4 steps to your summer body

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1. The early fast

From about 4am till about 10am your body is in its clean-up or detoxification mode, which is why many of us don't feel hungry first thing in the morning.

Loading your body with food as soon as you wake interferes with the natural detox process. Instead, give your body a hand by drinking only water, freshly pressed juices and herbal teas when you rise, and leave breakfast until around 10am.

By now, hunger pangs will let you know the detox is over and it's time to eat.

Fasting until after 10am has been proven to be a great detoxing tool that can help boost health and accelerate weight loss. During this pre-breakfast period, make sure you drink plenty of mineral or osmosis-filtered water to aid your organs flush excess toxins, as well as eliminate excess fluid retention and bloating. Caffeine-free organic herbal teas are allowed, as are freshly pressed vegetable and fruit juices. But avoid coffee, breakfast tea and soft drinks.

Plan ahead so that the first meal you eat after your fast is packed with vitamins, minerals and protein to help rev up your metabolism, boost your energy levels and promote overall health.

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