6 Essential Foods for Your Post-Holiday Detox
Did you go a little overboard on the cocktails and holiday goodies this year? Don’t worry, [...]
Did you go a little overboard on the cocktails and holiday goodies this year? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Nothing like a healthy jump start to your diet to ease you into the new year feeling great. Add these detox-friendly foods to your grocery list. They'll help your body cleanse and give you the fresh start you need to tackle 2016.
Artichokes
Artichokes can do wonders for your liver. The spiky vegetables contain silymarin, an antioxidant that protects your liver from toxins and helps it to regenerate new, healthy cells. Artichokes also contain the antioxidant cynarin which helps your liver to produce bile. Bile is key to detoxing because it helps your body uses it to both break down fat and flush out toxins. Your liver and your taste buds will be happy with this delicious with artichoke risotto.
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Garlic
Garlic is loaded with sulfur, a mineral that's responsible for its pungent odor. But sulfur isn't all bad. It actually protects your liver and helps it get rid of toxins, too -- so bring on the garlic breath! Dish up this divine tuscan white bean and roasted garlic soup as a healthy alternative to incorporating garlic with garlic bread -- though that's delicious too.
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Kale
Kale also contains sulfur, so it's another good addition to your detox diet. It also provides 2.5 grams of digestion-regulating fiber per cup. That's something you will probably welcome after your sugar-filled holiday. Make this gorgeous kale salad with warm cranberry almond vinaigrette for your next lunch!
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Beets
Beets are packed with iron, calcium and B vitamins that keep you liver in optimal health so it can efficiently get rid of toxins in your body. They're also full of the betalains -- antioxidants that can protect your liver from harmful toxins as well. Serve up this quinoa and beet pilaf to toss out the toxins.
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Asparagus
Asparagus contains the antioxidant glutathione, which also assists your liver in detoxification. Plus, it's full of asparagine, an amino acid that acts as a natural diuretic in your body, helping you to shed excess water weight and salt. This vegetable is the answer to your post-holiday bloat. Try making this easy lemon garlic roasted asparagus for a triple dose of detoxification.
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Water
The best way to flush out toxins is water -- and lots of it. Keep a bottle or glass around at all times, giving it priority over juices, coffee and soda. Drinking the recommended eight glasses of eight ounce servings a day will ensure you're hydrated and curb your appetite too. If plain water bores you, try infusing flavor with strawberry, lemon, mint or cucumber. Try this recipe for citrus-flavored H20.
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