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Just detoxed? Here’s 6 ways to feel the benefit for longer

Eating dinner early gives the body a mini fast overnight. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, March 6, 2016.Eating dinner early gives the body a mini fast overnight. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, March 6, 2016.After a full-on detox, it can be tempting to hang up your sports gear and tuck straight into some fatty foods.

But adopting a few good habits can help maintain the positive effects of a detox program for longer. These simple solutions can even be followed long-term as part of a healthy lifestyle!

It can be hard to know how to ease a squeaky clean body back into a regular regime. These simple rules can help detoxers feel the benefits of their hard work for longer.

Eat at a fixed time and never after 10pm

Your body will thank you for laying down clear points of reference. Try to take lunch and dinner at the same times every day, don't skip meals and avoid eating after 10pm. An earlier dinner gives the body a mini fast until the next morning.

Drink plenty of water

A big glass of water first thing in the morning rehydrates the body and helps it flush out toxins. But don't stop there – keep drinking all day long to reach the recommended 1.5 to 2 litres of water.

Ditch carbs at dinner

The body doesn't need a big boost in energy before going to sleep! There's no point loading up on carbohydrates (pasta, rice, potatoes) right before bed, as the body will tend to store the excess energy.

Don't eat fruit with meals

Fruit is great for breakfast or for snacks, but when eaten with a meal it raises the level of sugar in the blood, increasing a meal's calorific load. Plus, the acidity can lead to digestive problems in the intestine for some people.

Get 6½ to 8 hours' sleep per night

It's important to get enough sleep – but not too much. Sleep is essential for keeping the body healthy and balanced, and for regulating metabolism and appetite.

Choose the right oils

Opt for rapeseed oil or olive oil, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known for their antioxidant properties. Avoid palm oil, which is high in saturated fat, and sunflower oil, which is mostly made up of omega-6. – AFP, March 6, 2016.

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