January is here! Definitely Detox Time!

The festive season is unfortunately over but a shiny new year is now upon us. Some of may find it difficult having to admit eating and drinking a little more than we should have. With the month of January now in full swing, it’s time to switch all the meats, sugars and dairy for nuts, fruit and vegetables. It doesn’t have to be difficult either – Make simple changes and you’ll find that your extended waistband will be gone before the month of February arrives.

Colder winter months can make getting yourself motivated very difficult, but it’s important to stay positive and avoid hibernating as the cold snap passes by. To give yourself the correct kind of kick-start, why try yourself a mini detox to help shake away the cobwebs – The following shortlist should help you get started.

Start your January Detox now!

Cut out & Cut down

The first step you can take is a fairly straight forward “cutting out” stage, where you want to look at cutting any fish, meat, dairy, sugar, refined carbs and fatty foods from your diet for at least 2 weeks. Look to replace these dropped food groups with fresher, organic wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables. Keep your eye out for members of the Brassicaceae family such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and even Brussels sprouts (you can see just how great Brussels sprouts by reading our previous article).

In addition to the vegetable overload you’ll want to add plenty of fresh fruit along with raw seeds, nuts, and legumes such as chickpeas, adzuki beans and lentils. Legumes are a great addition to any meal, whilst providing a highly beneficial sustenance to your body during your detox. By sticking to such a limited diet packed with nutrients and pretty much everything your body’s been crying out these past couple of weeks, you’ll find yourself set up and ready to start the year properly.

Take your detox into another gear!

If you feel like taking your detox to the next level (although many of you might find it difficult) cut out all the caffeine. Replace your standard cup of black coffee with a mug of green tea – Peppermint or nettle are great stimulants for your kidneys. We also suggest that during your entire detox stage, keep water levels high enough to ensure your body is well hydrated. To keep things simple, aim for at least 1-2 litres per day.

If you’re feeling adventurous then you could try your hand at a few “Vitamin packed” juices. A blend of carrot, beetroot, apple and cucumber juice is particular high in levels of the good stuff, whilst providing a much needed energy boost for the dark winter mornings. Before you know it, February will be here and your body will be ready for yet another packed year. You may even find yourself ditching coffee for a fresh fruit juice!

Will you be taking part in a detox this January? Perhaps you’d like to share you experiences by leaving a comment below.

One last thing – We’d like to wish every one of our Healthy Hideout readers a very happy new year. Thank you for all the support we had in 2011 – We hope to provide even more in 2012.