From the Christmas goose to the mountains of cookies, the holiday season is when the body is assaulted by the greasiest and sweetest temptations. And as if that weren't enough, there may also be a small break in the training schedule. Time for a body cleanse? We think so. Of course everyone is talking about detoxing in January - and for exactly this reason. But for every good resolution - like, say, cleansing the body and improving your diet - there's a new detox trend thrown at us. Forget extreme calorie restriction and eliminating entire food groups.
The liver is an important organ for digestion, detoxification and hormone balance. Everyone knows the link between alcohol and liver disease, and some people even regularly give their liver an alcohol-free month. According to new scientific findings, a “dry January” is good for your health. Ten journalists agreed to abstain from alcohol for a month and after this time they were able to show reduced liver fat levels and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
A low-sugar diet can do wonders for your body - helping you lose weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and lower your risk of diabetes. Cut out excess sugar - found in most desserts, sweets, chocolate, sodas and even ready-made pasta sauces - and help detoxify your body. The best way to satisfy sweet cravings is with sweet fruit, like diced apples dipped in peanut butter or Greek yogurt with blueberries, honey, and cinnamon.
Juice detox cycles may seem like a tempting answer to a month of indulgence, but they will leave you feeling hungry and low on energy. Besides, the juices are not very sustainable. Make sure you eat from all food groups to provide your body with enough nutrients. That means eating vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and whole grains. And don't be afraid of healthy fats — a mashed avocado on a toasted sourdough bread is good for your body and quells hunger. You certainly won't give up a breakfast like this again in February.
Never underestimate the power of water. It helps the body flush out waste, maintain proper body temperature, prevent constipation and dehydration. Web MD recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water or other fluids per day. Depending on the training and climate, this amount must be individually adjusted.
A half-hour of exercise, at least five days a week, is the ultimate way to detox your body—but you also don't want to overexert yourself during detox time. The solution? Match your detox to your workout. If your workout involves long-distance running or swimming, you should get adequate protein and calories from plenty of fish, nuts, and vegetables/fruit. For less intense workouts, such as yoga, a nutrient-rich juice is enough to stimulate the body and support the meditative session. Learn more about detox in our free e-book: http://liveyourbestlife.holmesplace.com/en/
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