Foods essential for detox

While indulging in drinks and treats on a weekend night may be fun, all that merriment can make your insides feel like a toxic wasteland. This year, include these antioxidant-rich foods proven to heal and repair you from the inside out after a night on the town.

Ginger

Ginger is an ancient herb that has been used for medicinal purpose for centuries. Add fresh ginger to a morning smoothie to boost immunity or grate over a midday dish of farro and dried cherries for a powerful anti-inflammatory lunch.

Lemon

Lemons, limes and oranges are loaded with vitamin C – a vitamin and potent antioxidant. Swap fatty salad dressings for freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss thinly sliced fennel with olive oil and lemon juice sprinkled with just a dash of salt for a vitamin C rich side dish.

Quinoa

Warm up the winter with a bowl of traditional or red quinoa. This powerful veggie seed is a high-quality source of protein, rich in fiber and riboflavin. Quinoa is perfect paired with crisp fresh vegetables, drizzled with a touch of olive oil and lemon juice. It’s delicious whether served hot or cold.

Kale

Kale is often bitter to the taste buds, but this nutrient-rich leafy green is a must-have for detox. It is loaded with antioxidants proven to have anti-cancer benefits, improve eye health and lots of fiber for a healthy GI tract. Serve it broiled as “chips” or steamed and mixed with quinoa and spicy sautéed peppers.

Jicama

Swap mashed potatoes for this low-calorie starchy root vegetable. Approximately a half cup of jicama is just 35 calories and is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins and valuable minerals. Toss jicama with a salad sprinkled with lime juice or sliced julienne and broil in the oven for low calorie jicama “fries.”

Spinach

Spinach has great flavor and texture to compliment an array of vegetables in a salad, or you can serve it steamed or sautéed with a little olive oil. Spinach is a fantastic source of calcium and folate, as well as the potent antioxidant kaempferol, known for its role in combating free-radical linked to ovarian and prostate cancers.

Make sure to include drinking plenty of water with your detox plan; your body will need the fluids to adequately flush toxins from your body. Avoid alcohol, artificial sweeteners, excess sugar and all foods you may be sensitive to, such as gluten and peanuts. A 21-day detox is highly recommended, however there is value in a seven-day plan for those seeking the fast track. You can continue to reap the benefits of your detox by making clean, healthy food choices every day.