Why Detox?
The concept of detox is not new. For centuries, people have practiced detoxification in the name of fasting. Though fasting has a religious angle to it, the idea of not eating or eating light is what defines present day detox. Detoxification eliminates toxins and unhealthy substances from the body. Unhealthy eating habits, pollution and growing health problems add to the need to detox. The principle behind detox diets is that by eliminating certain food groups, you rid the body of the toxins commonly found within those foods. Your digestive system gets a break from the hard-to-digest-and-absorb foods, such as meat, cheese and processed items. By avoiding these foods, the body uses less energy for digestion and therefore has more energy for healing.
If you want to fast track your health, give your body a break and choose a detox plan.
Here are 2 simple recipes to help you detox
Start your day with water
One of the best ways to relieve your body from harmful toxins is by drinking plenty of liquids. Start your day with water. Drink 8–10 glasses of water to fight dehydration. Water helps the body to get rid of toxins and flushes out extra fat from the body. And you don’t have to always drink plain water. There are many things that you can add, enhancing the taste while retaining the original properties of all. Add cucumber, lemon, grapefruit, mint leaves, kiwi, watermelon, strawberries, apple in plain water. The choice is plenty. Take 2 litres of water and add the chopped fruits in it. Allow the ingredients to sit in the fridge for a couple of hours. Savor this tasteful blend. Fruits contain antioxidants, and anti-aging quality, which flushes out toxins and improves skin health. This delicious twist to water is safe and nutritious, with no extra calories and is a proven metabolism booster.
Detox Water Recipe
Ingredients-
- 1 litre purified water
- Half lemon, sliced
- Half lime, sliced
- Half grapefruit, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced & lightly crushed
- Handful mint leaves
Method-
- Mix all of these contents in a large pitcher.
- Add ice cubes if desired, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours before drinking.
Caution: Consume it within 24 hours before the ingredients turn soggy and the citrus gives off a strong taste.
Don’t forget dietary fibre
Fibre, an important part of our diet helps in improving bowel movement and eliminating toxins more efficiently. You can incorporate fibre-rich food in your detox plan, like vegetables, fruits, nuts. A diet rich in dietary fiber improves the nutrition absorption of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C. For example, if your want to improve your skin health, adding vitamin C to your diet will help. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that promotes better skin care and dietary fiber increases the nutrient absorption of vitamin C in your body. Here is a recipe that will help you detox while adding the much required dietary fibre to your meals.
Apple and Lettuce Salad with Melon Dressing
Ingredients-
- 1/2 cup apple cubes
- 1 cup lettuce, torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup thickly grated carrot
- 1/4 cup thickly grated beetroot
- 1/4 cup capsicum cubes (red or yellow)
- 1/2 cup green grapes
- 1 tsp lemon juice
To Be Blended Together Into A Melon Dressing
- 1/2 cup muskmelon puree
- 1/2 tsp roasted and crusted cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander
- Salt and freshly grounded black pepper
Method-
- Combine all the ingredients along with the dressing in deep bowl and toss well.
- Serve immediately.
The main purpose of detox is to take off the load from organs like liver, kidney and bowel. It is good for metabolism and overall body as it boosts energy levels and improves digestion. So, don’t think twice, just detox!
