I have certainly been feeling the effects of a little over indulgence over Christmas, but it is also a fantastic time to turn this around to make a fresh start and have a little health trip, even if just for a few days - you will still notice the difference. Here are my top tips for an easy detox, do it for 5 days and you'll certainly feel the difference on the inside, 2 weeks and you will notice bigger changes in your energy levels and mood, 3 weeks and you should see the pounds coming off and changes in skin condition. Give it a go!
- Begin the day with a cleansing cup of hot water with fresh squeezed lemon and chopped root ginger.
- Eat a fruit based breakfast such as stewed fruit with natural bio yoghurt topped with flax seeds.
- Avoid all processed foods or anything that comes ready made in a packet e.g ready meals, savoury snacks, biscuits, chocolate. You can take it a step further and also reduce any refined carbohydrates such as white pasta, white rice and white bread.
- Ensure you get a couple of pieces of fruit each day and stacks of vegetables (except potatoes) incorporated into lunch and dinner.
- Remember to get protein in each meal from fish, chicken, turkey, beans, eggs, pulses, dairy
- Avoid standard tea and coffee (or just have one black coffee or tea each day) and replace with nettle tea, dandelion tea and peppermint tea.
- Reduce alcohol consumption - a glass of good quality red wine can be enjoyed now and then with a meal as it does contain beneficial compounds.
- Ensure that you drink 1.5 - 2 litres of water each day as it is important to stay hydrated to help your body flush out toxin