Detoxing doesn’t have to be extreme. Here’s how to cleanse your body.
I’m not a big fan of cleanses because the idea of them screams immoderation. And moderation is the key to my life. But sometimes healthy eating just isn’t enough. Pollution, stress, and holiday decadence can cause a build up of toxins in your body and a cleanse may be just the way to start your New Year. Here’s how to cleanse your body in nine steps. It’s a cleanse you can actually stick to.
1. No booze.
This is an obvious one. You’ve likely enjoyed a cocktail or two over the holiday and now it’s time to get it a break. Alcohol dehydrates you and makes your liver work overtime.
2. No caffeine.
Caffeine stresses your nervous system and like alcohol, it dehydrates you. If you’re super addicted to caffeine and giving it up completely is going to cause withdraw symptoms like headache and general agitation, you may just want to cut back. Either switch to half caffeinated coffee or even better, switch to green tea.
3. No meat or dairy.
Both meat and dairy can built up in your system so when you’re trying to cleanse, it’s best to give them up. A good cleanse can serve to push out small bits of meat that have become stuck in your system over time.
4. No processed foods.
Processed foods have less nutrients than whole foods as well as hidden additives and sugar. Stick to whole foods during your cleanse instead of reaching for processed junk.
5. Choose veggies, especially cruciferous veggies.
Cruciferous veggies are great for detoxifying your body, especially your liver. Not to mention that studies have found that cruciferous vegetables have the ability to stop the growth of cancer. While you’re cleansing, enjoy leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
6. Enjoy legumes.
Legumes are great for cleansing because they push junk out of your body. And they’re a source of plant-based protein to replace meat and dairy. Add in lentils, chickpeas, adzuki beans, lima beans, and black-eyed peas.
7. Enjoy quinoa.
Quinoa in particular is a great addition because it contains protein to keep you satiated so you can actually stick to a cleanse with the addition of iron and magnesium. It’s also versatile so it goes well in all sorts of cleansing dishes. Also consider barley, rolled oats, farro, and bulgur.
8. Snack on raw nuts and seeds.
Raw nuts and seeds are potent forms of protein that contain fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6. Make sure you buy raw nuts and seeds because roasted, salted, and otherwise flavored varieties are depleted of these nutrients and can have added sugar and fat.
9. Fruit should be your only sweet.
Don’t overindulge on fruit but a serving or two of raw fruits each day can provide your body with all sorts of nutrients while you’re cleansing. Consider those that help to repair DNA like blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries.
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Image: Jennifer