The 24 Hour Diet: Lose up to 4lbs in a Day. Joanna Hall
lost more, others a little less, but everyone loses something!
BEFORE YOU START
Here are some considerations to help you get the most out of the diet.
1 Since your calorie intake will be less than normal I don’t recommend you do any vigorous exercise on the day of your 24 Hour Diet. However, it’s important you are still physically active as this will assist your body’s cleansing process and aid your digestion. Being inactive will slow down your internal system and make you feel less comfortable. Walking and light yoga stretches first thing in the morning and in the evening are advisable. I have detailed three yoga stretches for you to do if you desire (see page 14). If you wear my pedometer, aim to walk at least 6,000 steps on the day of the diet, but anything more than 12,000 steps may make you feel a little tired (12,000 steps equates to six miles).
2 Avoid drinking alcohol the night before your 24 Hour Diet or keep to fewer than two units.
3 It’s very important to keep well-hydrated before and during the diet. This is necessary to help you achieve inch Loss. The diet consists of liquid foods and other easy-to-digest meals. This enhances your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, aiding your energy and the body’s cleansing process.
4 You may experience a slight headache. The first time I did the diet I had a mild headache in the afternoon, but I’ve been fine on subsequent occasions. Some people report a slight headache while others don’t. A headache is a natural response; part of your body’s cleansing process. Keeping your water intake up as well as your elixirs and teas will help.
5 Please follow the plan as closely as possible. The blending of the meals enhances absorption so you may well feel more energized. Some people feel more energetic throughout the whole day while others feel a little tired in the afternoon, but everyone wakes up the following day feeling really good – and that’s before they’ve seen their decreased measurements and weight loss.
6 All the nutrients have been specially designed to assist your body to cleanse itself whilst helping to optimize energy. This is not a detox; it’s more of a cleansing plan. The timing of the food is also important; you shouldn’t go for more than four hours without consuming something. You’ll find out more in the ‘Nutrient Know-how’ section, on page 9.
7 If your digestive system is sluggish and you suffer from constipation, you may wish to take a natural tea laxative the night before the diet.
8 If you have been advised by your doctor not to follow a special eating or exercise plan, it’s important to seek medical advice before starting this diet.
9 It’s a good idea to do the diet at the weekend. If you want to do it during the week, try to choose a day when it will be convenient for you, perhaps when you don’t have to be madly rushing here, there and everywhere.
10 You’ll find a comprehensive shopping list with everything you’ll need on page 18. In Part 4 you’ll find other recipes using these ingredients, which you can use in the 20-day Follow-on Plan.
I’ve designed the plan so that it is high in nutrients and low in calories. The 24 Hour Diet:
• is rich in essential antioxidants – to boost your immunity and help your body cleanse itself and reduce excess fluid and body fat
• provides slow-releasing energy, helping you feel satisfied and energized
• is rich in the important omega 3 and 6 fats – these are vital for your health and make you feel full and satisfied
• is free of artificial sugars
• is naturally low in sodium
• helps stabilize your blood sugar levels
• is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
You may feel a little hungry as your calorie intake will probably be a little lower than normal. However, the specific combination of nutrients means you will feel satisfied and nourished without feeling bloated.
The plan is supported by some dietary supplements. These have been specifically chosen to energize your body and help it eliminate excess fluid and weight.
LECITHIN
Lecithin granules are obtained from soya beans and have a distinct, pleasant, nutty flavour. They are naturally rich in choline, an important nutrient for controlling dietary fat, which is why lecithin is an important supplement for people following a low-cholesterol diet.
NEEM
An Ayurvedic herbal extract, neem can be added to a little cold water to be taken as a tincture. It has powerful cleansing properties, and is particularly beneficial to the liver and for internal inflammation. As it has a rather bitter taste, adding some honey to the Morning Elixir (see page 21) will make it easier to drink. Stick with it as it is highly efficient supplement to your diet.
LIVING GREEN FOOD
Powdered living food is a blend of green foods, herbs, fruits and other botanicals. The powerful phytonutrients in these living raw foods are believed to assist your cells receive deep nourishment. Taken daily, it is thought to help regenerate and sustain mental and physical energy, enhance immunity and support the active recovery of your cells. This is one product where you get what you pay for, so it’s worth investing in a good brand. I personally recommend Pure Synergy, available at Fresh and Wild, Planet Organic and other good health-food shops.
TEAS
Detox teas are often a blend of botanicals that help cleanse the body. These may include dandelion root, burdock root, milk thistle, liquorice root, peppermint, spearmint, artichoke and ginger root. These teas are prepared in convenient tea bags. Although you can buy the fresh herbs yourself and make your own teas, these can be very powerful and exceedingly bitter. The prepared detox teas can be drunk with a little honey to sweeten if necessary, although it’s better to avoid this if you can.
Laxative teas are usually a combination of senna leaves, liquorice, cinnamon, fennel and ginger. These can be very effective so only one cup should be taken before bedtime. If necessary, another one can be taken the following day. Don’t drink more than four cups in 24 hours.
Both these teas support the cleansing process of the body.
Please note: Laxative teas are not recommended if you have or develop diarrhoea or abdominal pain. Consult your doctor before taking them if you suffer from frequent diarrhoea, are pregnant, breast-feeding, taking medication or have a medical condition.
TIME-SAVING TIPS
1 It sounds obvious but read the whole plan before you start – I’ve tried to address all the little problem areas you may have, so a little prior reading will help a great deal.
2 The Vitality Soup and Sanity Snacks can be made in advance. You can freeze the Vitality Soup in convenient individual serving sizes, and the Sanity Snacks last up to a week in a container in the fridge.
3 To save mess as well as time, freeze nut butters in ice cube trays. They easily come out of the trays and two cubes are the equivalent of a dessertspoon. You can put the frozen cubes straight into the Nutty Evening Energizer, but they will need to thaw a little before making a fresh batch of Sanity Snacks.
4 The Body Blender Breakfast can be partly prepared the night before. Soak the oats, wheat germ, lecithin and nutmeg in 200ml (7fl oz) cold water. Cover and leave overnight