To lose excess: why do you need unloading days?

“I have an unloading day” – a phrase familiar, perhaps, to everyone. Someone adheres to this system, and someone else has only heard about it. What is it for, how safe is it and how to make a proper unloading menu? Let’s find out together with nutritionist Anna Berseneva.

What are unloading days?

The concept of “unloading day” is extremely broad. Nutriciologist defines it as follows: on such days you eat so that the body uses less energy to digest food. For example, you exclude red meat, refined sugar, yeast, baked goods, dairy products. It is also important to exclude alcohol and nicotine.

It is possible to consume green leafy vegetables, berries, fruits with an optimal glycemic index. For people who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, unloading on heat-treated vegetables and puree soups is suitable.

And in the video “Championship” you can learn about the five most common mistakes in nutrition.

Is it safe?

If the menu of the unloading day is selected optimally, it is quite safe, notes nutriciologist. The diet should correspond to the current state of health and lifestyle. Extreme options – fasting and dry fasting (without drinking) – should be avoided. Otherwise, it can lead to negative consequences.

How long should the unloading last?

Anna: There is no general formula, everything is individual. In any case, I do not recommend unloading for more than a week. This period will be enough for recovery and cleansing of the body.
Come out of unloading days should be gradually expanding the diet and introducing the excluded products.

What can be eaten on unloading days?

Anna: The menu that I recommend to my clients is based on fresh and heat-treated vegetables. The emphasis is on broccoli, celery and cauliflower – products containing fiber, which helps to effectively cleanse the body. Asparagus and beans are also suitable for unloading days. I leave protein, because we live in rather aggressive environmental conditions with a deficiency of vitamin D. Protein, namely the amino acids it contains, is also necessary during unloading days. I choose the lightest variants of protein: in the vegan version – beans and classic tofu (no more than twice a week); in the classic version – fish, seafood, eggs.

When choosing a diet, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of the body and the state of health. It is best to consult a specialist.