January offers a chance to wipe the slate clean, start anew and reverse the effects of the indulgent festive season. It should come as no surprise that most New Year’s resolutions are related to health and wellness, and indeed, many of us are looking to shed some old habits in this next trip around the sun. But let’s be honest, shall we? The prospect of a year-long pledge is quite daunting, so we’ve set our sights on a shorter, more manageable goal this January “’ A Quick New Year Detox!
When you detox, you give your body a rest from excess sugar, fat, caffeine and other toxins. The focus is on eating fresh vegetables, lean protein and drinking lots of cleansing water.
A quick detox can last one, three or five days. It is more about the act itself — a powerful and motivating step towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. A one-day detox will already be beneficial by giving your digestive system a rest. Stretch it to three days, and you’ll reignite your metabolism and notice positive changes in your skin as your body eliminates toxins. After a five-day detox you will likely experience weight loss, reduced cravings and an invigorated immune system. Whichever you choose, do consult with a healthcare professional before starting to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.
The keys to sticking to a healthy eating plan of any kind are: consistency, simplicity and advance preparation. With DELHAIZE, you can get started right away! Whether you’re after fruit and vegetables, juices and smoothies, or a cleansing soup, you’ll find the freshest ingredients and products in-store.
What to eat and what to avoid
- Enjoy dark, leafy green vegetables, fish, pulses and whole grains. Fresh fruit is also encouraged and berries are particularly beneficial.
- Avoid processed foods, added sugar, white bread, pasta, rice and alcohol.
For breakfast we recommend our Detox & Glow Smoothie, for lunch our Green Goddess Soup and for dinner a portion of fish or chicken with a side of our devilishly delicious Courgette Kimchi. Who said a detox had to be boring?
Here are some more tips to help you get the most out of your detox
- Find an accountability partner: Having someone to do the detox with, bounce ideas and keep you on track can be very motivating.
- Stay hydrated: Set a timer or use an app to remind you to drink a glass of water or herbal tea regularly throughout the day.
- Meal prep: Whether your detox is planned for one, three or five days, get ahead by stocking up and preparing your meals in advance.
- Get plenty of sleep: Aim for 7—9 hours a night to boost metabolic and immune health.
- Get moving: Even if you only have 15 minutes, regular exercise will help you feel revitalised.
