In with the new, out with the turkey

The after-Christmas blues: too much meat, chocolate, that sneaky extra Yorkshire, (wine…), the diet that compares to Henry VIII’s resulting in the 24/7 bloated, sluggish, exercise in the new year feeling. When the word “detox” is used, it has most of us shaking in our boots. The thought of root vegetable smoothies and meals in tablets isn’t for everyone, but detoxing isn’t all about the size 0f the goal and who can make the most meals in liquid form; it’s about finding the new and better you (normally coming with glossier hair, yay).

Detox literally means to remove the toxins in the body, getting rid of the unhealthy build-up and therefore making a healthier you. However, to many a misconception, detoxing can be easier than you’d think. With many simple steps to choose from, the feeling of fresh spring air and a healthy energetic body has never felt so tantalisingly close.

Water

Something so simple, naturally occurring and everywhere can be of such amazing help to the body. When you drink water, your body processes it so it removes the unwanted toxins within your body. Drink pre-boiled or bottled water with fresh lemon added; the only condition is not to drink more than 8 glasses a day as this can become dangerous. Who said you couldn’t have too much of a good thing?

Get moving

Again, something not directly linked with the word “detox”, but all the same it does wonders for the body. You don’t have to wake up at 5am to do three hours of yoga, nor do you have to be on first-name basis with the receptionist at your gym, but you do have to execute a routine religiously. With around 30 minutes of heart-raising exercise a day, your body will be back to normal, and better in no time.

Au revoir additives

These, along with preservatives, are artificial chemicals placed into most foods to prolong the shelf life, make the food more appealing or even add nutritional value to it. However, the chemicals have not so great side effects. The best way to avoid these? Don’t eat them, also commonly known as E-numbers, if you see them on ingredients then just put the multi-coloured sugar-coated cereal back down.

Smoothies

Trust us, they’re not all bad. Many enhance multiple miracle ingredients and make them easy, simple and quick to go down. Drinks such as Golden Glow Green Smoothie and Cranberry Cleanse Smoothie, despite sounding…interesting, they do hold restorative qualities. Try the three-day smoothie cleanse, and for instructions go to The Best of this Life.

Say no to mince pies

Overindulging, letting “yes” be the favourite word in regards to food. But kick the pastries and start the welcome parade for nutritious and delicious food. Make homemade soups from an array of vegetables, or use whole grain rice instead of pasta, and if you still want to indulge in meat make sure it’s oily fish, or chicken. Try to stick dairy and fat to a minimum, but a little probiotic yoghurt never hurt anyone.

Get ready to feel refreshed with your very own after-Christmas detox!

Tamara Massey