Lemony Detox Salad

I don’t know about you, but I MAY have over indulged a bit during the holidays this year. I was on vacation with my family and, though I did make good choices much of the time, I also was busy having a good time and relaxing into what made sense at the moment. The self-serve soft serve swirl showed up regularly to greet me, along with these amazing home made chips that were abundantly available and decadent dinner options every night. I’m sure you’ve been there many a time.

Generally, over indulgences are foods that are very acid forming including: sugar, animal products, refined oils and alcohol. This sets the stage for inflammation, skin irritations, sleep disturbances, bloating, digestive issues and weight gain.   Consuming foods that are alkalizing is one way to combat the damage done and help your body heal. Loading up on foods that are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals will help replenish your stores, and eating an abundance of fiber will help eliminate the toxic build up already in your system. So, what to do now?

For starters, make a batch of this detox salad. Having a large bowl of this in your fridge, already prepared is a HUGE step in the right direction.   Here are some of the benefits these ingredients will provide:

• Celery: reduces inflammation, loaded with magnesium, regulates alkaline balance, digestive aid, reduces “bad” cholesterol, lowers blood pressure,
• Cabbage: high in fiber (hello elimination aid), Vitamin C, regulates blood sugar, antioxidant, Vitamin K,
• Kale; Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, antioxidant, boosts immunity, calcium, fiber, anti-inflammatory, high in fiber (great for detox)
• Fennel: reduces inflammation, provides immune support, Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium,
• Radish: High in Fiber, Vitamin C,
• Lemon: a natural detoxifier, Vitamin C,
• Carrots: Vitamin A, antioxidants

Here are a few more things you can do RIGHT NOW:

• Avoid processed and packaged foods
• Drink more water
• Stay away from sugar
• Get plenty of rest
• Commit to a regular exercise regime
• Prioritize self care
• Take a break from alcohol to give your liver time to detoxify

The first week of the New Year is a bit tricky for many to navigate. I suggest getting back on track by going towards a style of eating that YOU KNOW makes you feel your best. There are so many ways to do this, and I’m not advocating for a particular regimen. Personally, I eat as “clean” as I can by consuming as much whole, real food that is simply prepared as possible. I have found that I don’t need a formal detox, juice cleanse, or whatever else is currently in vogue, I just need to get back to basics with my food intake.

Yes, that leaves so much room for interpretation, but that’s the point. Whatever changes you make have to work inside of the life you actually have—rather than the perfect (rigid) life you wish you had—for them to be sustainable. Life is messy. Be flexible, do what you can, and don’t beat your self up over imperfection…..perfect isn’t the goal anyhow!