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 back to fitness. Try these simple recipes for a post-Diwali detox.
LEMON WATER
This is the perfect start to any detox programme. And it’s easy to make – all you have to do is squeeze half a lemon in one glass of lukewarm water. 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.
ABC JUICE
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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
1 apple, chopped
1 beetroot, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Method
Blend all the ingredients, add 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 and also has long-term benefits on your health.
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. Add the other veggies except spinach, and boil for few minutes. Season the vegetables with the above-mentioned apices and beans. Allow it to adopt the flavours, 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 detox-friendly meal. The vegetables contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals as well as phytonutrients. These increase immunity and help ward off infections after consuming empty calorie and taxing festive foods. The fiber helps in cleansing the digestive system and is a delicious & filling meal as well.
DETOX SALAD
Ingredients
1 carrot, grated
1 katori red cabbage, cut into strips
1 katori coloured peppers, cubed
1 cucumber, chopped
1 katori broccoli florets, blanched
1 katori 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. Seeds are rich in minerals and good fats.
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. Add the remainingingredients 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 gives energy and stamina to get back to your routine after slacking off during the holiday season.
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. They 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 and heavy metals like mercury and lead from the body.
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. The apple offers pectin, and also adds some sweetness to the mix. The protein in yogurt keeps you feeling satiated for long.
Looking for more information on a healthy way to detox? Our experts can help.
