There's a great book I can recommend called "The Detox Diet." It's a bit misleading since the word "diet" implies weight loss. The book covered all types of detoxes (nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, sugars, etc). I think before anyone considers a detox, she really needs to think about her goals in doing so. This is not, in and of itself, a quick fix for weight loss.

I do not fast when I detox. I use an OTC supplement product to cleanse (Detox 7, Simple Greens, etc) and then I prescribe to a low glycemic eating plan (no fruits, only low-glycemic veggies, lean meats, no caffeine or alcohol). I usually end up restricting calories just because the foods I'm eating are not very calorie dense. And I drink a ton of water! It's almost impossible to do this when I'm riding long or hard, so there is a definitely a trade-off but I actually think the break a few times a year is good for me.

I started doing this in 2003 while I was working with a coach who really believed in the benefits of detox. If for no other reason than psychological, it makes me feel clean and fresh and healthy. My docs are fine with it as well.

Then again, a 3-day beer diet makes me feel something too!