Well here we go again, a brand New Year and another chance to really focus on achieving your health goals. If all the rich food and alcohol over Christmas or simply the stress of planning, shopping, organizing and cooking it all has left you feeling jaded and run down then a detox is just the thing. The New Year is the perfect time to get your health back on track with a gentle detox diet.
I say gentle because the best form of detox at this time of the year is one that builds up your immune system and gives your digestive system a rest. A detox plan that supports and nourishes the body is better than a severe detox that can leave you vulnerable to winter infections like colds and flu.
Whether you want to lose a few pounds or give yourself that much needed shot of energy you may surprised how a sensible detox can help you get your buzz back.
Here’s how:
- Start by visualizing the end result. Picture yourself how you want to be. It is no big revelation that you can achieve what you want by focusing on it. Place pictures of yourself at your healthiest around your house to motivate yourself.
- Set reasonable goals and staying focused are the keys. For example don’t try to give up smoking, quit drinking and lose weight all at the same time. Pick the one thing that is most detrimental to your health and concentrate on that first before moving on to the next.
- The key to any detox is plenty of rest so try and have a few evenings of going to bed earlier than normal. It is natural to sleep more during the winter so do not stress your body by depriving it of the sleep it really needs.
- Try to eat your last meal before 7 pm to allow your digestive system to rest and to make sure your food is well digested before you go to sleep.
- Give your body a break from alcohol, fatty foods and refined sugars.
- Drink two glasses of warm water first thing in the the morning when you wake up. Add a squeeze of lemon juice too.
- Wait 15 minutes or more and have a green smoothie. Blend a variety of green leaves with some fresh fruit until very smooth. See recipe below. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating anything else.
- Eat 5 – 7 portions of fruit and vegetables a day preferably organic. Have them raw, lightly steamed or stir-steam “fried”. By adding a little liquid to some finely cut vegetables instead of oil you can easily stir “fry” the healthy way.
- Reduce red meat and replace some meat dishes with beans and lentils. Organic chickpeas, kidney and haricot beans provide good sources of low fat protein.
- Use good cold pressed oils and avoid all hydrogenated ( in many margarines and processed foods) and refined oils (most supermarket oils) Use Virgin olive oil for cooking or salads.
- Get some exercise even if it’s only brisk walking or rebounding on a mini-trampoline. It gets the blood and lymph flowing. Don’t forget the deep breathing. It’s the key to oxygenating your blood and whole body. You will be surprised at what a difference it makes to how you feel.
- Treat yourself a sauna. It is a great detox method of removing toxic chemicals and metals. Sweating also rejuvenates your skin.
- Take a good vitamin and mineral supplement that supports the liver detox pathways and provides plenty of antioxidants. I particularly like BodyHealth Complete + Detox
People are often surprised by how many symptoms can clear up after a gentle mini detox. Taking better care of your health has a positive effect on your whole life. Try it now!
Green Smoothie Recipe
1 cup well washed baby spinach
½ inch fresh root ginger, grated
½ cucumber
2 sticks celery
2 pears, cored
1/2 – 1 cup water
Place fruit in strong blender and place other ingredients on top. Add enough water for blades to turn easily. Add more if you like a thinner consistency. Vary the smoothie by using different green leaves and different fruit.
