Latest news with #detox
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I partied with Charli, Gaga and Missy in the desert - Here's the three-day detox I did to recover in one of LA's favourite postcodes
If you have ever been to Coachella you will know that the recovery process after a long weekend of partying in the desert is long and rough. During my most recent trip to the US with my partner, we spent the better part of a week being 'Brats' - dancing well into the wee hours of the morning to Charli XCX, Missy Elliot and Lady Gaga. Unlike many of the 'California sober' models and influencers too busy posing for endless selfies to eat or drink, we indulged in endless margaritas and outrageously overpriced food offerings. Yes, I am talking US$20 (AU$30) for a slice of pepperoni pizza. So after a whirlwind few days, the thought of spending more indulgent nights out in LA at bougie restaurants, dive bars and buzzy nightclubs made my head spin. We were in desperate need of wellness - some smoothies, strolls, a seaside escape. DAY ONE For our post-Coachella detox I decided to design a three-day itinerary with a focus on health and fitness, along with a little five-star dining and accommodation in between. Moving well away from the bad influence of my usual mainstay of West Hollywood, I settled on the more sedated Santa Monica. If you have every been to Coachella you will know that the recovery process after a long weekend of partying in the desert is long and rough Nestled along the shimmering Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica stands as a vibrant testament to California's laid-back lifestyle, natural beauty, and cultural richness. The iconic coastal city not only has picturesque beaches, a bustling pier, and eclectic neighbourhoods, but a plethora of wellness studios, healthy dining options and kale as far as the eye can see at one of the city's biggest farmers markets. I have never stayed in a beachside hotel in Los Angeles, and the newly refurbished Sandbourne Santa Monica seemed like the perfect fit for my first experience. Recently overhauled by hotelier Gulla Jónsdóttir, the 175-room hotel is part of the Marriott's Autograph Collection and is a luxury beach house where 'urban style meets the coast'. Pulling up to the all-white frontage of the Sandbourne, I felt like I was in Miami, but as soon as we walked inside we were was greeted by the warm and inviting interiors by Atelier Gulla Jónsdóttir, who has done his best to evoke the nearby 'sandy beach and its sunrises and sunsets'. Our suite was even more stunning - a spacious 550 square foot retreat featuring a pillow top king size bed, a marble bathroom with a tub and a tranquil ocean view thanks to a walk-out balcony. After settling in, it was time for that much-needed wellness in the form of quintessential bike ride along the beach. Santa Monica boasts 5.5kms of beautiful coastline with almost 200km of dedicated bike lanes and eight neighbourhoods to ride through. Cycling along The Strand, a paved bike path that runs along the coast from Santa Monica to Venice and beyond, is a favourite activity for visitors. The path is safe and perfect for family outings, allowing travellers to experience the city's natural beauty while staying active. After working up an appetite, we stopped to try local salad bar Alfalfa, which boasts of menu featuring locally-sourced and nutrient-rich ingredients. While on the West Coast, we tried the 'West Coast salad' - a healthy mix of fruit and veggies, all washed down with what all the cool Santa Monica girls drink - a matcha latte. While this three-day trip was all about detoxing, I did allow for a little indulgence at the hotel's restaurant Marelle that night. Marelle is the brainchild of Santa Monica native and culinary luminary Chef Raphael Lunetta and its setting is incredibly sexy. The huge dining space is dimly lit and has that aforementioned Miami inside-out design, with billowing curtains that sway in the evening sea breeze. As for the menu, the restaurant offers an elevated dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavours of California, including crispy and decadent Jidori chicken wings, Lunetta's signature Lump Crab Cakes, Lemon Mushroom Rigatoni and a succulent Herb Crusted Chicken Paillard. DAY TWO Day two of our Santa Monica sojourn I broke away from the boyfriend for a workout. I headed to Pvolve - a popular fitness method which is endorsed by none other than that mega hot ageless babe known as Jennifer Aniston. Pvolve is a rapidly growing boutique fitness franchise known for its science-based approach to functional fitness. It combines low-impact exercises with resistance-based equipment to enhance strength, mobility, posture, and balance and is celebrated by stars like Aniston, Molly Sims, Padma Lakshmi, and Kate Bosworth for their transformative workouts. The best way to describe it is a cross between Pilates, barre and yoga... on a Twister mat. For 20 years I have tried every type of fitness class under the sun, and while I consider myself extremely fit, I felt muscles I have never felt before after just one session. An added bonus was the luxe change rooms featuring Aniston's own vegan & cruelty-free hair products, LovaLie. After hobbling back to the hotel for a quick shower, I took a quick stroll through Downtown Farmers Market. One of the biggest in the city, the market stretches over four blocks and is bustling with colourful food stalls featuring Southern California's best produce from local farmers and small food businesses. After perusing all the fresh produced I worked up an appetite and headed to to one of Santa Monica's coolest strips- Montana Ave. Montana Ave reminds me of my own neighbourhood in Bondi Beach - a vibrant thoroughfare with cafes, small boutiques, fitness and wellness centres and what is now one of my favourite little stores, a hidden little gem called Divine Vintage - a wine bar come vintage clothing store which also offers wine tasting in a quaint little courtyard out the back. For lunch I headed to LA's most hottest and most Instagrammable cafes - Kreation Kafe & Juicery. Kreation Kafe & Juicery grew from a small start in Santa Monica to a popular health food destination with locations across the Los Angeles regions, including one in nearby Venice Beach. It is also where you are most likely to spot a celebrity, and while I wasn't so lucky this time around I did enjoy my egg white O-MEGA BOWL and dessert-worthy red velvet smoothie. As my muscles continued to ache I was in for a treat at my next destination. With branches all over the world, StretchLab is a must have go-to for expert-led stretching routines to improve athletic performance, decrease joint pain or simply refresh with a great stretch. As a first timer, I was gently guided through my 50-minute session by Bella, who also did a Physmodo Assessment of my body to measure my mobility, posture and symmetry. Two doors down was Perspire - an infrared sauna house where LA fitness fanatics all congregate to gently heat their body from within to improve circulation, oxygen flow and detoxification reaching the skin, muscles and joints. My partner swears by saunas and claims that with regular sessions he rarely gets sick. Me, I am not a fan. I run hot and I often feel dizzy and claustrophobic in such a small and sweaty confined space. Armed with a huge two litre water bottle and a remote control to watch the room's inbuilt TV with Netflix, I lasted the entire 40-minute session and felt... surprisingly good. Dinner that night was at Cobi's and I was excited. I had only heard incredible things about this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant and it didn't disappoint. Dining at the restaurant is like having dinner at a friend's quaint little cottage thanks to the vintage wallpaper, quirky décor and cute and kitsch little China plates. The menu was equally eclectic, featuring a mix of creative Thai, Vietnamese and Indian dishes, along with vanilla soft serve sundae for dessert. DAY THREE Day three of the detox, and with a sunny morning on the cards I booked myself into a 50-minute yoga class with Beach Yoga SoCal. Instructor Melissa guided us through a refreshing and rejuvenating session surrounded by sunshine and ocean breezes on The Beach Green, with the added bonus of an unexpected beach volleyball tournament unfolding right in front of our eyes. So LA. After a stroll on the promenade it was time for a little fun, and what is a visit to Santa Monica without a visit to the iconic Santa Monica Pier? Spanning the sandy waterfront, this enduring symbol of nostalgia combines classic amusement park allure with modern entertainment. The iconic Ferris wheel, with its bright colours and panoramic views, is a sight that beckons visitors to hop aboard and enjoy a gentle spin over the ocean and the stunning views which stretch far beyond Santa Monica to nearby Malibu and Venice Beach. But the most famous icon on the pier is the antique carousel inside the Looff Hippodrome Building, and we were lucky to get a personalised tour with Jim Harris, Deputy Director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation. Harris is the landmark attraction's official historian and has worked on the pier for years, with humble beginnings as a barman at the Big Dean's Ocean Front Café. The colourful carousel has 44 pristine prancing wooden horses, all which have had starring roles in blockbuster movies alongside Hollywood luminaries Dennis Hopper, Paul Newman and Sandra Bullock. But their most famous admirer was Marilyn Monroe. Harris recalls how the tragic starlet would often visit the landmark in disguise in a desperate effort to escape prying eyes and the hustle and bustle of the Hollywood grind she despised. He went on to share equally enchanting stories about the secret apartment complex situated above, where stars such as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Herb Alpert lived a Bohemian life, making art, music and smoking copious amounts of weed during the 50s and 60s. Our final stop during our Santa Monica sojourn was a meal at the beachside branch of one of LA most famous and photographed eateries - Ivy at the Shore. The Robertson Boulevard location has long been known for people-watching, with Hollywood film execs, studio owners and celebs often seen powwowing and power-lunching on the flower-filled patio. Inside Ivy at the Shore guests are greeted by a similar setting, adorned with floral arrangements, string lights, and a warm colour palette that complements the Pacific Ocean just a few blocks away. While we didn't spy a famous face, we did try some of the signature hits, including a hearty yet heathy turkey chilli, the refreshing spicy fresh corn chowder and succulent baby back ribs. Last but not least, one cannot visit Santa Monica without exploring its famed Third Street Promenade and we decided to do some last minute shopping before our 14-hour flight back to Sydney. This outdoor shopping district is a pedestrian paradise, with street performers, artists, and vendors adding to its lively ambiance. The Promenade also leads directly to the bustling Santa Monica Place Mall, offering a blend of high-end brands and waterfront views. After 72 hours in Santa Monica, our post-Coachella doom was only but a dream, and we may or may not have 'accidentally' missed our flight home.
The Independent
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
‘She's sold out': Meghan McCain accused of going ‘full grift' after promoting COVID vaccine ‘detox'
Meghan McCain, who once chastised rap superstar Nikki Minaj for spreading 'vaccine hesitancy' during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now partnering with a fringe 'wellness' company to promote a 'detox' supplement for those who 'regret taking the shot.' The former host of The View hawking $90 bottles of the 'Ultimate Spike Detox' prompted critics to call out the daughter of John McCain for going 'full grift' and accuse her of selling out 'to the crazies' after championing herself as a 'voice of reason on the right' for years. McCain, who now hosts a twice-weekly podcast, took to X on Wednesday to announce that she was 'thrilled to partner' with The Wellness Company, a business run by Canadian entrepreneur Foster Coulson that is 'rooted in conspiracy theories' and employs 'several doctors who have been accused of spreading medical misinformation.' Coulson, who has paid accused rapist and mysogynistic influencer Andrew Tate to sell his products, says he is creating a 'parallel economy' for 'consumers who believe their freedom is under threat by censorious elites and corrupt scientists.' Other ventures he has backed include a dating site for unvaccinated singles and an 'anti-woke' coffee brand. One of the doctors Coulson has employed is Dr. Peter McCullough, who is listed as The Wellness Company's 'chief scientific officer' and developed the 'Ultimate Spike Detox' supplement line. McCullough, who was an early proponent of the debunked hydroxychloroquine COVID-19 treatment, co-authored a retracted paper that claimed 74 percent of autopsies of people who 'suddenly died' showed they were vaccinated, suggesting that was the cause. According to the company's site, the 'extra-strength formula' designed by the 'world's leading pandemic expert' includes 'a key enzyme that may help break down spike protein and disrupt its function.' It also claims it will provide the user's 'body with unparalleled support for cellular defense and detoxification.' Despite McCullough having his board certifications for cardiovascular disease and internal medicine revoked by the American Board of Internal Medicine earlier this year for promoting misinformation about COVID-19 vaccinations, McCain urged her followers to buy the supplements – and even gave her name as a promotional discount code. 'Concerning data continues to emerge regarding mRNA vaccines and their unforeseen health impacts,' she tweeted on Wednesday. 'They did not deliver what was promised by government + health officials. I have friends who suffered – heart and menstruation issues & more. It's time to pull them off the market NOW.' McCain added: 'Thrilled to partner with The Wellness Company! If you regret taking the shot, there's hope. Dr. Peter McCullough's all-natural Ultimate Spike Detox is helping people worldwide. Use code MCCAIN for 10% off + FREE shipping on all orders.' It was just a few short years ago, however, that McCain was criticizing others as being 'deeply irresponsible' for pushing skepticism over the vaccines. Additionally, when the Biden administration was first rolling out vaccinations to the public, she expressed 'vaccine envy' because she wasn't sure when she was personally going to get the shot. Along those lines, she complained during a July 2021 broadcast of The View that the Biden White House turned down her offer to help the president reach out to 'vaccine-hesitant' Republicans and convince them to get the jab. McCain promoting a disgraced doctor's supplements while partnering with a company that is pandering to anti-vax conspiracists prompted several media figures and observers to call her out as a right-wing grifter. 'Meghan Goes Full Grift: Is Meghan McCain that desperate for some extra cash?' Status News founder Oliver Darcy pointed out in his newsletter, adding: 'For someone who spent years portraying herself as the voice of reason on the right, this is quite the grift.' Gizmodo reporter Matt Novak shared a screenshot of McCain's tweet and noted that 'the entire conservative movement must be funded by health grifts at this point,' while author Stephen Elliott claimed that 'they all sell snake oil eventually' because the 'incentives are too great not to.' Cybersecurity expert Rob Graham, meanwhile, said that while McCain 'would speak out against the crazies' and defend actual science five years ago, she has since 'been captured by her audience' now that she is a conservative podcaster. 'Her audience is drifting further to the fringe, so is she,' he stated. 'So she's now become the thing she [fought] against 5 years ago. From being the champion on the Right-wing against the crazies, she's sold out to the crazies.' Ironically, it was just a few months ago that McCain herself appeared to take issue with those she saw as hustling and camming their audience. 'Grifters can only keep up a grift for so long,' she tweeted in December. Representatives for McCain did not respond to a request for comment. This isn't the first time McCain has been accused of hypocrisy. Earlier this year, she announced that she was 'excited' to be joining a media startup run by political journalist Mark Halperin, whom McCain had publicly trashed years prior over allegations that he sexually assaulted and harassed multiple women. 'With age comes wisdom and different perspectives on people. I am now a 40 year old mother of two. I have grown and evolved like everyone else, particularly in the past five years — Mark has also grown and evolved,' she said when asked at the time by The Independent what had changed regarding her views on Halperin. 'Like Mark, at this point in my life I believe in giving people the presumption of grace and forgiveness as I would like it in return.' Just three months after joining Halperin's 2way network, low viewership continued to plague the show, prompting her to merge her existing Citizen McCain podcast with the YouTube program in hopes of sparking interest.
Health Line
a day ago
- Health
- Health Line
Does Drinking Olive Oil Have Any Benefits?
Some people report that drinking olive oil may help clear your system of toxins, ease indigestion, and help you lose weight. However, more research is needed. Olive oil is widely recognized for its health benefits. It boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help protect against certain chronic diseases. While it's commonly used as a cooking and dipping oil, some people believe that drinking it will allow you to reap its maximum benefits. Why do some people drink olive oil? Some people report drinking olive oil to detox, soothe their stomachs, and for other health benefits, believing that it provides even more benefits than cooking with it or using it on a salad. While there's research suggesting many health benefits of consuming olive oil, there's no research to support the advantages of drinking olive oil over consuming it any other way. More research is needed to determine if there are advantages to drinking your olive oil. What are the potential benefits of drinking olive oil? Studies suggest that drinking olive oil may offer several health benefits. It may help meet the recommended intake of healthy fats Most people eat enough total fat, but many fall short of getting enough polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which are found in certain oils, nuts, seeds, and other plant sources. Dietary guidelines recommend that you get no more than 30% of your calories from fat, with less than 10% of those calories from saturated fat. In their 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people 2 years and older substitute MUFAs and PUFAs for saturated and trans fats. Olive oil is one of the richest plant sources of MUFAs, and consuming it can help you meet your needs of this type of fat. MUFAs are especially beneficial for heart health and may help reduce your risk of heart disease. MUFAs are found in some animal products, but studies suggest their greatest health benefits are achieved by eating plant-based sources of this fat. If you consume insufficient amounts of this fat in your diet, drinking a couple of tablespoons of olive oil daily could help you meet the recommended amount. May relieve constipation Drinking olive oil may relieve constipation, which affects approximately 25% of adults over the age of 60. One 4-week study from 2014 found that giving about 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of olive oil daily to 50 constipated hemodialysis patients reported it significantly softened their stools. Furthermore, consuming olive oil was found to be as effective as mineral oil — a commonly used stool softener — at relieving constipation. More research is needed to understand how drinking olive oil may help relieve constipation. May benefit heart health Olive oil has long been acknowledged as a heart-healthy fat. One compound thought to play a role in supporting heart health is oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat found in high quantities in olive oil. When used in place of other fat sources, oleic acid may reduce the risk of heart disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that replacing fats and oils high in saturated fat with 1.5 tablespoons (22 ml) of oils high in oleic acid daily may reduce your risk of heart disease. To achieve this benefit, it's important to avoid increasing the total calories you eat per day if possible when adding oleic acid to your diet. A 2019 study of 7,447 people who were at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease but didn't have it yet. The study compared participants who followed a Mediterranean diet and consumed at least four tablespoons (60 ml) of olive oil daily, individuals who followed a Mediterranean diet and ate nuts, or individuals who followed a low fat diet for 5 years. Researchers found a lower hazard ratio – a measure of relative risk, in this study, the risk was having a cardiac event – among the group who consumed olive oil than the other two groups. Other studies have found that people who consume a high amount of olive oil may have a reduced risk of heart disease. While there's no shortage of studies on olive oil and heart disease, more research is needed to support the theory that drinking olive oil may improve heart health. Other benefits In addition to the benefits above, drinking olive oil may have the following effects: Help manage blood sugar: A 2023 study found that olive oil, especially extra virgin, is effective for glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Support bone health: A study of 523 women found that consuming over 18 grams (20 ml) of olive oil daily resulted in significantly higher bone density compared with consuming less than that amount daily. Reduce inflammation: Olive oil may contain several compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, including oleocanthal. Limitations While drinking olive oil may offer several potential health benefits, there are downsides to consider. High in calories and may cause weight gain Olive oil is high in calories, containing 119 per tablespoon (13.5 g). Although the relationship between calorie intake and weight gain is complicated and depends on many factors, it's well established that consuming more calories than you burn contributes to weight gain. Research suggests that increased MUFA intake also increases body weight, suggesting that olive oil could contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. For this reason, it's important to be aware of your calorie intake, regardless of the source of calories. Other considerations It's important to consider the following when considering drinking olive oil: Provides more benefits when consumed with food: For example, consuming olive oil with tomato products significantly increases the absorption of disease-fighting antioxidants in tomatoes. Can displace healthy foods: Although olive oil is a healthy fat source, it's less nutritious than whole foods. Drinking too much may displace healthier foods, such as other healthy fats, vegetables, and proteins. Potential allergen: Although rare, olive pollen is a potential allergen, and olive oil can cause contact dermatitis in affected individuals. Many benefits are not supported by research: Many of the purported benefits of drinking olive oil are not supported by research but instead endorsed by companies selling olive oil or personal anecdotes. Should you drink olive oil? Olive oil can be part of a healthy diet, affording many health benefits. However, it's unclear whether drinking large amounts of olive oil would provide benefits beyond those associated with the recommended intake. Many studies have documented the benefits of following a diet rich in olive oil, but research supporting the consumption of this oil is limited. Additionally, drinking too much olive oil can displace healthy foods in your diet and may cause you to exceed the recommendations for daily fat or calorie intake.
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Is it true that … detox diets flush toxins out of your body?
After a boozy weekend or a takeaway-heavy week, it's tempting to believe that a 'detox diet', like a juice cleanse, might undo the damage. But is that how our bodies actually work? According to Dr Emily Leeming, a dietitian at King's College London, the answer is: no. 'Your body has a natural built-in detox system that helps eliminate potentially harmful molecules and waste products,' she says. 'You don't need a special diet.' She adds that 'toxins' has become a 'scary term' but it's normal for your body to process these kinds of molecules. Your liver filters out unwanted substances from your blood, such as alcohol and its by-products, and excess fats; your kidneys flush out waste through urine. Meanwhile, your gut microbes play a supporting role, helping to break down certain compounds in food and drink, and binding potentially harmful molecules together so they can be excreted. If our internal detox system works just fine on its own, why has there long been an obsession with juice cleanses? 'It feels a bit puritanical,' says Leeming, 'and it's counter-intuitive. Your detox organs actually need energy and nutrients to function well. By dieting, you're not aiding those organs, you're depriving them of their energy source.' Take the impact of a juice cleanse, for example: 'You're not getting enough protein. You're not eating balanced meals. You'll probably feel incredibly hungry, and not sleep well.' Doing it for a few days probably won't do long-term harm, she adds, 'but it's a lot of suffering for little or no gain'. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Instead of a punishing cleanse, she says, if you feel as though your body's in need of a 'detox', you're better off feeding it well. A key player here is fibre: the nutrients found in legumes and wholegrains help the gut trap and eliminate unwanted compounds. 'Hydration is important too,' she adds.
CNN
25-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
I've tried dozens of detox diets. This is the only one I actually enjoyed
Over the years, I've tried many different detoxes and diets with the goal of losing weight fast. Spoiler alert: None of them worked. Most detoxes I've tried — and I've tried a lot — usually focus on cutting out major food groups and starving the body of important nutrients. So, when I was asked to review Splendid Spoon's Five-Day Detox, which claims 'you'll never want it to end,' to say I was skeptical is an understatement. As I read more about the program, I was intrigued. Splendid Spoon markets itself as an eating regimen designed to reduce inflammation, reinforce healthy eating habits and help support your gut microbiome. It features six 'meal moments' every day, which starts with a warm breakfast, ends with a superfood shot, and has four meals in between. These can range from a hearty soup, a smoothie or a dish like coconut curry rice and veggie ragout. A detox that doesn't thrive on deprivation? Where do I sign up? Splendid Spoon The Splendid 5-Day Detox Splendid Spoon's Five-Day Detox was surprisingly flavorful and filling. With six "meal moments" per day, which includes everything from overnight oats, to soup, rice bowls, smoothies and wellness shots, I never felt like I was depriving myself, and the macros in every meal were clearly laid out on the information card. I especially loved how convenient it was to grab a meal or snack on the go. What's more, we secured an exclusive discount for CNN readers: It's 20% off now through May 30. Splendid Spoon's detox is based around the concept of intermittent fasting, which is an eating plan that consists of periods of eating and periods of fasting throughout the day (including the time you're asleep), usually in a 16:8 ratio of fasting to eating. This is what Splendid Spoon recommends during the five days, meaning you will be eating or drinking something every one to two hours in your eating window, but you can adjust to your needs and schedule (I fasted for 14 hours and ate for 10, so I was eating from 8am-6pm and fasting from 6pm until the next morning). All the meals arrive frozen and clearly marked for the duration of the five days. Just pop the next day's meals and smoothies into the fridge at least 24 hours in advance to thaw, then when you are ready to eat them, reheat them in the microwave or oven. A day on this detox could see you having overnight oats for breakfast, a midmorning smoothie, a hearty soup for lunch, then a rice or lentil dish for dinner followed by another smoothie as 'dessert.' Then your last sip of the day is a wellness shot. After that, your fasting hours begin, so it's imperative you plan your day around the eating plan. As with any detox or drastic change to your diet, you should consult a doctor before doing this, especially if you've never tried intermittent fasting before. 'Intermittent fasting isn't for everyone,' said registered dietitian nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth. 'It's not necessarily a safe way to lose weight, though it is effective for many people. It's not appropriate if you have a serious medical condition that requires medication, and it's obviously not a good choice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.' As someone who has done intermittent fasting many times over the years, I already knew what to expect and what I was getting myself into. Over the years, I've learned how important it is to plan your 'eating windows' in advance and drink lots of water throughout the program. I started my five-day detox on a Friday and finished on Tuesday so it was easy to fit around my weekend schedule. This was especially helpful at the start of the detox, when I found myself feeling tired and going to the bathroom a lot. Since the main ingredient of most meals is water and each day you are eating at least 40 grams of fiber, you will have to go more often than usual. Price and convenience Though the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox is not cheap at $314 when not on sale, when you break that down, it comes out to $10 to $11 per meal moment. Considering a salad costs almost $20 in New York these days, the cost was a no-brainer for me. Not to mention, the time I saved by not having to shop for groceries, prep the food and cook it. I appreciated having tasty and healthy foods to grab or heat on the go, never worrying that I was making unhealthy choices by mindless snacking or missing out on key nutrients. Tasty and satisfying meals I was truly impressed by the variety of food and how delicious most of it was. The meals were very flavorful and filling, and I didn't feel deprived over the course of the five days. I rarely felt hungry on this detox, compared to others I've done in the past. Was I hungry in the mornings after fasting? Sure, but I'm always hungry in the mornings (there's a reason why breakfast is my favorite meal of the day). But eating a small meal or drinking a smoothie every two hours during your eating window really satiates your hunger — some days I didn't even eat all the meals. The first day or two I felt a little more tired than usual, probably due to cutting down sugar and caffeine since I admittedly consume too much of both in my regular diet. But this signaled to me that the detox was doing its job, and the symptoms were very manageable. By Day Three, the tiredness had subsided, and I felt really light and energetic. I even found that my sugar and caffeine cravings had dissipated slightly. By the time Day Five came around, I felt truly great — and not hungry or deprived or ready to eat everything in sight, as I have with previous detoxes. In fact, true to Splendid Spoon's claims, I wasn't ready for this to end and actually continued for a sixth day (I had some meals leftover from previous days when I felt full and didn't need all six meal moments). Transparent nutritional information Since all the macronutrients for each day are clearly noted in an included menu card that you can stick to your fridge, you know exactly how much protein, fat, sugar and fiber you are consuming during the program. I've been fooled in the past by meal delivery services that market themselves as healthy, but a deeper dive into ingredients and other stats reveals otherwise. The Splendid Spoon program, however, is plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free, yet somehow managed to be delicious. I never even knew such a thing existed. End results Although I did lose a few pounds after the five days, what I noticed most was the change in my mood, energy and sugar cravings. My face looked less bloated and, my skin looked brighter. In fact, a stranger on the subway told me I had amazing skin, which has never happened to me before. As previously stated, the meals are mainly delicious, but I was definitely craving something crunchy and with a little more substance by the end of the program. There are only so many soups and smoothies you can drink without getting bored. That being said, as far as detoxes go, this was definitely one of the more pleasurable ones I've tried. Dare I say, I actually enjoyed it? Would I do this detox again? Absolutely yes, and there aren't many detoxes I can say that about. This is an easy and healthy way to reset your body after overindulging or if you're getting ready for an important event and want to prep. But the price and convenience was the biggest draw for me. In fact, I've already recommended it to a few friends, and now, you. The following FAQs have been answered by registered dietician nutritionists Keri Gans and Frances Largeman-Roth, along with information found on Splendid Spoon's website. What should you know before buying the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox? What should you know before buying the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox? As with any detox or drastic change in diet, you should always consult a doctor beforehand in case there are any health implications. You should also check Splendid Spoon's ingredient list to ensure there are no allergy concerns. It's also important to remember that 'your body detoxes itself daily through the liver, kidneys, lungs and skin; therefore no special diet [is] needed,' Gans said. 'Most detox plans are overly restrictive, lack scientific support and don't offer lasting benefits.' So, when talking to your doctor, make sure to take all the facts into consideration and go into it with accurate expectations. How many days is it safe to detox? How many days is it safe to detox? According to Largeman-Roth, it depends. 'Most detoxes are simply extremely low-calorie eating plans that promise better skin, better energy or tummy flattening. They don't teach you how to make healthy eating choices that are sustainable,' she said. 'You might definitely experience weight loss on a detox plan because it will likely only provide 800 to 1,200 calories per day. Unfortunately, once you go off the detox, the weight you've lost is likely to be regained quickly. A better idea? Eating balanced meals that provide you with enough energy and have a mix of protein, carbs and healthy fats.' (Calories on Splendid Spoon's Five-Day Detox average 1,500 per day.) Gans agrees that detoxes can have negative impacts on overall health. 'In the short term, detoxes can lead to fatigue, headaches and dehydration, especially when they involve extreme calorie restriction,' she said. 'Over the long term, they may cause nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues and contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food.' How long should you wait between meals while on the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox? How long should you wait between meals while on the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox? You are expected to eat the meals within your eating window. Splendid Spoon's guidance is that you fast for 16 hours and eat for eight hours, so with six meal moments per day, this means you will eat or sip something every one to two hours between meals. How many meals are included in the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox? How many meals are included in the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox? Over the five-day duration of the detox, there are six meal moments per day, which include smoothies and wellness shots. There are 25 whole food meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus two daily smoothies, and five superfood shots (one per day). How are the meals for the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox delivered? How are the meals for the Splendid Spoon Five-Day Detox delivered? The meals arrive frozen and ready-made, delivered with dry ice to keep everything cool in transit. According to the website, 'Smoothies and shots should stay in your refrigerator and be shaken vigorously before enjoying. Oats, soups and dishes are best stored in your freezer, or in your fridge for one to two days prior to consumption. All meals are ready in five minutes or less.' For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Keri Gans, registered dietician nutritionist and certified yoga teacher with more than 20 years of experience, author of 'The Small Change Diet,' and host of the podcast 'The Keri Report' Frances Largeman-Roth, registered dietician nutritionist, wellness expert and New York Times bestselling author of 'The Carb Lovers Diet' CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test many of the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately and speaking to the pros and cons of each item. For this article, managing editor Rachel Quigley went hands-on with the Splendid Spoon's Five-Day Detox to see if it's worth the price, in addition to consulting nutrition experts.
