Detox for Christmas

Detox for Christmas

I looked at my calendar today and noted that there are now only 21 days until Chistmas! Crikey that’s only 3 weeks.

 I don’t know how or why this time of year seems to speed up; perhaps because I am never quite on top of getting Christmas gifts in time, but either way that’s not a lot of time before the onslaught. By that I mean the indulge-fest that involves eating as much turkey, mince pies, alcohol, cheese, puddings, cakes as is humanly possible over a week long period. Phew!

 I know January is often a time that people consider undertaking a detox, after having eaten their body weight in chocolates, but maybe a pre-season detox is also a good idea?

 So I recently got out my detox books from the cupboard to prepare myself for this event.

 The principle of detoxing is to focus on eating simple nutrient-packed fresh foods and to avoid any foods that have a high level of toxins such as processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, sugar and refined carbohydrates. The associated benefits are much more consistent energy levels, peak health, improved digestion and greater immunity to illnesses and colds. Obviously a nice side benefit is also the fact that it usually results in weight loss and better skin.

 I’ll admit that, although my diet is relatively balanced and healthy, as a Personal Trainer I do rely on the odd stimulant to get me through hectic days. Usually a sugar snack during the day or a drink of caffeine is a way for me of keeping my energy levels up when going from client to client. But I realise this is a short-term fix, and is often followed shortly afterwards by a drop in energy levels.

 So where to start?

 The thing with detoxing is that you can build it into your life as much as your lifestyle allows. For example, you may choose to do it one day a week, or for a whole week every 2 months. Or even a whole month of detoxing could be an option for some.

 The key principles are really about eating healthily, so the table below is a simple list of what to eat and what to avoid when detoxing:

Consume Plenty of (organic if possible)…	Avoid…
Fruit	Sugary snacks
Vegetables	Alcohol
Water	Caffeine
Fish	Processed Foods
Beans and lentils	Salt
Whole-grains	Fizzy drinks
Nuts and Seeds	Foods high in saturated fats
White meat e.g. chicken	Take-away foods

The point really is to eat as closely as possible to how we might have done in our ‘Hunter-Gatherer’ days.

 Anita Bean, one of the UK’s most respected Nutritionists cites the following as the Top 12 Detox foods:

 Apples

–        high in Vitamin C and pectin. Immune booster and protects against cancer.

 Avocados

–        rich in Vitamin E and alphacarotene. Lowers blood cholesterol and heart disease risk.

 Beans and Lentils

–        rich in protein and complex carbohydrates. Provides sustained energy and lowers blood cholesterol.

 Broccoli

–        powerful detoxifier. Fights cancer, especially bowel, breast, lungs and liver.

 Carrots

–        plenty of alpha- and beta-carotene, protecting against lung cancer

 Fennel

–        good for the digestive system and rebalances the body’s fluid levels.

 Garlic

–        contains allicin, protecting the body from heart disease, high blood pressure and colon cancer.

 Kiwi Fruit

–        highly rich in Vitamin C. Boosts the immune system and strengthens blood vessels.

 Mango

–        rich in Vit C and betacarotene. Wards off colds and reduces risk of cancer.

 Pumpkin Seeds

–        contains essential Omega-3 and -6 oils. Protects against heart disease, stroke, and also improves joint pain and stiffness.

 Strawberries

–        rich in Vit C (just 5 provide an adults daily requirement!). Powerful anti-cancer effects.

 Watercress

–        rich in chlorophyll which helps make healthy blood cells and boosts circulation.

So whilst living a life on a continuous detox is perhaps a little ambitious, building in detox days or weeks into your life is hugely beneficial and can have very quick results. The first couple of days of a sutained detox can be quite difficult and bring on headaches as your body starts to adjust, but thereafter energy levels will be massively improved.

It doesn’t have to be too difficult and simply ordering an organic veg box to be delivered every couple of weeks will be a great start (see Abel and Cole).

 Below are a couple of books that will help with your detox and provide some great recipes to work to. I am flicking through my Gillian McKeith ‘You Are What You Eat Cookbook’ book as we speak and starting to plan my food over the next 4 weeks. Watch this space!