In January, many people like to start the year with a new, healthier lifestyle. This tends to come after having over-indulged during the Christmas period, be that with food or alcohol. But new year, new start. For those wanting a detox or just to start the year on a healthier note, here are some foods to help.
Lemons – Lemons are believed to keep your insides at a steady pH. This helps your body to support healthy bacteria and assists in the removal of toxins from the body. Personally I enjoy drinking the juice of one lemon or just a slice of lemon, in a mug of hot water. It keeps me warm and makes me feel healthier straight away. It’s also good for when you’re feeling under the weather as it helps sore throats.
Water – It seems stupid to suggest it but we often do overlook this as the best way to detox. It’s simple, cheap and very effective. With the goal of eight glasses a day, you’ll be feeling brighter in no time. It keeps our brains functional and replenishes the cells in our body. Don’t forget to take water when exercising too.
Green Vegetables – Broccoli, beans and spinach are among the good green stuff. All high in vitamins A, C and E, they also contain iron and calcium. The best way to get the most out of them is to stir fry them, as this loses the least goodness from the vegetables. This is the reason your Mum always told you to eat your greens.
Apples – An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Full of vitamin C and E, apples are rich in antioxidants and great for your skin. This fibre rich fruit has had diets based solely on it. I’m not encouraging you to follow the diet, but add apples to your food intake and you will not regret it.
Oranges and Grapefruit – Both of these are full of vitamin C. The orange is great and, with very similar benefits to the grapefruit, may be the more appealing option to you as grapefruit can be quite sour and is more expensive. Both of these fruits boost your metabolism as well; if you don’t fancy eating them, the juices are just as good for you and can be a great way to overcome a hangover.
Chillies – These fiery little things can pack a punch when it comes to spice but they are wonderful for detoxing. They contain the highest amount of vitamin C out of all of the food groups, boost your metabolism and speed along the detox process. A sprinkling of chilli in your meal can do you the world of good. Also, depending on how hot you like your food, it may encourage more consumption of water.
Tomatoes – Full of vitamin C and antioxidants, there is a reason why this is the key ingredient in a Bloody Mary. Great for hangovers. The ingredients can be found at the bottom of the page.
Mushrooms – I was surprised at this one. They help support the liver and have lots of vitamin B. I’m not a huge fan of mushrooms but I may be willing to try them again just so I can benefit from some of their goodness.
Bananas – These are great for a hangover and are high in potassium. You lose potassium when you get dehydrated, so if you’re not drinking enough water and are suffering from nausea and cramps then a banana may just be the solution.
Bloody Mary Cocktail recipe:
· 1 Lemon wedge juice
· 1 Lime wedge juice
· 2 oz Vodka
· 4 oz Tomato juice
· 2 dashes Tabasco Sauce
· 2 tsp Prepared horseradish
· 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
· 1 pinch Celery salt
· 1 pinch Ground black pepper
· 1 pinch Smoked paprika
Squeeze the lemon and lime wedges into a shaker and drop them in. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake gently and strain into a glass. Garnish with a celery stalk and a lime wedge.
Edited by Luisa Parnell