IT’S TIME TO HIT REFRESH
IF YOU’VE SPENT MOST OF THE HOLIDAYS OVERINDULGING, YOU’RE PROBABLY IN NEED OF A NEW YEAR DETOX. HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED
The body has an in-built detox mechanism that keeps it clean and healthy, even after all of those sugary snacks, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give it a helping hand.
By following the quickstart tips below for two weeks you can get a jump-start in January feeling vibrant and rejuvenated.
1. DRINK MORE
No, not more alcohol. The key to kickstarting any detox is to increase the amount of water you drink on a daily basis. Staying hydrated is absolutely crucial to balance body salts and to keep everything ticking over. Two litres a day is the gold standard and don’t forget that fruits and vegetables count too.
2. USE CAFFEINE TACTICALLY
Caffeine has a lot of benefits, not least its ability to increase concentration and improve mood. Using it when you really need it, and keeping intake below 300mg a day, will allow you to consume it daily with minimal adverse effects.
3. AVOID SUGAR
After all the holiday sugar and sweets our tastebuds are in need of a break. By cutting out sugary drinks and snacks you give them the opportunity to reset and to break your habitual connection with the sweet stuff. When you come to eat it again you might find it didn’t taste as great as you thought it did.
4. SKIP PROCESSED FOODS
This is simple diet advice, but during your detox period avoid any foods that can be found in cans, tins or boxes, or come pre-prepared. While processed foods might save time in the kitchen, they are usually full of preservatives, sugars and sodium, which will slow down your body’s natural ability to burn fat.
5. EAT MORE FIBRE
If your digestive system is a bit groggy after the holiday season, adding more fibre to your diet will get things back on track. Foods with naturally occurring fibre, such as fruits, vegetables and wholegrains, will help you hit your daily requirements easily, kicking your digestion back into gear ready for a healthy January. 6. START AN EXERCISE ROUTINE
Exercise is good for so many reasons, but by getting your body to sweat you remove excess body salts and metabolites from your system. The results are clearer skin, more energy, and an overall greater sense of wellbeing, which you can maintain with a regular program.
7. MANAGE STRESS
Stress releases cortisol into our system, which can have a number of harmful effects if not managed correctly. By learning to manage your response to stressful situations, through meditation, mindfulness and rational thinking, you can transform your ability to process information clearly and solve problems. This, in turn, will increase your confidence and self-esteem.
8. GET BETTER QUALITY SLEEP
Last but definitely not least, getting enough sleep is crucial for a healthy body and brain. Studies suggest that getting seven to nine hours a night will help improve cognitive function, decrease our risk of various diseases and even increase our physical strength.