January - time to detox

January is the time when we review our health and try to reduce the intake of sugar, coffee, fats, alcohol and toxins. It is also a time to review exercise routines and diets. Being mid winter it is not a good time to restrict essential warm foods or to starve the body. However most people in the west eat far too much so I do recommend a review and if you have been guilty of over indulgence over the festive season here is a simple detox diet for an average healthy person to follow for three days:

Upon rising

• 1/2 lemon squeezed into a glass of warm water

• 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water

Breakfast

• breakfast smoothie made with pear, rice milk and rice protein powder

Snacks

• apple juice diluted with water

• water

• vegetable broth

• celery sticks and hummus

Lunch

• chunky vegetable soup made with vegetable stock and your choice of vegetables

• steamed broccoli with sesame seeds and beets sprinkled with lemon juice on brown rice

• apple sauce

Snacks

• carrot sticks with hummus dip

• water

Dinner

• curried lentils on quinoa

• salad with mixed greens, red peppers, artichokes and sprouts drizzled with salad dressing of garlic, lemon juice and olive oil

• vegetable broth

Before bed

• 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water

Don't forget to drink at least 2 litres of water and enjoy 30 minutes of active exercise every day!