Despite what you may have seen in the magazines, detoxing doesn’t have to mean getting rid of yourself
Despite what you may have seen in the magazines, detoxing doesn’t have to mean giving up real food. Juice cleanses and fasting can work for some people, but for most of us, detox is more satisfying when approached in an achievable way.
Health experts and nutritionists have touted the benefits of simple clean eating instead of drastic dietary changes that can’t be sustained. Sure, you won’t be able to eat a Five Guys burger, but you’ll still eat enough to stay full and make meals that taste delicious and fill you up.
If you want to try a clean eating detox, the first step is to determine which foods are considered clean and which are not. Here are the top fifteen foods to include in your detox if you want to feel energized and healthy.
1. Garlic
Unfortunately, Olive Garden garlic sticks don’t count. However, this is one ingredient you should not ban from cooking during your detox. Garlic contains a surprising amount of antibacterial substances that can boost your immune system and prevent you from catching nasty diseases like the flu. Plus, when your body digests garlic, your gastrointestinal tract benefits from the toxin-killing compounds in garlic.
2. Walnuts
Some diets will tell you to avoid nuts because of their high calorie count, but if you want to give your body the TLC it deserves, nuts are a great snack option. Walnuts are known to improve blood circulation in your body and boost your brain power, leaving you happier and healthier than you’ve ever felt before.
3. Grapefruit
Not only are these fruits low in calories, they can also boost your metabolism and even burn some of your fat cells. Eat half a grapefruit before every meal and your body will quickly start showing signs of improvement.
4. Guacamole
Stop feeling bad about paying an extra $1.50 for guac at Chipotle, because it actually does wonders for your digestive system. Recent studies have found that a combination of avocado and cilantro can even help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Slather some guilt-free guacamole on some whole-wheat toast while detoxing. Want an easy guacamole recipe? Try our spicy 5-minute guacamole.
5. Asparagus
The next time you’re looking for a green vegetable for dinner, choose asparagus. It is a natural diuretic, which means it will help flush toxins from your system and even protect your liver. Plus, it’s full of good amino acids and minerals.
6. Wild salmon
You’ve probably heard health experts touting the benefits of salmon left and right, so it’s no shock to hear that it can help your blood flow and clean out many of your arteries and vital organs. Just make sure you buy authentic wild salmon, not the common kind you see in many stores.
7. Sweet potatoes
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Want to end your detox looking radiant and healthy? Don’t go to a tanning bed where you risk skin cancer or pumpkin discoloration. Eat lots of sweet potatoes instead. Carotenoids in starch contain orange pigments that give you a subtle tan.
8. Spinach
It’s hard to feel completely satisfied with a salad after lunch, but when you pack it with spinach instead of a water-soaked iceberg lettuce, you’ll stay fuller for a lot longer. Spinach is still low in calories, but it is also known for its appetite-suppressing compounds called thylakoids. They will be your best friend when detoxing and trying to avoid overeating.
9. Bananas
When you feel bloated, don’t throw your skinny jeans on the floor and give up just yet. Have a banana instead. They are known for fighting water retention and dispersing gas, making you feel slimmer. In addition, a high dose of potassium will help regulate your blood pressure and keep your heart muscles healthy.
10. Oatmeal
If you’re trying to slim down and clean your gut, then fiber is definitely one of the healthiest ingredients you can ingest. A bowl of oatmeal can feed the healthy bacteria in your gut, keep you full, and prevent diseases like heart disease and diabetes. But make sure the oatmeal you buy isn’t loaded with artificial sweeteners or sugar. Instead, flavor it with honey and fresh fruit.
11. Cocoa Powder
You’re probably amazed that this food is on the list, but yes, chocolate can be a solid part of your detox plan. Raw cocoa powder is full of fiber and can fight bloat if not mixed with other fattening ingredients. Prepare a healthy version of hot chocolate with a spoonful of cocoa powder and a little hot water.
12. Beet
Beetroot is often recommended to detoxifiers for its blood cleansing qualities, it is also known to increase nitric acid blood flow. Whether you drink beet juice or add beets to your salads, your liver will benefit from the restorative properties of the food.
13. Apples
This fruit may put off the doctor, but it will also help you shake off unhealthy cravings and keep you full for a long time. When you get hungry at work, reach for a shiny apple in the break room instead of a candy bar or high-calorie chips.
14. Pineapple
Long known for its ability to clear pores and help with stomach fat, pineapple is a sweet treat that you don’t have to be afraid to eat while detoxing. Powerful enzymes will fill your stomach while the rest of your body reaps the nutritional benefits.
15.Celery
Celery may seem like a bland, unappetizing vegetable, but it’s actually full of fiber, which can help your digestive system and keep you from snacking. If you really can’t bear the thought of just eating it, dip the stems in peanut butter or light ranch dressing.
As you can see, detoxing is not the weird, miserable experience some make it out to be. The next time your body needs a break from your regular routine, try incorporating some of these foods into your diet instead of researching juice cleanse trends or other programs.
Snacking is sometimes looked down upon when you’re trying to lose weight, but when done the right way, snacking can help you reach your weight loss goals! It keeps your metabolism going and your cravings at bay until your next meal. However, eating the wrong foods during a snack could significantly hinder your weight loss goal. Sugars, fats and carbohydrates like to hide in foods disguised or packaged as “healthy”. Follow: