7 Recipes ideal for Post-Diwali Detox

The purpose of any detox plan is to take the load off the organs that detoxify the body – the liver, kidneys and bowel – while supporting and improving their performance. After a heavy and calorie-laden festive week, it is essential that you detox in a safe and healthy way to get the body and system back on track. Don’t forget to resume the exercise routine and detox post Diwali. Go for walks, start your workouts, climb stairs and be as active as you possibly can be.

Think of a post-Diwali detox as a cleanup for your body; it’s a way to recharge, rejuvenate, and renew your body, and also get you back to being fit and healthy. Try these simple recipes for a post-Diwali detox.

1. LEMON WATER

This is the perfect start to any detox programme. Also, it’s easy to make – all you have to do is squeeze half a lemon in one glass of lukewarm water. Therefore, have this on waking up and half an hour before all meals.

Benefits

Lemon is a great alkaliser and helps flush out toxins. It also improves digestion, prevents constipation, and helps the liver function, which in turn helps the digestive system break down complex foods better.

2.ABC JUICE

Ideally, this healthy concoction should be consumed immediately after it’s made, and can be had with a meal or as an in-between snack.

Ingredients

• Apple- 1 (Chopped)
• Beetroot- 1 (Chopped)
• Carrot- 1 (Chopped)

Method

Blend all the ingredients, followed with a squeeze of lemon and drink immediately.

Benefits

This juice is a powerhouse of antioxidants that protect the body from harmful chemicals and toxins. It also gives instant energy. Together, the three ingredients offer ample amount of nutrients to keep you going through the day. Also, this has long-term benefits on your health.

3.CLEANSING SOUP

Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (green beans, onions, cabbage, red-yellow peppers)
• 1/2 cup assorted root vegetables (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup boiled chana or rajma
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups vegetable stock or water

Method

Pressure cook the root veggies with water for 1 whistle. Then, add the other veggies except spinach, and boil for few minutes. Season the vegetables with the above-mentioned spices and beans. Next, allow it to adopt the flavors, and slowly pour in the stock and let it simmer with a covered lid for about 15-20 minutes. Lastly add the spinach and lemon juice, and enjoy piping hot!

Benefits

This soup (more like a stew) is great for a post Diwali detox-friendly meal. The vegetables contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals as well as phytonutrients. So, these increase immunity and help ward off infections after consuming empty calorie and taxing festive foods. Moreover, the fiber helps in cleansing the digestive system and is a delicious & filling meal as well.

4. DETOX SALAD

Ingredients

• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 cup red cabbage, cut into strips
• 1 cup coloured peppers, cubed
• 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup low-fat paneer cubes
• 1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (til)
• 1 tsp pumpkin or melon seeds
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Mix all the ingredients to make a power-packed and delicious salad.

Benefits

This salad is full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich foods. Carrots, for instance, are a good source of beta-carotene and antioxidants, while broccoli is a strong source of fiber, vitamin C and one of the best foods for stress relief as well. Along with these, seeds are rich in minerals and good fats.

5. OATMEAL WITH NUTS AND FRUIT

Ingredients

• 30 gm oats
• 180 ml skim milk/curd
• 1 apple or banana, chopped
• 5-7 almonds, chopped
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder

Method

Boil oats with milk for a minute or soak in curd for half an hour. Then add the remaining ingredients and enjoy this perfect detoxifying breakfast.

Benefits

Oats are rich in dietary fiber, which plays a role in modulating the immune system. The protein-carb combo is a great post-diwali detox breakfast which gives energy and stamina to get back to your routine after slacking off during the holiday season.

6. SPROUTS BOWL

Ingredients

• 1 cup moong bean sprouts, par boiled with haldi and a pinch of salt
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 cup of tomato, cucumber, onion salad
• 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• 1 tbsp coriander leaves
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp chaat masala

Method

Mix all the ingredients and eat as a snack or a satisfying meal.

Benefits

Moong beans can help clear heat and toxins from the body. They are low in calories and rich in fiber. These beans also contain vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, folic acid, potassium, magnesium and zinc. The proteins, tannins and flavonoids in moong beans are also considered effective for binding to and clearing pesticides. Also, heavy metals like mercury and lead from the body.

7. GREEN TEA SMOOTHIE

Ingredients

• 1 cup green tea, brewed and chilled
• 1/2 cup spinach or mint leaves
• 1/2 apple or pear
• 1 tbsp yogurt
• Ice

Method

Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend until it reaches a smoothie consistency. This is a way to get both the benefits of a green smoothie, along with the benefits of green tea.

Benefits

This gives you antioxidants from the green tea; these are backed by the phytonutrients in greens for a detox. Apple offers pectin, and also adds some sweetness to the mix. Also, the protein in yogurt keeps you feeling satiated for long.

Looking for more information on a healthy way to detox? Our experts can help.