The juice detox
‘Juicing’ is the OG detox or cleanse, and one often marketed for weight-loss purposes. Unsurprisingly, the research is hazy – any results from this detox will likely be down to factors such as calorie reduction or water loss. “There is no evidence of long-lasting effects – and there is even the risk of weight gain caused by a spike in the appetite-inducing stress hormone, cortisol,” explains Maria Andonopoulos, a dietitian, nutritionist and founder of Sydney-based clinic, Dietology. “It may also, in the short term, trigger headaches, fainting, low mood and nutrient deficiencies.”
The lowdown: Do yourself a solid and avoid this one. “Focus on a healthy, balanced diet – including two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables daily in their whole form,” recommends Andonopoulos. Although you don’t have to give up your daily smoothie if it’s part of a balanced diet, Andonopoulos simply advises that you “blend rather than juice” your fruit and veg to naturally increase your intake of blood sugar-stabilising fibre.