Should you detox?

Happy New Year from both of us at NutriNosh!

As we now enter the second week in January this is when we tend to see people fall off their New Year’s resolution detox wagons. And no wonder! With veganuary, juice cleanses and the multiple detox packages everyone has started, we’re going from one extreme – over indulgence, to the other – restriction. It’s like going cold turkey and our bodies don’t like it.

Our bodies are constantly ‘detoxing’ from the inside - we have evolved to get rid of toxins and unnecessary substances via our kidneys, liver and intestines. Typical detox diets that involve restricting calories or even omitting certain food groups don’t promote healthy habits and are actually likely to result in weight gain in the long term.

So what we’re trying to say is that there really is no need for the January detox. Our bodies are pretty good at doing this themselves, but in order to keep your body in tip-top condition it is important to eat healthily and keep active.

So what’s the best way to get a health fix after a time of indulgence? Simple, see our take on the meaning of ‘detox.’

hyDration is so important as we often mistaken the feeling of thirst for the feeling of hunger. Top yourself up with water and decaffeinated herbal tea’s.

Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables – aiming for 5+ a day. The more variety of colours you include the better as you’ll be nourishing your body with a greater range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Try and get ~8 hours sleep each night. We don’t function well when tired which could lead to slips in our eating and exercise routines.

Omit or reduce the booze. It’s recommended that men have no more than 21 units per week whilst for women it’s 14 units per week. How do you fare with this recommendation? Remember alcohol contains empty calories!

eXercise is key! You don’t have to be a gym junkie to reap the benefits either. Try aiming for 10000 steps per day – there are plenty of phone apps that can track your steps for you. If this is way out of reach, simply lower your goal and work up.

If you’re finding your January rather bland why not try some of these flavours to spice up your January:

Chillies - contain a substance called capsaicin, which binds to heat receptors in your mouth and throat. There have been some small studies that have shown chillies can in fact raise metabolism so you’ll burn fat more quickly. Although the research is not conclusive, what a great side effect! If spicy-hot food isn’t your thing, try mixing chillies with yoghurt for more gentle kick.

Cinnamon – some small studies have shown how it has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels. A great spice for savoury or sweet dishes, add some to your morning bowl of porridge or let a cinnamon stick infuse whilst you brown your mince for a moussaka.

Cardamom – is a spice most commonly used in Indian cooking. Much like cinnamon, it versatile as it can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Why not make your own curry with the addition of cardamom?

Cumin – has a distinctive warm flavour and aroma. It can be used as whole seeds – which are great when toasted lightly until fragrant then scattered over roasted vegetables, or ground – and mixed with chopped tomatoes, garlic and onions for a quick sauce you can add to chicken.

Turmeric – is a native spice to South Asia. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is believed to have an effective anti-inflammatory. Add to your basmati rice for a vibrant yellow effect.

#Detox #January #Health #Diet #Spice #Exercise #NewYear