Detox diets are making news as the quickest, easiest way to shed pounds, boost your energy, and get yourself on a wellness track. Popular in the 1970s, cleansing fasts are again all the rage among celebrities like Gisele Bundchen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCartney, and Madonna. One of the key advocates of the health benefits of cleansing detoxes is Roni DeLuz, ND, a licensed naturopathic and health practitioner at Martha′s Vineyard Holistic Retreat, part of the renowned Martha′s Vineyard Inn. The idea behind DeLuz′s new detox plan is the belief that the foods we eat (along with the coffee, tea, and alcohol we drink and the air we breathe) contain harmful and toxic substances that accumulate in our bodies and need to be removed in some way. In 21 Pounds in 21 Days, DeLuz offers three different detox programs, including the original and most effective 21-day "MasterFast," which promises a 21-pound weight loss in just three weeks and focuses on detoxification through antioxidants, fasting, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes. Also included in the book are: ∗maintenance plans ∗dozens of easy, delicious recipes ∗real-life tips ∗an extensive glossary of terms ∗a guide to supplements Meals consist of supplement-laden drinks, herbal teas, thick, delicious vegetable purees, and "live" juices, along with nutritional supplements, vitamins, and enzymes designed to keep the body′s systems stable and its cells nourished while harmful toxins are flushed out. 21 Pounds in 21 Days isn′t just for those looking to lose weight; everyone can benefit from this revolutionary detox diet that results in a clean, refreshed system that functions at its best. “21 Pounds in 21 Days hit us like a breath of fresh air. Sure, the plan is a little radical. But it’s also a little magical . . . Everything you need to get clean and lean is right here!” - Woman’s World Detox diets are making news as the quickest, easiest way to shed pounds, boost your energy, and get yourself on a wellness track. Popular in the 1970s, cleansing fasts are again all the rage among celebrities like Gisele Bundchen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCartney, and Madonna. One of the key advocates of the health benefits of cleansing detoxes is Roni DeLuz, ND, a licensed naturopathic and health practitioner at Martha′s Vineyard Holistic Retreat, part of the renowned Martha′s Vineyard Inn. The idea behind DeLuz′s new detox plan is the belief that the foods we eat (along with the coffee, tea, and alcohol we drink and the air we breathe) contain harmful and toxic substances that accumulate in our bodies and need to be removed in some way. In 21 Pounds in 21 Days, DeLuz offers three different detox programs, including the original and most effective 21-day "MasterFast," which promises a 21-pound weight loss in just three weeks and focuses on detoxification through antioxidants, fasting, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes. Also included in the book are: ∗maintenance plans ∗dozens of easy, delicious recipes ∗real-life tips ∗an extensive glossary of terms ∗a guide to supplements Meals consist of supplement-laden drinks, herbal teas, thick, delicious vegetable purees, and "live" juices, along with nutritional supplements, vitamins, and enzymes designed to keep the body′s systems stable and its cells nourished while harmful toxins are flushed out. 21 Pounds in 21 Days isn′t just for those looking to lose weight; everyone can benefit from this revolutionary detox diet that results in a clean, refreshed system that functions at its best. Roni DeLuz, RN, ND, founder and director of Martha's Vineyard Holistic Retreat at the Martha's Vineyard Inn, is a registered nurse and licensed naturopathic doctor. She lives on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. James Hester is a former record company executive who struggled for years with his weight until he lost 30 pounds on DeLuz's program and went into business with her to promote it. He also lives on Martha's Vineyard. 21 Pounds in 21 Days The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox By Roni DeLuz HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. Copyright © 2010 Roni DeLuz All right reserved. ISBN: 9780061864148 Chapter One Toxic, Unhealthy, and Heavy America's Rude Awakening The United States has the best health care system in the world, yet Americans of all backgrounds are having a hard time staying healthy. At least 20 million Americans are chronically ill with conditions that undermine their quality of life and may ultimately lead to their demise—diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, and kidney and liver failure. Each week, about 80 percent of adults take medication—at least one-third of us down five different drugs—the Institute of Medicine reports. Often, the conditions these medicines treat are caused by our lack of success in maintaining a healthy weight. Today, over 60 percent of Americans weigh more than their recommended body mass index (BMI), which measures the amount