The Bachelor's Bella Varelis caused a stir when she promoted a questionable juice diet that promises to “detoxify” the body.
The influencer is currently on day three of her fad diet and took to Instagram on Thursday to give her fans an update.
In her video, Bella explained that she limited her diet to juices, soups and smoothies to “detoxify her body from bad habits,” including binge eating.
“I have a really bad relationship with food and I needed to give my body a detox and a reset to, you know, get the toxins out of my body and find some mental clarity,” said Bella, who has no medical qualifications.
Bella said she's already seen a positive change, telling fans: “I don't think I've woken up with so much energy and no fear in years, literally.”
“I feel really good.” And I don’t feel like anything bad happening tomorrow,” she added.
Bella also insisted that juice cleanses are “not about starving your body,” pointing out that she even treated herself to an apple and some walnuts on the first day.
While juice cleanses brands claim that their diets can help their customers lose weight, eliminate toxins, and improve their complexion, there is very little research to support this.
Bachelor alum Bella Varelis caused a stir on Thursday when she promoted a questionable juice diet that promises to “detoxify” the body.
In fact, many nutritionists say that these diets are unhealthy and can harm the body.
Speaking to Body + Soul, registered dietitian Kathryn Hawkins said that juice cleanses “are actually not a healthy thing to do.”
In fact, Ms. Hawkins said that while the body may appear slimmer during the cleanse, the juices actually cause water loss and can lead to “muscle loss.”
In a post on Instagram, Bella explained that she limited her diet to juices, soups and smoothies to “detoxify her body from bad habits,” including binge eating
This is because the juices are low in protein and complex carbohydrates – two things we need regularly in our diet.
“They can appear lighter and smaller as the muscles atrophy,” she said.
Additionally, the cleanses can also cause you to crash and have mood swings because they “drive up your blood sugar levels.”
Bella also insisted that juice cleanses are “not about starving your body,” pointing out that she even treated herself to an apple and some walnuts on the first day
And when it comes to the “detox” part, Ms. Hawkins said our bodies simply don't need it.
Instead, healthy foods are a better option for detoxification. Ms Hawkins encourages people to avoid high-sugar, fried and processed foods and replace them with fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains.
Australian nutritionist Susie Burrell has also weighed in on the issue, saying that while there is “technically nothing wrong with a juice detox” compared to “toxic weight loss programs,” there is a problem on a nutritional level.
While juice cleanses brands claim that their diets can help their customers lose weight, eliminate toxins, and improve their complexion, there is very little research to back this up. (archive image)
“If you follow it over a short period of time (3-5 days), you will lose a few kilos and therefore feel lighter and more energetic.” “The biggest nutritional problem is that fruit juices in particular are full of sugar, up to 30-40 g or 6-8 teaspoons per jar,” said Susie.
“Therefore, drinking large amounts of fruit juice has a long-term negative effect on glucose and insulin levels.”
Susie ultimately agreed with Ms. Hawkins in her stance on the cleanses, saying that overall they were “insufficient in essential nutrients, including protein, to be used over a long period of time.”