What type of meal plan would you recommend for a client that is doing a moderate intensity cleanse?

Hi Heather,

I would not go there. Most of these cleanses come as an entire package that also contains food recommendations. Who knows what this 'all natural' stuff is! As personal trainers, we can give generally available advice on food but this is a special case, and I would not touch it.

I think the best thing you could do in this situation would be to look up the "cleanse" which she is on and give her some directed facts that give a clear representation of the ingredients. Include the daily recommended allowances for those ingredients (if there are any). Most likely, this "clease" includes Senna Leaf which often causes abdominal cramps and discomfort in higher dosages. At any rate, I don't currently know of any FDA-approved cleanses that are sold in stores. There are medical devices and procedures that are approved for these purposes, however. Cleansing or "detoxing" is best done in a medical setting and under the supervision of a physician, in my opinion.

A good place to start your research would be here: http://www.ehow.com/way_5718865_fda-approved-colon-cleansing.html

This article is based on two resources, one by an independent website, one by a medical doctor. Be sure to check the references and then check those references. The more you know, the more you can tell you client. As far as recommending a meal plan, be sure that you have the education to do so and the legal right to do so, otherwise you could end up in some hot water. I'm not certified to offer nutrition advice, I can only give facts.