Due to tonight’s forecast our IBS Support Group lecture is cancelled. With temperatures dipping to frigid levels and our cravings in overdrive I thought it would be a great time to discuss detoxing from sweet binges, holidays and vacations. Many of us look for sweet treats especially when the weather is changing but the aftermath of a sweet binge can leave you feeling the “hate me’s” and regretting every item you consumed last night. Why not restart your day with a couple of different cleanse ideas.
Green Tea- A natural diuretic can help to get rid of some of that excess water weight you may have put one. Not only does green tea help to cleanse your body but it also is rich in antioxidants, it has natural detoxification properties and helps to boost your immune system.
To amp up this magic elixir add it to your green smoothie!
Lemon Water- lemon water taken in between meals creates a natural cleansing wave in the body. This wave will help to flush your system. Lemon water should be taken 2 hours before a meal is consumed. Squeeze the contents of 1 lemon into an 8 oz glass of water.
Melon Juice- you heard right! Melon juice. Melon is a natural diuretic and a cup of melon juice can also get rid of the holiday bloat. Caution if you are following the low fodmap diet use a melon like honeydew that is fodmap approved.
3 C melon
2 C water
1 C green tea
Blend above ingredients in blender and enjoy!
Another rule of thumb is to have a liquid lunch and I don’t mean protein shake! Substitute your lunch for a broth based soup like lentil soup. Focus your dinner less on refined carbohydrates and high fat proteins. Instead for a day switch to a leafy green salad with berries on top.
Another Natural “detox diet” I came across online discussed eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet for 4 days. Focus meals on lean proteins, vegetables and fruit. In my mind this sounds like the best detox diet! This is an idea I can get behind after the holiday gorge. Getting back to the simplicity of eating. Focus on the whole foods on the plate and less on all the sweets and refined carbohydrates.
On this Frigid day try this healthy Lentil soup recipe
Lentil Soup
1 package lentils rinsed
3 carrots diced
3 stalks celery diced
1 onion diced
3 Bay leaves
12 cups water, chicken or vegetable broth
Place all ingredients in a pot on stove and cook for 2 hours. Salt and pepper to taste.