A detox plan to consider
By Imelda Duduzile Moyo
It is important to consider a detox plan this year if you want to be healthy, or you feel the need to rid your body of toxins, lose weight or if you just want to be fit and healthy. Detoxing can do so much more than making your eyes sparkle and your skin glow .A detox plan does not only boost energy levels, improve digestion and help shift a few unwanted kilos too. The purpose of any detox plan is to take the load off the organs that detoxify the body the liver, kidneys and bowel while at the same time supporting and improving their performance.
There are certain foods you have to cut down on and there are some you have to fill out so as to be able to fulfil your health goals this year. The foods to avoid are alcohol, milk products, sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweeteners, coffee, grains: wheat (bread, biscuits, cakes, pasta), rye, barley, oats, rice and dried fruit ,fiber-free carbs, like white bread, scones, chips, pastries, cookies, bagels, and high-sugar breakfast cereals
Foods to enjoy during your detox are fruit: any and all fresh fruit, vegetables: any and all fresh vegetables, fish: fresh, canned in water or olive oil, lean red meat, chicken (without the skin). limit to two serves per week, legumes: dried or canned, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, eggs: preferably organic, olive oil (preferably extra virgin), coconut oil (unprocessed), nuts: raw unsalted almonds, walnuts, macadamias and cashews, seeds: raw unsalted sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, green tea, white tea, weak black tea (decaffeinated) and water: from one to three liters of water per day.
Detox Plan Breakfasts
Fruit salad with yoghurt and oats
Fresh fruit salad with natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of oats.
Fruit smoothie made with fresh or frozen fruit.
Fruit smoothie made from fresh fruit, natural yoghurt and honey to sweeten if needed.
Tip: Be sure to continue to drink water all throughout the day—hydration is key to a healthy detox!
Detox Plan Lunches
Mediterranean salad with rice cakes
Rice cakes served with rocket, avocado, tomatoes, fresh basil and black pepper. Plus a handful of unsalted nuts.
Jacket potato with grilled cod
Grilled cod fillet served with jacket potatoes and lightly steamed vegetables
Tip: Avoid the afternoon slump by eating a light lunch that won’t weigh you down
Detox plan diner ideas
Tuna and prawns with noodles
Gently fry a selection of vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, peppers, courgette and leek in a little olive oil. When lightly browned, add a handful of prawns. Cook for a few minutes, then add canned tomatoes, tomato puree, black pepper and tuna canned in water. Bring to the boil and simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice noodles.
Potato and bean casserole
Gently fry a selection of typical casserole vegetables such as onion, carrots and parsnip in a little olive oil with garlic. When browned, add diced potato and fry for a few minutes. Add fresh vegetable stock, black pepper and your favorite beans. Bring to the boil and simmer until the casserole thickens.
Do not eat in front of the TV, rather, sit down at a table and take the time to really enjoy your dinner. You’ll find that by doing so, you will focus on your food and not eat mindlessly, this will also improve digestion, allowing you to feel a sense of fullness without a need to overeat.
