Time for a Detox

Detox...this word can give us mixed emotions.

On one level we think it's a bit too much effort, therefore feel guilty we don't do it and yet we also feel the urge to get one started. It's a good place to be, feeling cleansed and reenergised, a bit slimer and a bit more productive. I recommend everyone to complete a healthy detox at some stage during the year (why not now?).

There are many detox's out there, which conjure up a few interesting images. For most people I don't recommend anything too heavy or too restrictive. For the health purists I suggest something totally different. When it comes to treating your own body, or aiming for better health in general, I always say to my clients that you can take it as far as you want too. Some people are happy just cutting out a few things and some take it further and do a juice/ fluid fast.

The more intense a detox, the less it should go for and vice versa. Ideally you want to take it easy, not have too many social engagements on, or a extreme work load. I suggest 1 to 3 weeks to properly detox, plus a herbal regime but that's another topic.

What to focus on.... and remember this is what matters the most.

A big salad everyday, including dark greens (baby spinach, mizuna, rocket) with a healthy dressing (see recipe)

Fresh fruit everyday (fruit should be what you grab for a snack, anytime particularly in the afternoon)

A smoothie every day (see recipe)

Lightly steamed vegetables (including broccoli)

Either vegetarian sources of protein (Tofu or egg) or grilled fish

Herbal teas (any and green) and lots of water

What to avoid....
Flour products, dairy, sugar (use honey, stevia or agave nectar), Red meat, chicken, basically anything processed or that comes out of a packet. Any non-prescribed medications, alcohol and smoking.

Example of a Detox Menu

On rising- tall glass of lemon water (1/2 lemon)

Breakfast- a smoothie or bowl of muesli (no sugar, not cooked, with nuts and seeds) and soy/ rice milk

Snack- fruit if desired

Lunch- Big salad with dressing plus tofu/ egg/ fish

Snack- as much fruit as needed to get you to dinner

Dinner- Steamed vegetables plus tofu/ egg/ fish plus a salad if desired, or miso soup

Note***Drink as much water and herbal tea as desired















Smoothie...

* 1 part green leafy vegetable (eg cucumber, baby spinach, bok choy)
* 2 parts any fruit of your choice
* 1 tablespoon coconut oil
* Small amount of water, depending on how thick or thin you want it
* Blend, Blend, Blend until it's smooth


Add cinnamon, raw chocolate powder, chia seeds, vanilla beans. Be creative!
I made this smoothie with peach, ripe banana, kale, spring water, coconut oil and cinnamon. It's very green but it tastes beautiful. Full fruit smoothies are no way near as satisfying if you include a little green. I'll get onto the benefits of adding more greens into your diet soon enough : )

Dressing...

Mix lemon juice, cold-pressed olive/ sunflower oil, celtic sea salt, chopped herbs (any favourites), pepper and a pinch of curry powder.

Note*** You are likely to feel sluggish, tired and sore from a detox for the first few days, depending on how healthy you are most of the time. To speed up the detox, you remove the animal products and cooked food. To slow it down include them. Give it a little time, take some rest and some sunshine and you'll be feeling more energetic, more positive and more healthy than you have in a long time.

It's about time for a detox, don't you think?