When the holiday season finally ends, we shift our focus. It’s all about resolutions, getting back on track, begrudgingly going back to work, and swearing off cookies for at least a month. Whether you’re jumping on board with a challenge at your gym or considering The Happy Body Program, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in a supportive community to make sure your new year’s resolutions don’t get forgotten too quickly.
No matter what your game plan is, it’s easy to feel a little heavy after all the feasting that winter brings. If you’re ready to buckle down again, I’m sharing some of my favorite methods of natural detox that you can work into your daily routine to help you feel like your energetic and vibrant self sooner rather than later. Who knows? You may already be doing quite a few of these. Treat yourself to something good.
Lemon Water
If you’re feeling like you need a natural detox, water is a good place to start. Simple carbohydrates, excessive sugar, and too much caffeine or alcohol consumption naturally make us retain water. The solution? More of it! Lessening the bloat is as simple as making sure your h2o intake is up to speed. Adding a dash of fresh lemon squeeze provides the additional health benefits of an immune boost, an inflammatory-fighter, and a digestive aid. Drink up and don’t forget the citrus. Try it hot and cold. It’s best used first thing in the morning.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There’s something about sipping on a tonic with a sorta funky taste like apple cider vinegar that makes it feel healthy. It’s like drinking kale juice – it might not taste great, but you know it’s good for you. ACV boasts a long list of healing properties since it’s packed with proteins, enzymes, and good bacteria. Try using apple cider vinegar by diluting a teaspoon or two in a glass of water. Taking it before a heavy meal can help with efficient digestion and keeping blood sugar levels stable.
Herbs
Whether you’re brewing it like tea or garnishing your dinner with it, here are a few herbs that can help with a natural detox and how to use ’em:
- Dandelion. This root, sold in tea bags, is helpful in regulating digestion and promoting hydration, both of which will help you bounce back after some serious indulgence.
- Turmeric. You can use the fresh root or the powder. Turmeric is a “superfood” you can add to anything from curry to warm coconut milk. It helps the health of your digestive system, immune system, and gut health for an easy natural detox method.
- Ginger. This herb can be used fresh in cooking or brewed as a tea. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory so it can help you heal from eating foods your body rejects and help you feel better faster.
- Milk thistle. This herb supports good liver health which might help you flush out toxins quicker if you’ve been indulgent with things like wine which inevitably take a harsh toll on the liver.
Sweat it Out
Hit the gym, hit the gym, or hit the streets. Sweating literally releases toxins from the body, and this is especially salt and alcohol – two big offenders at the holiday celebration table. Natural detox is made easy by sweating it out a little whether that means walking, running, lifting weights, or hitting the sauna real quick. It’ll also help release endorphins which will ease you out of the potential post-cookie sugar coma. For many people, sugar causes mood irregularities, and exercise can help give your brain the boost it needs.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is easy, and it aids in the natural detox process from the inside out. It stimulates your lymphatic system, it can increase circulation which will speed up the process of eliminating metabolic waste, and it supports digestion and kidney functions. Feeling better isn’t only evident on what’s going on inside though; taking care of your appearance and pampering yourself can do wonders in helping you bounce back from both the stress and indulgence of the holidays. Try incorporating it into your everyday routine right before you shower.
Fibrous Foods
Despite having a few too many paleo cookies, hopefully your holiday meals have been full of fibrous veggies and foods. Regardless, now is the time to load up on those crucifers like cauliflower and kale and eat your fruits. Reaching your daily fiber goals ensures feeling satiated and making sure your digestion is optimal. It’s necessary to “flush you out,” which is generally what people think of when they hear the word “detox.” Beyond that, reaching 50 grams of fiber per day is a surefire way to know that you’re getting your daily recommendation of vegetable servings.
Bone Broth
There’s no secret about the healing properties of bone broth if you’re familiar with paleo. It’s easy and affordable to make, and it’s vital to anyone’s healing journey. If you’ve got some leftover from all the Christmas cooking, now is the time to make sure you’re getting it in. It’s got goodies for your liver (glycine) and your gut while providing all those minerals that we need including calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and zinc. It’s the ultimate tonic for a natural detox to combat any gut disruption with excess sweets or gluten consumption.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting can be as easy as skipping breakfast. Essentially, it implements “eating windows,” so you can choose to eat between noon and 8 p.m. for example. This can be done regularly or just a day or two after a large meal as a natural detox method in order to reset. If you wake up still feeling lethargic and full from eating a bit too much, consider having a smaller meal window. This doesn’t mean restriction; it simply means packing in all of your calories during those hours. You can choose to have two large meals or three normal sized meals with less time in between.
Probiotics
If you’re already taking a probiotic supplement, now is the time to make sure you’re not skipping a beat! With traveling and lack of sleep, we’re more prone to disrupting our immune system. On top of all the tasty treats, it’s important to keep our gut bacteria in line. Probiotic supplements and fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, yogurt, and kimchi will help ensure that the good bacteria outweighs the bad making this an awesome natural detox product.
Massage
Getting down deeper into the issue, a massage can help the body with a natural detox in the most restorative way. Regularly going to a masseuse not only eases aches and pains, but the pressure releases toxins from the muscle tissues and fats into the circulatory system. Now, your body has a chance to rid itself of what was previously “trapped.” Now, it’s time to give yourself a little gift; treat yourself to an afternoon at the spa to get your body and mind back in the right place.
What are your favorite secrets for a natural reset? When paired with a healthy diet, these methods of natural detox don’t require any restriction. As always, it’s important to focus on what you can add rather than take away when you set new goals.
