Skip the juice cleanse! Our bodies naturally detox day in and day out. Even still, periods of bad eating and other unhealthy habits can prompt us to seek a deep cleanse to reset and rejuvenate the body.
While our bodies may need an extra bit of detoxing from time to time to get back on track, it’s not the best idea to follow a detox plan that requires calorie restrictions or a liquid diet. You’ll end up starving your body of the nutrients it needs — so it’s not the healthiest way to go, no matter how drastically you want to detox. Plus, you will only see temporary results that are guaranteed to quickly disappear once you bounce back to your normal eating habits.
Instead, incorporate these 10 best detox foods into your meal plan when you’re looking to hit the reset button on your health. Healthy foods that detox will deliver the good stuff to your system while they flush out the bad stuff. Cook your own meals at home with these detox foods to make sure you know exactly what’s going in your body.
What foods should I NOT eat on a detox?
For a detox that works, it’s important to be aware of the foods that will only hinder your progress. Stay away from overly processed foods, sugar, and excessive amounts of salt. You may also want to consider avoiding foods that many people are sensitive to, including peanuts, dairy, meat, and gluten. Many people with food sensitivities aren’t actually aware that their diet is what’s causing discomfort, especially when the sensitivity is on the milder side. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry — who knows, you may discover that your love of bread was the culprit of that persistent bloating all along!
What are the signs that my body is detoxing?
Some discomfort is natural during the first few days of the detoxification process. In fact, it’s a sign that the detox is working! Pulling a complete 180 in your diet by switching to detox foods only is bound to cause a bit of a shock, but any symptoms will quickly subside as your body adjusts.
You can expect headaches, irritability, cravings, and irregular bowel movements at the beginning of your detox. It can be difficult to quit addictive foods and drinks that contain sugar and caffeine, so allow your body to find a balance and try your best not to give into that hankering for a bag of your favorite chips. Staying hydrated and keeping the pantry free of processed foods will help you stay on track during your detox!
The 10 Best Detox Foods
1. Grapefruit
This classic breakfast accompaniment does more for your body than you might think. Grapefruit contains all-natural sugars, vitamins, and fiber that allow the body to function efficiently. Plus, its water content flushes toxins out of the body and helps you stay hydrated.
2. Kale
What can’t this superfood do?! Kale is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that will aid in digestion and overall health. It may deliver anti-inflammatory benefits, which will leave you less bloated and puffy.
3. Lemon water
One of the most efficient (and self-explanatory) ways to flush toxins from the body is to drink water — a lot of it. Adding lemon to your water will increase the benefits, since lemons are rich in Vitamin C.
Don’t have time to squeeze a lemon every morning? Add a Morning Routine hydration pack to your glass of water. Each serving contains ½ an organic lemon and supports your hydration, wellness, and digestion, making it a great option for your detox plan.
4. Avocado
Good news for all the avocado fans: this creamy green fruit is fantastic for detoxification. Avocados contain roughly 14 grams of fiber per fruit, which will aid in digestion and keep your system running smoothly. Moreover, they deliver healthy fats and vitamins in every serving, so they’re a good choice whether you’re detoxing or not.
5. Artichokes
Artichokes aren’t just a tasty addition to salads — they make an excellent detox food! Delivering vitamins, fiber, and protein, this veggie will keep you full while aiding digestion and detoxing your liver. They’re a great food if the goal of your detox is to slim your waistline, too!
6. Beets
Whether you prefer a beet salad or fresh pressed beet juice, beets contain nutrients that detoxify the body like a charm. They are rich in betalains, which play an essential role in detoxifying the liver. A healthy liver allows your body to get rid of chemicals and toxins as it naturally should.
7. Tomatoes
The reason why tomatoes are red? They contain Lycopene, a pigment that is also a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene acts as a barrier for free radicals that can wreak havoc on the liver. Pass the tomato soup, please!
8. Turmeric
This little orange powder packs a healthy punch! Turmeric is widely known for its immune-boosting properties. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits. Decreased inflammation in the gut aid digestion — and your detox. Try adding some to your lemon water in the morning for a quick way to start the day right.
9. Blackberries
It’s not just blackberries — berries in general are a fantastic addition to your detox diet. Blackberries in particular are high in antioxidants and fiber, but if your heart belongs to another berry, don’t hesitate to include it in your meal plan. Antioxidants and fiber are key players in protecting your body’s cells from harmful free radicals and aiding digestion.
10. Spinach
Eat your spinach! Green vegetables are one of the highest sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and spinach is no exception. In fact, spinach delivers up to 0.9 mmol of antioxidants per 100g. Plus, one cup of spinach has less than 10 calories. Add handfuls of spinach to pasta, smoothies, or your scrambled eggs in the morning. If you’re still struggling to incorporate greens into your meals, we recommend adding Green Routine to your diet to make sure you’re getting the nutrients your body craves.
Takeaway
You don’t need a restrictive diet or expensive juice cleanse to effectively detox the body. Add these foods to your grocery list the next time your body is sending signals that it’s time for a refresh. Low on time? No worries! Simply grab our Green Routine that is loaded with more than 35 detoxifying fruits, vegetables, superfoods and more.
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