DIY Detox Drinks For Weight Loss
1. Green Tea And Lemon
Water 1 green tea bag 1/4 lemon
Green tea is a good source of catechins, i.e., dietary polyphenols that exhibit anti-adiposity effects (3). Lemons are known to help one lose weight because of the presence of vitamin C – which is an antioxidant that aids in digestion. Lemons are also known to have diuretic properties, which help in detoxifying the body and may potentially help burn fat (4).
2. Honey, Lemon, And Ginger
1/2 lemon 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 inch ginger root 1 glass warm water
Drinking this mixture first thing in the morning will help detox the body. You also may feel less bloated and more active throughout the day. This drink also helps boost your body’s metabolism. Honey may also help suppress appetite and aid in weight loss. A study conducted by the San Diego State University on rats has suggested that honey may reduce weight gain and obesity (5).
3. Lemon And Cucumber Detox Water
1 lemon 1 cucumber Mint leaves A pinch of salt Water
Cucumber is a low-calorie food with high water content (95.2% water) (6). Studies have found that a diet low in energy density (low in calories) is an effective measure to improve weight loss and managing body weight (7). It is one of the most common DIY cleansing drinks to boost energy and metabolism.
4. Pineapple Lemonade
1 cup chopped pineapple Juice of one lemon 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper A pinch of salt
Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain helps in metabolizing protein, which, in turn, may help burn away the excess belly fat. Pineapple is also a good source of fiber (8).
5. Orange And Carrot Juice
1 orange 1 carrot 1 tablespoon honey Coriander leaves Water Ice
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and loaded with fiber. Foods high in fiber increase satiety (feeling of fullness) and decrease subsequent hunger (9). This can help reduce appetite, thereby leading to weight loss. Oranges are replete with vitamin C (10). Adequate vitamin C levels facilitate the burning of more fat mass (11). Vitamin C is inversely associated with body mass. Orange juice is low in calories and has zero fat, which makes it a good option if you are looking out to lose weight. Orange also is rich in fiber.
6. Beetroot And Mint Juice
Beetroot A handful of mint leaves A pinch of salt
Beets are low in calories and high in fiber (12). Adding fiber to your diet helps control appetite and reduce weight (13). It is a great cleanser for your liver. Make sure to drink the unstrained juice if you intend to lose weight.
7. Strawberry And Cinnamon Detox Water
7-8 strawberries 1 cinnamon stick Mint leaves 1-liter water
Research says that strawberries may help promote the production of hormones adiponectin and leptin. Both these hormones may help burn fat and boost metabolism, and potentially aid weight loss Strawberries contain ellagic acid, a bioactive polyphenol (14). Research suggests that ellagic acid may help manage obesity and related complications. However, more human clinical studies need to be conducted to prove this effect (15).
8. Fruits And Carrot Juice
1 carrot Choice of fruits (blueberries, prunes, apples/pears, strawberries, grapes, and/or grapefruit) Black pepper A pinch of salt
Fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, prunes, apples/pears, strawberries, raisins/grapes, and grapefruit are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These fruits and vegetables aid weight management and prevent weight gain with their high fiber content (both soluble and insoluble), low glycemic load, biologically active polyphenols, and natural sugar (16). Note: Do not strain the juice as it loses its fiber content. If you are uncomfortable drinking unstrained juice, you may mix strained and unstrained juice initially. Moreover, it is always better to eat fruits and vegetables whole to better utilize all their nutrients.
9. Buttermilk Detox Drink
Buttermilk/plain curd Mint leaves Coriander leaves 1/2 carrot 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed powder (roasted) A pinch of salt
Curd (or yogurt) is a natural source of probiotics that strengthen the digestive system. Its nutritional composition and lactic acid bacteria may improve gut health, help manage appetite, and aid weight loss. However, the role of yogurt in weight loss remains controversial (17).
10. Tomato, Leek, and Cucumber Juice
1 tomato 1 stick of leek 1 cucumber Mint leaves
Tomato is a good source of lycopene, which has the potential to aid weight loss. A study conducted by the China Medical University found that tomato juice effectively reduced waist circumference and BMI of 30 young females (18).
Do Detox Drinks Really Work?
Certain detox diets – like the lemon detox diet – have shown positive results in aiding weight loss and improving insulin resistance in pilot groups. However, these results cannot be generalized to the general population (19). Restricting calories and macros and including more water-based concoctions in your diet is an effective approach for quick weight loss. However, this is a temporary water weight loss from the carbs in your body, not fat loss. Each gram of glycogen in the human muscle is stored with at least 3 g of water. Drinking more water than macros breaks the glycogen stored in your muscles for energy (20).According to The British Dietetic Association, more research is required to assess the potential risks and benefits of detox programs (21).
When Should You Drink Detox Drinks?
Detox drinks should not be your meal replacement. They can be taken as early morning metabolic boosters to maintain hydration levels. You can also drink them between meals as a mid-meal. Listed below are a few detox drinks that will keep you hydrated and act as a temporary weight loss solution. What can I drink to detox overnight? Chamomile tea, lemon water, fenugreek water, and ginger lemon tea are some detox drinks you can have before bed to detox while you sleep. What is the right time to drink detox water? Early morning is the best time to take your detox drinks to work on and cleanse your system effectively. How can I detox naturally? Along with the detox drinks mentioned above, maintaining a healthy diet and sleep routine with an active lifestyle, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding junk processed and refined food can help you detox naturally.
