Feel like you've overindulged this Christmas? According to The British Dietetic Association (http://www.bda.uk.com), on average, people eat their way through about 6,000 calories on Christmas day, and might gain from one – five lbs (2kg) over Christmas, leaving them feeling groggy and uninspired. But don’t fret; follow these simple nutritional tips to cleanse your body and mind and come away more energised and positive, ready to embrace the New Year ahead of you.
Warning: Detox vs. Diet
Detoxing should never be about restrictive dieting. It is about steadily getting your body back to a more balanced state, pre all the Christmas calories and excess alcohol. Nutritionist Lucy-Ann Prideaux who runs Simply Nutrition, (http://www.simply-nutrition.co.uk) suggests starting with a 10 day detox and adapting this as you go along. People will react at different times but you’ll know it’s worked once you feel ‘increased energy and mental clarity, better digestion, improved sleep and a general heightened feeling of well-being.’
Water is your best friend
Although it is common knowledge, many people still don’t drink enough water. Aim for 2 litres a day - easiest to measure using a large water bottle - and you will see the benefits. These include getting less headaches, feeling fuller after lunch and less sluggish in the afternoon. The good news is, the 2 litres include hot water and tea.
As strange as it sounds, evidence suggests that drinking a cup of plain, hot water every day is very good for you. As your body sweats from the high temperature of the water, this helps purify our bloodstreams and cleanses toxins out of the body. Despite being ‘plain’, heated up, the water has a rich, creamy taste.
If you get bored of plain water, opt for herb-based tea such as peppermint as it is a natural alternative to caffeine, seen as a ‘stressor’. Not only does it help you feel perky in the mornings but it is great for your skin and aids digestion. Dandelion tea is also great for cleansing your system, available in most health food shops such as Holland and Barrett (http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/). N.B. Although green tea is well known for its detoxing qualities, be aware it does contain caffeine.
Love your liver
The liver is one of the most vital organs in ‘detoxifying hundreds of toxic substances’ from the body including alcohol and caffeine. Therefore it is important to limit your alcohol intake, maybe keeping to one or two units once a week, for your liver to perform its daily detoxing duties (The British Liver Trust, http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk).
Satisfy your sweet tooth
I know it’s easier said than done, especially after the festive season, but try cut down on foods high in fat, sugar and salt. If you’re craving something sweet, indulge in a tablespoon of honey or use it to sweeten your tea/porridge. Naturally fat free, honey also slowly releases energy and helps fight those cravings. Fruit is also a good source of natural sugar. Francois Lubbe, UK Editor at the HSI (Health Sciences Institute, http://hsionline.com/) recommends keeping an apple or pear handy when you want something sweet and avoiding fruit juice, commonly thought to be healthy, as it contains a high level of purified sugar. The time it takes to physically chew fruit breaks down the sugar and the skins contain lots of essential vitamins.
Change what you cook in
When frying your food, why not swap your virgin olive oil for virgin coconut oil? Coconut oil has long been recognised as a healthy option for use in the kitchen, and it has been reported that it speeds up the metabolism by 48% (Simply Nutrition). Available in many health food shops (most commonly Holland and Barrett) or you can buy a special brand of coconut oil ‘Coconoil’ (http://www.coconoil.co.uk/) which is produced from coconuts grown in the west of Sri Lanka.
Go green
Nutritionist Lucy-Ann Prideaux swears by green leafy vegetables such as kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts and broccoli - they are packed with phytonutrients that boost detoxification. It’s also been said that if eaten at least 2 – 3 times a week, they may lower the risk of cancer. Add cleansing spices such as fennel, coriander and ginger to your meal and your body will be in heaven.
Attempt organic
If you can afford it, try and choose organic where possible, either in your local market or supermarket. It’s more likely to have been raised without drugs or chemicals. For a range of delicious organic, vegan and vegetarian food, visit the award-winning Rainbow Café in Cambridge (http://www.rainbowcafe.co.uk/). See below for other suggestions.
Suggested health food shops, cafes and websites
Health food shops
Holland and Barrett – health food shop all over the East http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/
Arjuna Wholefoods – Cambridge http://www.arjunawholefoods.co.uk/
Daily Bread Co-operative Ltd – Cambridge http://www.dailybread.co.uk/
Revital - Cambridge https://www.revital.co.uk/
Cafes, restaurants and pubs
The Rainbow Café – organic, vegan and vegetarian food in Cambridge http://www.rainbowcafe.co.uk/
The Veggie Red Lion – vegetarian food in Gt Bricett (Suffolk) http://www.theveggieredlion.co.uk/
The Pulse Cafe Bar – veggie, vegan and gluten-free food in Norwich http://pulsecafebar.co.uk/
My article can also be found published on Eastlife's website: http://www.eastlife.co.uk/new-years-detox
and in Eastlife's January 2013 magazine (page 17): http://www.eastlife.co.uk/eastlife-january-2013
