About the Gillian McKeith Detox Diet

As a number of celebrities undergo diet detoxes and body cleanses, many everyday folks are also testing out these plans. One such popular diet has been formulated by British nutrition specialist Gillian McKeith, who advocates a full-on lifestyle change rather than just another diet. Her plan is big on fresh fruits and vegetables and urges against consumption of sugar, fat, complex carbs, caffeine and alcohol. Though the change can be difficult at first, McKeith reminds followers of the potential rewards.

Function

• Gillian McKeith's detox plan follows a straightforward alkaline diet approach, with an emphasis on consuming fresh, leafy green veggies and raw foods while avoiding sugar, fat, yeast and alcohol. The diet aims for an intake of about 80 percent alkaline foods (such as pure water and juices, and fresh produce) to 20 percent acid foods. By taking in these pure, unprocessed foods on a regular basis, followers of the plan are expected to see an increase in energy and overall body and brain functioning.

Portions

• Gillian McKeith urges followers of her plan to eat as much as they desire, with the caveat that everything they consume should fall into the category of acceptable detox foods prepared in the correct manner. For example, a typical breakfast on the plan would consist of a blueberry, mango and banana smoothie while lunch might include miso soup and a mung bean casserole. An average dinner on the detox diet would be salmon or white meat with steamed veggies.

  Additionally, McKeith's plan de-emphasizes the number on the scale and the nutrition specialist reminds people that losing pounds on the plan is just the icing on the cake.

Time Frame

• Adherents to McKeith's plan are expected to see the detox guide not as a temporary diet but as a permanent lifestyle change. The plan suggests meal and snack options from morning to night so that there is never a moment when the detox follower is unsure of what to consume and approximately how much.

Benefits

• Consistent followers of the Gillian McKeith Detox Diet should expect to experience an increase in their energy level, as well as a clearer state of mind. The foods included in the plan are also meant to make people feel revitalized and lighter. These feelings are crucial not only to better overall health but to quicker weight loss.

Considerations

• Though Gillian McKeith often presents herself as "Dr.", she recently came under fire for using this title as she is not actually a medically trained physician. In the summary of McKeith's recent "You are What You Eat Cookbook," she specifies that she is "not a traditionally trained medical doctor" but has a doctorate degree in Philosophy of Nutrition.