The Inside Out Diet bypasses these problems because it supports your body’s natural function. It's a gentle detox diet that supports the liver and gets rid of those chemicals, which means you’ll not only lose weight and keep it off, you’ll also feel and look better.
Why begin on the inside with the liver?
The liver is directly associated with metabolism and weight loss. It’s responsible for metabolizing fats, proteins, and carbs; it produces hormones, regulates blood sugar, detoxifies unwanted chemicals and toxins, and regulates cholesterol. Most people don’t realize just how important the liver is and why detoxifying it and supporting it during weight loss is crucial.
How can I tell if my liver is not functioning optimally?
Signs of poor liver function include being tired all the time, skin problems, not sleeping well, weight fluctuation, excess cravings, an ache in the abdomen on the upper right side, PMS, and grogginess in the morning.
In Chinese medicine, poor liver function is associated with negative emotions - being irritable and angry, stressed, or unable to concentrate. Conventional medicine doesn’t always identify the connection between emotions and the physical body.
But even people who aren't experiencing these things but just want to lose weight or improve their health can benefit from the diet.
Why do you recommend cleansing the colon by eating artichokes?
Artichokes have long been known as a liver food. They stimulate the flow of bile, which helps rid the body of fat and toxins in the liver. They're also a gentle laxative and can reduce gallstone formation.
But there are also many other colon cleansing food options besides artichokes on The Inside Out Diet. Examples are apples, pears, beans, grapefruit, and newer foods like shirataki noodles.
What are the most important things I can do to detox my body?
First, avoid certain foods temporarily. In the book, I describe how to do it, explain why it will help you detox, and show you how to reintroduce the foods back into your diet to identify any problem foods that might be triggering cravings and other symptoms.
Article comments
1 - Greg Brynelson
DETOXING "DETOX"
Being a registered nurse, and Rolfing practitioner I am an advocate for weight loss and healthy habits in general. However, I am always skeptical of practitioners promoting "detox" as a quick way to get healthy. It seems "detox" is a catch-all phrase for making healthy shifts in eating, or doing a low calorie fast (like the lemon juice/maple syrup one). However, it has very little basis in the Western medicine approach.
Detox is really a misnomer. We all poses kidneys, intestines, and a liver. When these organs function properly, our body rids itself of waste. The idea that my adipose tissue (fat) holds onto all these creepy/garbage like chemicals offends my critical thinking abilities. Nothing in this interview convinced me that this book isn't just riding the wave of "detox" frenzy - largely promoted in the yogic and naturopathic community, making up stories about things that don't exist.
Why don't we just fess up and call it eating healthy and getting exercise? I would've appreciated more discussion around the book's premise with "detox" - b/c I've seen it so misused in alternative healthcare today.
Thanks!
2 - Kristina Taylor
Detoxifying one's body is not another health fad as the OC has implied. There is a growing body of scientifically grounded information available, all one needs to do is simply research. More informal "evidence" denoting the favorable outcomes of said approach to health is also available and has been for centuries. ;) Yes, western medicine is slow to appreciate the benefits of detoxification and it's vital role in aiding the body's innate ability to heal itself. Maybe that's why so many people are busy searching the the internet for information on natural medicine.
After having acquired in advanced degree in the sciences, and as a current M3 student, I can say in full knowledge that toxins and metabolic waste that cannot be removed from our bodies are stored in the liver AND in adipose tissue. This toxic overload may be the reason why conventional weight loss efforts do not work for some people. Furthermore, this is why detoxifying is often highly effective in achieving weight loss.
3 - Martin
I have struggled myself for years with all kind of diets: Atkins, low carb, low calorie, you name it. I could lose weight and keep myself thin only until I changed my habits. I use to sleep 4-5 hours, I had large dinners, drank a lot of sodas. Once I was to fat I got to a strict diet, I could lose some weight, and within 3 to 6 month I got the weight back and may be a year later I was heavier. What finally help me: avoid processed meals, I felt great, I was able to sleep 7 hour every night. I had less hunger and I had more energy. I still struggle with the portions and I miss burritos, but my health is my top priority. My kids are small and they need a healthy father.