The tasty way to detox
If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably felt and looked a fair bit better than you do right now. As always, it’s been a lot of fun. But all those Christmas dinners and boozey nights out with friends have taken their toll on our bodies and waistline. So,
we’ve put together some tips that’ll help you shed a few pounds without having to starve yourself; and have you feeling revitalised for the New Year. But don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you retreat to a mountain village to cleanse your body & mind in search of ‘spiritual awareness’. And we definitely don’t expect you to let anyone go poking around your bottom with a glorified garden hose.
With the exception of wheatgrass, all our recipes taste great and you’re welcome to have a go at making them at home.
1. You won’t lose weight in the gym
You’ll lose it at the dinner table. Going to the gym is a great way to help speed up your metabolism. And to get your digestive system moving properly after all that over eating and sitting around. But research shows that gym goers sacrifice any weight loss gains by tucking into more treats to compensate.
Our top tip is to have a high protein meal or shake after a gym session. It’ll help your body repair itself. And it’ll fill you up so you won’t go ruining all that hard work by having a post workout ‘treat’.
Recipe: 28g protein shake
2. Eat lots of DARK coloured fruit and veg
Eat more fruit and veg – we’ve all heard it before. But it’s especially important right now if you’re looking to lose weight and detox your body. Whilst detoxing, It’s particulalry important to look out for darker coloured varieties in particular such as berries, spinach, brocolli. They’re colour is mother nature’s way of telling you that they’re a great source of antioxidants (vitamins C & E). So they’ll help your body get rid of the harmful toxins from all the alcohol and any processed food you’ve consumed over the holidays.
This doens’t mean you should avoid all other colours though. They’re almost all naturally high in fibre – making them a great source of slow releasing (low GI/ ‘fill you up’) energy. Our top tips include; beetroot – to give your liver a treat; and wheatgrass – it doesn’t taste great but it’s the ultimate detoxer, packed with vitamins and minerals.
Recipe: ay-sy-ee, berry good, liver cleanser, wheatgrass shot, antioxidant booster
3. Avoid white sugar and white flour
Unfortunately, this rules out sugary snacks including chocolate bars and biscuits. We recommend you eat whole grain (low GI/ ‘fill you up’) carbs wherever possible. Brown rice, pasta and bread will do the job, meaning that you’re unlikely to go snacking in between meals. The higher levels of fibre will also help to clear your digestive system. And help your body restore its blood sugar level after all those sugary desserts and stocking fillers. Our top tip is to have porridge every morning for breakfast.
Recipe: Blueberry & raspberry porridge
4. Fill up with protein
By eating lean protein such as fish, chicken, eggs and low fat dairy you’ll fill yourself up for hours.
Recipe: morning glory
5. Drink plenty of water
It’s very important to keep your body hydrated to help flush out the toxins from your system. But how much are we supposed to drink? Is it 2 litres? 2 glasses? There’s no one answer for every-body. It depends how hydrated you are. Let your pee be your guide. If it’s any other colour than transparent, you need to drink more water until it is; Then keep it there. The darker it is, the more dehydrated you are. So the more you’ll have to drink. Girls: We’re sorry, we know it’s not very lady like. Guys: try not to get caught comparing the colour of yours with the chap next to you.
You’ll also take fluids from the food you eat. Especially fruits like berries that have a very high water content. Soup is a great way to take on water as well, whilst also getting some antioxidants on board and filling you up in the process.
Recipe: soup of the day
6. Cut out most fats, but not all.
Over the holidays you’ve probably had platefuls (and maybe 2nd’s) of super rich food – all made with full fat ingredients. Why not? It’s Christmas. If you’re going to lose the podge though, you’ll need to cut out the fatty foods such as full fat dairy products, cheese, fried food etc. But some fats are essential to the healthy function and appearance of our bodies. So eating seeds, nuts, avocado, and oily fish will help restore your skin to post party season status after the dehydration it’s suffered at the hands of all that alcohol.
Recipe: Try a seedstacked flapjack
As an extra helping hand with your new year detox; we’re offfering a free calorie burner or antioxidant booster and a half price wheatgrass with every purchase in January!