Many of us have abused our bodies with rich food and copious amounts of alcohol this festive season. The New Year gives us the opportunity to make a fresh start when it comes to our health. Detoxing is one way to regain our energy and rediscover that childhood vitality that many of us have lost. Detoxing does not have to be painful and boring. In fact, by making small changes to your diet and following these 7 simple steps may put a spring back into your step and a smile back onto your face within a couple of weeks.
- Drink 2 litres of water a day (tea, coffee and fizzy, sugary drinks do not count but herbal teas do). Water re-hydrates the cells and helps the exchange of nutrients into and toxins out of the cells. Wake up to hot water with a squeeze of lemon. Lemon is very cleansing and stimulates the gall-bladder which is involved in clearing toxins out of the liver. Aim to have hot water and lemon 4 times per day.
- Increase liver-loving foods such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, Kale, beetroot, Jerusalem artichoke, onions and leeks. They contain compounds that help support the liver and digestive tract, helping detoxification and improving absorption of nutrients.
- Increase foods rich in wholegrain fibre such as brown rice, quinoa, millet and oats. These types of fibre are very effective at binding to toxins in the intestine and carrying them out of the body.
- Cut out sugar and artificial sweeteners. Hidden sugars and sweeteners are found in chocolate, cakes, cereal bars, cereals, sauces and some packet foods. Sugar and sweeteners can disrupt blood sugar balance which can affect appetite and mood. Sugars also feed the bad bacteria in your gut which release their toxins causing infections, irritable bowel and lowered immunity.
- Cut out hydrogenated or trans-fats found in some margarines, pastries, pies and cakes. These fats put a strain on your organs and are linked to a host of other health problems.
- Reduce animal proteins (meat and dairy) and replace with vegetarian proteins (lentils, beans, chickpeas, soya). Vegetarian proteins contain more fibre and nutrients to help stabilise blood sugar and that are supportive of detoxification.
- Exercise gently- walking, swimming, light jogging, yoga and tai chi can improve circulation, re-energise your body and increase detoxification. Jumping on a mini trampoline for 10 minutes a day is an excellent way of burning the calories and improving circulation to help you feel more energetic and to rid yourself of unwanted fatty deposits.
UrBod Nutritionist Amanda Michie Dip.ION (mBANT) offers Nutritional consultations right in the heart of the City of London, EC2. Amanda has written this great e-book on simple ways of detoxing and re-energising your body this New Year.
To get this FREE e-Book Detox-UrBod click here . 
