SIMPLE WAYS TO DETOXIFY YOUR DIET

Like I mentioned in my anti-diet post a few weeks ago, I don't believe in any fad diets or detox methods that leave us starving and nutrient deprived.

However, sometimes it can happen that we lose our usual healthy routine for some time and feel we need to take some extra effort to bring our body back to our usual level.

For me, this happened last weekend. It was Valentine's Day on Saturday and of course you are out to do something special and don't really tend to watch everything you eat. Although I always take a box with precut vegetables with me if I go on a day trip, I did indulge definitely more than I should have.
Even during the week that led up to it, I had eaten some sweets daily, so that was probably also an extra reason. 
But the real damage started when I made Meringues on Friday and before, I wasn't really aware of how much sugar it includes but I was really shocked! I expected them to be very light (After all it is basically just sugar and egg white) but I seriously got a sugar shock and couldn't even finish a whole portion. Later that day on Saturday, I had a salmon crepe which was also not so ideal, and Sunday night I went out and had a huge Margharita pizza, plus a chocolate muffin for dessert.

The next day I went for a run and went back to eating really healthily, but around lunch time, I started feeling kind of sluggish and slightly nauseous, so that's when I realised I had to take more measures to get my body back to feeling healthy and energized.

I started including certain foods (some of them I have already daily anyways) into my diet consciously and I already feel a lot better.
In addition to that, I am keeping my caffeine intake low (not more than one coffee a day, but if you don't have to, try avoiding it for a few days altogether), and completely cut out refined sugar and flour for the whole week.

Here are the foods that I focus on in my meals to detoxify my body. They are very easy to add to porridge, cereal, stirfrys and other cooked meals.

I am going to go into each of them and briefly explain why they are detoxifying.

1. Cayenne Pepper

It increases metabolism, delivers nutrients more efficiently into cells, and reduces blood pressure as well as cleaning your arteries. It can be easily added to any cooked meals or even sprinkled onto avocados or salads.

2. Cinnamon

Cinamon has a boosting effect on the immune system and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood (harmful chemicals that are a consequence of eating sugar and white starches), so basically it lowers the risks, especially for the heart, after eating foods high in sugar and hydrogenated fats.
I sprinkle it every day onto my porridge.


3. Cacao Powder

Not be be mistaken with the conventional sugar loaded version you get in convenience stores and coffee shops, the raw, original version of cacao has amazing health benefits and is often referred to as the "The Health Miracle" or a "Superfood".  It protects against infections and cardiovascular disease, it releases serotonin in the brain which acts as a mood booster, and it has extraordinarily high levels of antioxidants that kill harmful free radicals. I love mixing it into desserts. If you don't like the extremely bitter taste, try mixing it with honey.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are also filled with antioxidants and tons of vitamin C that, again, helps to protect  and get rid of harmful toxins.

5. Garlic

Garlic is an often overlooked herb that can be easily added to pasta dishes, risottos or vegetable stir fries. It is extremely good in terms of protecting the heart, it boosts immune function so it protects agains cold and infections, and it reduces blood sugar as well. Additionally, it protects against cancer and Alzheimer's disease and overall extends your lifespan.

6. Oranges

Due to high levels in Vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges can help brightening your skin and protecting it against external negative influences such as UV rays and toxins. Of course, the main benefit of high Vitamin C doses is the positive effect on the immune system.

7. Olive Oil

High fat foods are often demonised and avoided, especially when you aim to rid you body of toxins and the effects of fast food high in hydrogenated fat, but you should definitely not skimp with this amazing type of oil.
It is very high in antioxidants, has antiflammatory properties (protecting against various diseases), by for example lowering LDL cholesterol (the "bad" type), however it is important to make sure you buy the high quality version , Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

8. Chilli

Some of the benefits include protecting against stroke, it boosts circulation and it thins blood, as well as ridding your body of toxins due to an increase in metabolic rate.

9. Green Tea

I have a cup every single morning, because it is such an easy way to boost your health right at the start of the day.
Not only is green tea incredibly high in antioxidants, it also provides you with energy which you are definitely looking for when you feels sluggish and have eaten too much sugar or other junk. If you want to intensify these amazing effects, reach for matcha powder, which I sometimes take for an extra boost. It is basically like green tea, just about 100 times more concentrated.

10. Walnuts

Another high fat food on my list which should definitely be included! These small power seeds not only fight against cancer and protect your heart, they also contain a unique type of very powerful antioxidants, and it helps stabilising blood sugar, which is effective to keep you from reaching for more sugary snacks due to imbalances and spikes.


I have also been eating other foods on top, which are difficult to photograph, such as legumes (spinach and swiss chard), sweet potatoes and cucumber. 
Other foods to achieve similar results are beetroot or asparagus.

There are tons of other foods that are beneficial if you are looking to rid your body of harmful effects of your diet, but these are just the ones I have been adding lately!