IMPERIA |
october-november-december 2019
39
urely, we all know what detox
means, but have a glance at the
definition: ‘A process or a period of
time in which one abstains from or rids
the body of toxic or unhealthy substances’.
Detox is a process and we are talking about
detoxifying the most complex machine on
earth – the human body. Hence, the first
step to cleanse the body in a true manner,
one needs to understand the signalling
system of your own body and definitely
forbearance.
So press the refresh button in your bodies
with this simple detox regime.
Three major ways would always be through
food, exercise and the much-needed
beauty sleep. But a few things to get you in
line first.
a. Plan for a realistic goal – just because
one has gorged on gulab jamuns or
samosas doesn’t mean you stay hungry
for the next few days; half to one kilo a
week is a reasonable goal if you wish to
shed that excess flab.
b. Eat small meals more often to keep
the metabolism on the better side and
running. This will keep away cravings,
boost your energy and even improve
moods.
c. Make small changes in the routine
like taking a walk in fresh air 10 to 20
minutes, a long pending spa treatment
and so on.
d. Importantly, remind yourself of the
healthy journey that you have started
on. Pat yourself even if it’s a small win.
(Above)
A
spoonful of
wheat bran.
Detox The Real Way!
Food & Water
Drink up – The best way to cleanse your
body is by taking to the eternal drink –
water. Drink loads of it. It helps remove the
toxins, stimulates the digestive system,
balances the hormones and energises the
entire system. Enhance the flavour of water
by adding lemon and honey or try infused
waters using slices of cucumber, mint
leaves, lemon and ginger. Ensure that you
drink 2-3 litres per day depending on your
requirements.
Other fluids – Though water is the best
bet, adding green tea, yogurt, milk in the
detox list is a good idea. Green tea is high
in polyphenols, the powerful antioxidants;
great for cleansing the system of impurities
and toxins. Yogurt is a powerhouse of
nutrients especially probiotics and is a
wonder aid for effective digestion.
Cut down the consumption of caffeine (tea/
coffee) and also alcohol to gain the benefits
of the above mentioned fluids. Remember
that alcohol is a source of calories and
caffeine can interfere with essential nutrient
absorption.
Detox juices and smoothies: Have
some good detox smoothies to hasten
the results. Take a seasonal fruit of your
choice, add a few sprigs of mint, an inch of
ginger, squeeze a fresh lemon or add two
dollops of fresh yogurt with some honey
and crushed ice. Blend the ingredients
together and have it fresh for that magical
feel of a clean, well hydrated body. Fresh
cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices
provide a whole lot of phytonutrients,
antioxidants and vitamins and minerals.
Though not recommended for the long
term especially fruit juices (for their high
GI index and zero fibre) they can help the
body to revitalize after the festive binge.
Energy foods: Kick-start your day by
eating an energy-dense food like bananas.
They are rich in natural sugars, and vital
nutrients like potassium and vitamin B
6
to take care of the bloated feeling. Add
vitamin C-rich foods – tomatoes, green
leafy vegetables and sunflower seeds
– to boost the metabolism rate. Eating
more greens can help increase specific
phytonutrient compounds which cleanse
(Facing page)
Fresh green
smoothie with
celery, apple
and lime.
S
