Let's face it, most of us over-indulge in some way. As we near the end of the month, a little nudge to help you with those steps to clean living can do no harm.
Here are five tips to keep in mind:
Natural sugars are your friends
If you haven't already come off added sugars, now's the time to start. Put down the chocolate bar and pick up a piece of fruit. Get your buzz from natural sugars and soon you won't be craving that sweet pick-me-up so bad. When you're on the hunt for a natural sugar kick it's good to remember that a good kind of natural sugar is one that is minimally processed, not contaminated, and contains some nutrients and antioxidants. Dates are a great source of natural sugar and they are rich in B6, vitamin A, potassium and calcium. Dates can taste amazing in bars or puddings. Other brilliant sources of natural sugars are honey, molasses and real maple syrup.
H20 works wonders
Water is key. You know it, I know it, we all know it. It's no secret how big a part water can play in the detoxing process. Did you know that when your body is dehydrated, it actually craves sweets? Drinking one large glass of water per hour when you're weaning yourself off the sugar will help quash the cravings as well as keeping your skin looking fresh and glowing. If you're wondering how you're ever going to be able to drink that much of the clear stuff, try these handy tips. Instead of using artificial sweeteners, take some of your favourite fruit, slice it up and pop it into a water bottle. We love the taste of watermelon chunks and mint in our water for a refreshing lift in the afternoon.
Lemon is your friend
Lemon, like water, is a brilliant cleanser for the system. Lemon water is a natural diuretic. This means that the lemon helps your body flush toxins and liquids out of your system. The citric acid will also help with stimulating your liver. What's not to like? But, that's not all it can do. Packing a delish citrusy taste, lemon is a wonderful aid to digestion. Pop a few slices into a tepid glass of water in the morning and let the magic take hold. The warm water stimulates your GI tract, while the lemon is believed to help stimulate and purify the liver. Bursting with vitamin C, it acts as an immunity booster and the combination of water and lemon can even oxygenate the blood, leaving you with a wonderful burst of energy.
Alcohol and caffeine need to take a back seat
Alcohol and caffeine only dehydrate us and when we're going to all this effort to drink so much water it's best not indulge in that afternoon 'pick me up,' latte. Take a trip to your local supermarket and take a peek at the awesome selection of teas available. Lemon and Ginger tea is becoming a fast favourite at HerFamily.ie.
Pack your proteins for an energy punch
Many experts recommend a healthy dose of protein at every meal, especially when you're detoxing. At it's most beneficial for brekkie, protein leaves you feeling fuller for longer. Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein, think pumpkin seeds and hazelnuts. Sprinkled over some yoghurt in the morning these ingredients can not only be healthy but a yummy treat too. Avocado is another tasty protein that works just as well. Slice some up, add it to your lunchtime salad and feel the effects for the rest of the day.
Unlimited carbs. Yes you heard us
Did you know that many vegetables are carbs? You can munch away on as many as you like, but be careful not to include any starchy kinds, so avoid potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash and beets. Focus on your greens, green beans, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, fennel, eggplant, artichokes and peppers all work wonders. These will help you lose weight and feel brilliant.
If you would like to join us on our five-day eating plan next week, mail: karen.forde@herfamily.ie
