Detoxing doesn't have to be extreme. For me, simply switching to a soup diet for a few days is enough to reboot my system when I get off track with my diet. It reminds me to slow down, have patience, and get a handle on cravings. This is something I like to do when I want to feel a little lighter and give my digestive system a break, but always consult your doctor before trying any new eating plan.
The benefit of soup is that it's an easy-to-digest liquid, so you can still get the benefits of a juice detox while eating actual food.
One caveat: You can't eat just any soup. Detox soups focus on clean, vegan ingredients and rely primarily on vegetables, not fruits, so they're low on the glycemic scale and full of fiber and nutrients. I sip one serving of soup six times per day while detoxing. If you feel you need to eat more, add another serving or two until you feel satisfied. The soup should be naturally low in calories and fat because you're avoiding high-fat, caloric ingredients like cream and dairy.
This Chilled Zucchini Soup made by my chef, Gavan Murphy, is one of my favorites. Try this delicious recipe to get a feel for what a soup detox would be like, or simply enjoy it as a light dinner choice. If you love it and want another soup recipe, check out my Green Veggie Soup.
