Kombu Squash Soup
Treat: Fresh fruit or smoothie of your choice
Fruit and/or fruit juice: Grapefruit
Breakfast: Basic Breakfast Steel Cut Oats
Lunch: Jicama Salad or Gazpacho
Snack: Kombu Nuts
Dinner: Glazed Broccoli and Lentil Stew
Treat: Pears in Black Cherry Sauce
Avoid foods that will hurt your efforts like starchy and baked foods; processed foods like burgers, hotdogs, sausages and canned corned beef; salted nuts, carbonated drinks (both diet and sugar), sauces like mayonnaise, store-bought salad dressing and pickles; and coffee.
Adjusting your diet after detox is actually easy. Some detox dieters experienced caffeine withdrawal after the program. This is quite expected, after the body has eliminated unhealthy substances, your food cravings tend to start anew. Some dieters experience permanent weight loss after a detox diet.
This is not anymore surprising. It just means that the body has fully adjusted to the healthier eating habit.
Recommendations For Detox Diet Books
Given the proper guidance, your body has the power to heal itself and eliminate unnecessary wastes. Here are some of the detox diet books that will inspire, guide you and be your references towards a healthy and well nourished body:
1. “The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five-Step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss” by Natalia Rose
Author and certified clinical nutritionist, Natalia Rose published this book in May, 2005. “The Raw Food Detox Diet” is her first published book which provides simple, proven five-level diet plan to safely make the transition to eating raw foods, and to detoxify and achieve a perfect body. Many people are curious on how to make the transition from their current diet and giving up their lifestyle to eating raw foods.
According to Natalia Rose, raw food helps to detoxify the body by flushing out toxins and unnecessary substances and setting back your body on a course toward greater energy, clearer skin and natural figure. The book suggests you to make a gentle change based on your previous diet and needs. It does not require you to conform to the diet rather the diet conforms to you.
2. “21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha’s Vineyard Diet Detox” by Roni DeLuz and James Hester
Dr Roni Deluz, RN, ND, PhD is a traditional naturopathic doctor and founder of Martha’s Vineyard Diet Detox. In 1997, she opened the Martha’s Vineyard Holistic Retreat which offers retreat vacation packages for clients to experience a peacefiul, private, holistic environment for natural healing and detoxification. James Hester on the other hand, has worked in Martha’s Holistic Retreat with Roni DeLuz since 2003.
He has successfully lost thirty pounds using the DeLuz’s diet plan. The book 21 Pounds in 21 Days offers three different detox programs, including the 21-day “MasterFast” which promises a 21-pound weight loss in just three weeks. This diet program focuses on elimination of toxins through antioxidants, fasting, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes.
3. “The Essential Green You: Easy Ways to Detox Your Diet, Your Body, Your Life” by Deirdre Imus
Author Deirdre Imus is the founder and head of the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology which conducts studies on possible links between cancers and environmental hazards. She has shown concerns over the chemicals used in commercial cleaning products in her previously published book “Greening Your Cleaning.” The book “The Essential Green You” is the third book she has published.
The book provides practical and helpful information on how to transform your diet, like eating more organic foods. She has also emphasized in the book the importance of holistic and natural medical treatments. Deirdre Imus is bold enough to name some of the product brands to avoid as they contain untested chemicals which have the big possibility of harming our health.
4. “The Seasonal Detox Diet Remedies from the Ancient Cookfire” by Carrie L’Esperance
This book provides readers a program using vegetarian recipes designed around seasonal changes and geared toward individual health concerns. Author Carrie L’Esperance emphasizes on dietary alteration rather than abstinence. Her recipes are designed in line with seasonal changes and geared toward addressing health concerns like stress, fatigue, digestive disturbances, and rapid weight gain.
Detox diet recipes in the book includes “Banana Coconut Ice Cream” and “Japanese Soba Noodles with Sesame Miso Sauce.” Also included in the book are instructions for healing herbal baths and cleansers.
Reasons for a Detox Diet
Maybe you have read a lot of articles discussing detox diets, its efficiency as well as its drawbacks. And because of the many write ups that you have read about it, you are now confused as to whether or not you should try this regimen. Some articles may have written that it is very effective and with just a few days, you will lose several pounds. Some articles, on the other hand, may tell you that this diet is not healthy and it may have some side effects that are not worth the try. What then should you believe?
Perhaps with the right motivation and purpose, the detox diet may really improve your way of living. With just the name of the diet, you are sure to be free from the toxins in your body, and these are the chemicals that are believed to be harmful for your health. Perhaps if you know why and how the detox diet should be properly performed, then you can never go wrong.
Most professionals believe that cleansing your body is a must and this is what a detox diet offers – an overall purification of the body system. Although the body is equipped with organs that are designed to perform filtration for the cleansing of the body, the detox diet can still be performed for assistance and support. However, most professionals also believe that the detoxification should not be performed for a long period.
They suggest that twice a year or once every six months is enough. This is because for them, the detox diet is not really for weight loss. Its goal should really be for the elimination of harmful substances.
Another reason for a detoxification is the attainment of good quality health. A good quality health would refer to what your body can do. Its ability to keep you going and keep you active to attend to your daily activities would mean that it has good quality.
However, nowadays, the value of one’s health is dependent on his lifestyle and on the opinion of others who influence his life. You should always remember that you should take care of your health. You should always keep it running in good condition, because this will take you to where you want to go.
Aging can also be another motivation for you to undergo detoxification. Through a detox diet, toxins are flushed out of your system; and these toxins are the same causes of aging and deterioration. Detoxification is better than taking drugs that claim to prevent aging.
Growing old is a process that everyone has to undergo, and it is an inevitable course; however, you should be able to go through it healthily and with grace. Taking in drugs may only fill your body with more toxins, thus detoxifying is a better option.
You should know your priorities when it comes to your health. And urbanization and commercialization may have caused a lot of people to establish different sets of priorities, but your constant priority should always be your health. For the right reasons, a detox diet is a great way to maintain your health and keep it in good shape.
You will have greater protection against illnesses and diseases because your system is purified and cleansed. With moderation and proper guidance, you can never go wrong with a detox diet.
Raw Food Diet: A Detox Diet Plan
A diet that allows you to cleanse your body is called a detox diet. Through detoxification, toxins, chemicals, and other unwanted compounds are flushed out from the body. Thus, this diet aims to target the cleansing of the liver, which is an important internal organ in purification of our body system.
The proponents of this diet believe that through time, the liver is congested thus it becomes difficult for the liver to perform its functions well. By cleansing the liver, the filtration system of the whole body operates better thus the entire body is purified.
There are a lot of ways to perform a detox diet. Some of them can be a very mild and simple routine, while others are very strict and intense regimen. In choosing the right detox regimen for you, you should be able to analyze your capability as well as your discipline in following plans. As you well know, diets work well for people who are able to control themselves, and for those who are really determined to succeed in their endeavor. One example of a detox routine that you may want to try is the raw food detox diet.
In a raw food detox diet, the dieters are required to eat whole, fresh, and unprocessed foods that are not hard on a person’s digestive system. Simultaneously, this kind of diet will begin to purify the liver and maintain the body. Choices of foods for their meals are restricted to those which are not artificially grown and only uncontaminated and untreated ingredients must be used.
The Chinese regard herbs as very useful for treatment of several illnesses. This is why most of their teas are made from the finest herbs, which according to their belief may help in the detoxification of their body. This is the reason why herbs are very much integrated as part of the raw food diet.
If you are interested to try this diet, you should at least have an idea of what are its common guidelines. First of all, since this is a detox diet, you should bear in mind that your ultimate goal is to eliminate unhealthy toxins from your body. Thus, you should refrain from taking in certain unhealthy substances, such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. In addition to this, you should always drink purified water and natural fruit juices.
And, though this diet requires you to eat “raw” foods, you should take note of the foods that re not be eaten raw, such as poultry, beef and egg. What you should focus on eating are the fresh vegetables, fruits, as well as the quality fish products. And since meats are excluded from the diet, raw nuts should be good substitutes as sources of protein for the whole duration of the diet.
If you are following a milder detox diet, then you should not expect great distress. However, as you try a more intense regimen, greater effects are to be experienced. Dehydration may be acquired, thus in order to prevent this from happening, you should always remember to drink plenty of water. You should always remember that although you think that you can carefully follow a raw food detox diet, there is always a chance of experiencing side effects.
Therefore, it would be wiser to consult first with a medical professional before changing your eating habits. Your paramount consideration should always be your health.
Master Cleanse: The Lemon Detox Diet
The lemon detox diet, or what is commonly known as the master cleanse, is a form of a detoxification regimen. Several Hollywood stars have tried and tested its efficiency, and this diet did not leave them disappointed. This diet has given hope to millions of people all over the world who want to lose weight and be healthier. But what are there to know about this master cleanse? Is this therapy really beneficial and safe to try?
The lemon detox diet is believed to be very safe because only natural products are used. The process would include the purification of the entire body as the accumulated toxins are flushed out from the system. As the body cleanses itself, its weight will begin to normalize.
Everyone should try to detoxify their bodies, at least twice a year. People who think that they are healthy enough should also try this kind of diet. You should know that toxins build up in our body because of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the food we eat. Even the emotional and physical stresses that we experience play a role in the accumulation of toxins. Thus, because of this, the body should be given a time to get rid of the harmful compounds that may endanger our health. This is where the detox diet should enter.
Healthy diet, supplemented by herbs and vitamins should be able to assist in the detoxification of our system. As you cleanse our body, you should stay away from substances that may have unfavorable effects to your body and health. Instead of turning to these unhealthy foods, you should try to eat those organically and naturally grown, like lemons, carrots and the likes that motivate the filtration process of the liver. This is why the lemon detox diet is a sure hit in attaining a healthier and better quality of life.
You should understand that the lemon detox diet is a great way to get rid of unwanted toxins, and not for weight loss. Perhaps, it is just a consequence because when you are doing a master cleanse, you only feed on liquids. However, when you reduce your intake of calorie, your body learns how to get by with less fuel so your metabolism slows down.
With slower metabolism, you may feel weaker. Thus, to be clear, you should remember that the primary goal of a lemon detox diet is to let your digestive system take a break, so that your body would have the opportunity to retune itself while you stay energetic at the same time.
If your goal is to lose weight rather than to eliminate toxins from your body, you will find yourself gaining weight right after your detox diet. This is because since your metabolism had slowed down during the diet, it would continue to slow down even after the diet. Thus, as you go back to your regular eating habit, your body would have a slower pace to burn off the calories that you are taking in.
In summary, you should consider the lemon detox diet as a detoxification regimen for your body at least twice a year. Purging toxins and unhealthy chemicals from your body should be your ultimate goal and not losing weight. Though losing weight is an offshoot of this diet, it should not be your main purpose.
If you really want to lose weight, you should try to exercise regularly and eat a balanced healthy meal.
Learning the Basics of Detox Diet
There are a lot of ways on how to live a healthier life and at the same time shed off those unwanted body fats. One technique that is fast gaining popularity is the detox diet. What are there to know about this particular type of diet? Perhaps some of you may already have an idea of what to expect out of this kind of diet; but for those who want to know a little more about this, then you may want to explore this article.
Upon hearing the word detoxification, perhaps the primary thought that may appear in your mind is the procedure used for therapy of a person who has a certain kind of addiction. But this word may also mean as some kind of a diet wherein the body is cleansed of dietary toxins to improve one’s health.
This kind of diet may be done in a lot of ways, but in general, its aim is to reduce the ingestion of chemicals that may not be helpful for the body. This may be obtained by eating foods that are rich in fiber, so that toxins can be easily eliminated by frequent bowel movement.
Reasons to Go on a Detox Diet
There are people who undergo a weight loss program wherein their diet lacks some nutrients which aid or assist in detoxifying chemicals in our body. As a result of this, chemicals may build-up in the body which is often called as the “body burden.” This accumulation of chemicals is believed to be responsible of some illnesses including impairment of immune system and inefficiency of the body’s metabolism.
Aside from the fact that this diet may prevent serious illnesses, its effects are other reasons why people should try this diet. Most of the individuals who have tried this diet have testified that they have improved energy and digestion. Their bowel movement is frequent and regular, which makes them less irritable. They also opined that their concentration have increased after undergoing this kind of diet. And, as an added feature, their skins have become clearer and more radiant than before.
The Possible Side Effects
In every detoxification, there is a tendency of the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. For instance, if a person cuts down his intake of caffeine, he may experience headache during the first few days of his withdrawal. Thus, practitioners recommend that instead of a sudden withdrawal they should try to slowly decrease their caffeine intake; as they say, slowly but surely.
Diarrhea may also be a drawback, and if it worsens, it may even lead to dehydration. However, constipation may also occur, especially if the person has consumed too much fiber and yet his fluid intake is not increased in the right proportion.
Aside from these, other simple effects are tiredness, hunger and sometimes, bad temper. However, these symptoms should not continue for a long time; thus, if such condition worsens during the duration of the diet, it would be best to visit and seek the advice of a professional.
Since this diet may exclude animal products from the list of foods that a person may eat, then it is possible that you may not get all the nutrients that you will be needing.
You should remember that a detox diet should not be continued for a longer period because it may lead to nutrient deficiencies like protein and calcium.
How to Successfully Undergo a Detox Diet
You have surely heard actresses on television say that they have lost weight dramatically thanks to a detox diet. It is possible? Yes it is and you too can successfully do it as long as you understand some basic things.
Before you start the detox diet, you must first consult with your doctor to be sure that it is safe. Nursing mothers or those who are pregnant should not try it. The same goes for people with certain medical conditions.
You also have to understand that there is a preparation phase involved before you get started. To do this, you have to reduce your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, sugars and certain foods at least a week in advance, drinks lots of water and get plenty of rest.
It is best to also exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes a day to prepare your body physically for what is about to happen. This should also be done during the detox diet and even after to maintain your energy levels.
Naturally, you will have to buy the fruits and vegetables you will be using for the next few days. Ideally, these should be organic but if there is none, make sure to peel off the skin and wash these first before consuming.
Not all detox diets will require you to eat it raw. In fact, some programs will only tell you to eat 85% of it raw while the other 15% is cooked.
So you don’t get tired eating the same fruits or vegetables for the duration of the program, you have to know which ones work well together. An option is to mix carrots or tomatoes with celery, cucumber or spinach. If fruits are involved, use apple, cranberry or pineapple but never orange because it is highly acidic.
It will be very useful if you had a juice but if you don’t, a regular blended will work. You should consume a certain volume of at least 64 ounces of the fruit or vegetable for the next few days and then drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water.
For those who are unable to finish the drink made for that day, don’t worry because fruit juices will stay good for about 3 days while vegetable juices are good for 5 days.
Should the detox program last for about 3 days or longer, you can add in some solid fruits and vegetables during the succeeding days. If at any point you will dizzy, nauseous or you want to throw up, stop the program and get medical help.
Let’s say you have finished the detox diet. What happens next? Well, since detox diets are only good for the short term as this may be harmful to your health, it is best to gradually return to solid foods.
If you feel good about what it has done, this can be done again. Experts advise that this should only be done once or twice in a year.
The detox diet does more than cleanse your system. It may also help reduce your weight but don’t be fooled because the only thing you lost is water. You will eventually get this back when you go back to your regular diet.
There are many detox diets to choose from so read about each one to get to know what it is. If you don’t like to drink it, you can also eat it.
Getting Started on Your Detox Diet
Detox diet, or what is commonly called as a cleansing diet, is a means of cleansing the body with toxins and chemicals that may potentially harm body tissues. Through this diet, these unwanted toxins are converted into less damaging compounds which can easily be excreted through urination and bowel movement. This technique may be a potential in helping you lose your weight and at the same time guiding you in living a healthier life.
However, when planning to lose weight, there are certain things that you should take into consideration before committing yourself into a diet program. Thus, just like with any other types and forms of diet, anyone on who plans to go on a detox diet should first evaluate the plan properly and seriously weigh on the pros and cons of his diet.
People who should not try a Detox Diet
On the whole, anyone who opts to try this diet should first seek advice from his physician. He should at least be given an overview of the possible outcome as well as the side effects that he may experience during the program. A proper assessment of the program, by the individual together with his professional care provider, would prevent serious illnesses that may transpire as a consequence of the diet.
More important to note is the fact that people who are in a delicate phase of their lives, like children or pregnant women, are not advised to attempt this dietary plan. People who are diagnosed with serious illnesses and chronic conditions such as cancer or genetic diseases should likewise refrain from trying the detox diet.
Their conditions are considered as very mild and thus, it would be better if they choose another diet plan. Or, if they also wish to try this type of diet, they should do so under the care and supervision of their primary caregiver.
Selecting the Proper Method
The detox diet may be done in several ways, and it is important that the proper method of cleansing is chosen and selected by the individual. The diet plan may be in a form of a special diet, or it may be done by ingesting herbs or taking supplements, or even as simple as a hydrotherapy. The program may also be the performance of simple exercises or some breathing techniques. And the extreme forms of this therapy may involve colon hydrotherapy, liver flush and chelation.
Among these techniques, a gentle detox diet plan is the most common suggestion of practitioners. This diet plan should be enough to target the organs of the body like the kidney, liver and colon. These are the organs that take part in the detoxification of our entire system. If you wish to avail of this diet plan, you may even ask a practitioner to make a plan especially for you.
Frequency of Detoxification
Detox diet is not recommended for long term duration. Practitioners suggest that the detoxification be done only once or twice a year as prevention to diseases and improvement of health. However, in some instances, the duration of the diet may be lengthened or the frequency may be increased, depending on the advice of the practitioner. The bottom line still is that this diet should not be done without supervision of experts.
These are just some of the things that you may want to reflect on before you start your detox diet. You should keep in mind that the diet should make you healthier, and it should not endanger your health. Thus, you should always consult your physician before starting on a diet.
