Cleansing can be a powerful tool for not only weight loss but your overall health. It can be especially beneficial for women over 40 because of a slower metabolism, hormonal changes and just an overall need to detoxify the body after more than four decades. As a Certified Nutritionist Consultant, I found cleansing and detoxification to be very effective when I recommended them to my clients.
There are many different ways to cleanse the body and some can help jumpstart your weight loss results. While they are not an end-all solution and should go along with healthy nutrition and exercise for lasting results, it is realistic to expect a few pounds of weight loss in your first week! Weight loss results for each cleanse are only estimates and will depend on several factors including age, activity level, metabolism, preexisting medical conditions, genetics and dietary choices. Whatever you do, stay hydrated and make sure you get enough electrolytes!
7 of the Best Weight Loss Cleanses for Women Over 40
1. Herbal and Tea Cleanses: Herbal detox teas can aid digestion, reduce bloating, boost metabolism and cleanse the body. While you may not see immediate weight loss, it will help improve your body’s functions like digestion, liver and kidney function. Traditional Medicinals Organic EveryDay Detox Tea and FitTea 14-Day Detox Tea are the two options I’ve tested and recommend.
- Estimated Weight Loss: One to three pounds in a week (mostly water weight)
2. Colon Cleanses: I know it can sometimes be a taboo subject, but your colon health is extremely important. While the figures about having 20 pounds of fecal matter stuck in your colon are exaggerated, doing a colon cleanse can help eliminate built-up waste, reduce bloating, and improve digestion. They also make your body more efficient at absorbing and processing food. I’ve done a few of these cleanses and the most effective one I found is Health Plus Super Colon Cleanse.
- Estimated Weight Loss: Two to six pounds over a few days
3. Protein and Gut Health Cleanse: Protein is essential for preserving muscle mass and keeping your metabolism active, especially for women over 40. Whenever I am dieting, adding a protein shake is a great way to keep my hunger at bay while not adding a lot of calories. By using a metabolic detox protein powder, it can help you lose weight and cleanse your gut by combining vegan protein, vitamins, minerals, flax seed and healthy fats.
- Estimated Weight Loss: Three to seven pounds in 14-21 days
4. Whole Food Cleanses: In general, you should emphasize eating whole and minimally processed foods in your diet. However, that is sometimes easier said than done in our busy lives. By doing a whole food cleanse, it will help reset eating habits, lose weight and promote long-term health.
While you can certainly buy and cook all your food, having a meal delivery service like Unity can help take the guesswork out of meal prepping. At $5.55 per meal for your first box, it’s a great way to cleanse your body, lose weight and save money on eating out. Check out the under 600 calories section!
- Estimated Weight Loss: Five to 10 pounds in 14-21 days
5. Juice Cleanses: Juice cleanses involve consuming only fruit and vegetable juices for a set period, allowing the digestive system to rest and aiding in detoxification. While juicing your own fruits and vegetables at home or at a juice bar is ideal, I recommend pre-made cold-pressed options for added convenience like the three day cleanses from Suja Organic or Raw Fountain.
- Estimated Weight Loss: Three to eight pounds in three to five days
6. Fruit Cleanses: Fruit cleanses are effective because they focus on consuming a variety of fruits that are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and water content, which help detoxify the body, improve digestion, and support weight loss. When I was in college, one of my teachers was fitness and nutrition guru, Jay Robb, who recommended a three-day fruit flush to help jumpstart your body into weight loss.
- Estimated Weight Loss: Three pounds in three days (according to Jay Robb)
7. Intermittent Fasting Cleanses: Intermittent fasting is a type of eating schedule that switches between fasting and feeding windows (like the 16/8 method). It can support metabolism and balance hormones, which is particularly helpful for women over 40. Fasting can help you lose weight, detoxify the body and offers many other health benefits, according to Hopkins Medicine.
While fasting doesn’t require anything but eating or not eating, there are supplements like fasting electrolyte powder that support hydration and replenish electrolytes without breaking your fast with excessive calories.
- Estimated Weight Loss: Five to 12 pounds in 30 days (if paired with healthy eating)
Tips for Success With Any Cleanse
- Consult your doctor: If you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new cleanse. This is especially important if you plan on fasting or making extreme dietary changes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use electrolytes throughout your cleanse to support detoxification, prevent dehydration and reduce bloating.
- Eat whole foods post-cleanse: After completing a juice, fruit or other type of cleanse, it is a good idea to reintroduce whole, nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats to support long-term health.
- Avoid processed foods: During and after a cleanse, try to limit your intake of processed foods, refined sugars and artificial additives.
- Listen to your body: If you feel lightheaded, fatigued or ill during a cleanse, consider taking a break or consulting with a healthcare provider.
- Exercise gently: Incorporate light exercise such as walking, yoga or stretching to support your body’s detoxification process and enhance weight loss.
Note
As someone who recommended cleansing during my nutritional counseling days and has done cleanses myself, they can be quite uncomfortable. Depending on the type of cleanse, you may experience some negative side effects like:
- Digestive issues (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps)
- Headaches and body aches
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Skin issues and breakouts
- Mood swings
- Dehydration
- Blood sugar fluctuations
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Gut microbiome disruption
Many of these cleanses will help you lose weight, but remember that eating at a caloric deficit and exercising regularly will give you the greatest long-term weight loss results.
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