It’s only a couple of months until Christmas, and we can't wait to dig into some mouth-watering food and drink for the festive season. While most of us start our diet plan during January to get back on track, this season, why not do things differently?
Switch your routine around with a pre-Christmas detox to prepare your body and mind in advance for a healthier December.
Why detox?
Every day your body absorbs an excess amount of toxins from food and drink (think added sugars in cola or saturated fats in meats), pollution and synthetic chemicals.
That’s why it’s important to support our bodies’ natural detoxification process so that our gut, liver, lymph and circulation systems work effectively. By consuming a plant-based diet, we re-balance our body, providing it with essential nutrients and the energy needed to fight off fatigue, disease, anxiety and be ready to celebrate!
Here’s some simple tips for a pre-Christmas detox:
Exercise
Whether you set yourself the challenge of 1,000 steps per day, follow a workout routine, or do 60 minutes of yoga every morning, exercising as much as possible over the next couple of months will keep you fit and in shape for Christmas. Exercise delivers oxygen to your heart and lungs, providing a boost of endurance and helps to decrease the risk of any cardiovascular diseases.
Drink lemon water
Start the day right with a hot cup of warm water and a squeeze of lemon juice to kickstart your metabolism, encourage healthy digestion and reduce bloating as it removes any toxins in the body. It is also a rich source of potassium to break down used carbohydrates, and antioxidants found in lemons are proven to rejuvenate the skin for a healthy glow.
Cut down on processed foods
Another helpful tip for your pre-Christmas detox is keeping your diet balanced with a healthy portion of lean protein, such as fish, turkey, eggs or nuts, combined with 3 servings of colourful vegetables and 2 servings of fruit every day. These fibre and vitamin enriched sources of food provide you with a boost of energy and help support the entire detoxification process.
Digital detox
If you’re looking to not only cleanse your body, but your mind and soul too before Christmas, then take a digital detox. This can significantly lower your stress levels which believe it or not affect your body in a number of ways, including cravings, high blood sugar, a weakened immune system and can also cause sleep deprivation.
Turning your phone or device off allows you to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with life, helping you to focus on the things that matter most and be more productive both mentally and physically.
Want to know more about what a social media detox feels like? Check out our latest blog here - https://thegardeneatery.co.uk/blogs/news/is-it-time-for-a-social-media-detox
Juice cleanses
A juice detox focuses on nutrient density, rather than calorie restriction which helps maintain energy levels, without experiencing cravings. The juice extracts from fruits and vegetables contain an abundance of phytonutrients essential to your health. Many juices have a naturally high concentration of enzymes, fibre, amino acids and antioxidants which help you detox while still providing sustenance.
In addition, juice cleansing helps minimise the inflammation that occurs during Christmas time - bloating, puffiness and discomfort. You'll notice other benefits too such as better skin, increased energy levels and mental clarity.
Juice cleansing pre-Christmas should not be used as an excuse to gorge on food throughout the holidays. That would defeat the object… unless of course that's what you want to do! It is advisable to continue drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly during this time too.
If you're someone who struggles with their weight, then a juice cleanse pre-Christmas is the perfect way for you to kick start your new healthy lifestyle in the New Year!
Here at The Garden Eatery, we offer a range of nutritious and delicious 2, 3 & 5 day juice cleanses, including 10+ day detox programmes available with FREE next day delivery in Cheshire, Manchester and throughout the UK.
Visit our website to shop for your next detox programme today!