New You Detox

New You Detox

On January 1st many people traditionally make personal commitments that they miserably fail to maintain. Often these resolutions target weight loss or health and fitness. After the indulgences of the festive period it’s no wonder so many people want to purify their bodies, and to kick-start a healthy regime.

The principles for detoxification are fairly straightforward. To achieve a cleansed, healthy body with minimal stress and maximum benefits, it’s essential to focus on a diet of clean, fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

The Classic Detox

A balanced detox typically includes 1-2 days of simplified healthy eating, 3-4 days of detoxing (juice cleansing) and back to the simplified eating plan.

• Juice Cleansing

The juice cleanse is a popular detox method because it is gentle on your body, and tastes good too. Organic vegetable and fruit juices flood your cells with enzymes and nutrients. These healthy juices give your digestive system an opportunity to flush out unwanted toxins.

Whilst there is a plentiful supply of readymade detox juices available on the market, you’ll save a stash of cash if you prep and juice at home. For max taste and optimal nutrition value choose organic produce. Have fun experimenting with flavors and textures.

• Raw Foods

If you can’t quite handle the prospect of living off a liquid diet, of cleansing juices for a few days, you can indulge on whole, unprocessed and unrefined plant foods. Vegan friendly raw foods preserve the naturally present enzymes, and contain sustainable amounts of carbs, protein and fats for good health. Plus, you don’t have to spend time cooking your food! You can enjoy leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

Drink More Water

Drinking more water should always be at the top of your list of daily priorities. Nothing flushes out your system better than water. Eight glasses (that’s 1.9 liters) is the recommended amount that you should be drinking every day. When your body is detoxing you can expect to eliminate about 16.9 ounces of urine daily. This means that you need to ensure that you’re properly hydrated at all times. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding fresh mint, lemon, lime or cucumber to your elixir of life.

The Modern Detox

Feasting on superfoods is the modern way to detox your body. Eating these foods will help you unclog your system, and will get you over your food hangover. You’ll also benefit from getting into a healthy new habit.

• Artichokes

Artichokes are great for boosting liver and colon function. Although artichokes may be an acquired taste you can season the lightly cooked vegetables with natural flavorings.

• Fresh Fruit

Fruits are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and are a highly effective de-clogging option. Choose seasonal ripe, fresh fruit in a variety of appetizing colors.

• Green Tea

Perhaps not the most popular tea type, green tea is however packed full of antioxidants and detoxifying properties. A daily cup of the brew can help to speed up your metabolism, and to burn fat.

• Leafy Greens

Loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals, leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli rabe, Swiss chard, collard greens and lettuce will satisfy your hunger and help to detoxify your system. If you can stomach it, eat your greens raw for maximum benefits. Lightly steamed veg is a good alternative option.

• Lemon

Vitamin C rich lemon is a versatile and super detoxifying food that can be enjoyed in many ways. Add a splash to a cup of hot water for a great start to the day. Squeeze over your salads and greens to enhance the flavor.

• Turmeric

Bright mustard yellow turmeric is an awesome liver cleanser, that also helps to heal organ damage. To benefit from the healing properties of this exotic spice, add it to coconut milk or hot water, or mix up a tea blend.