DETOXIFICATION AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays are now a distant memory. The lights dimmed, the decorations went into their boxes for a whole year and gradually We are getting back into the rhythm of everyday life.

Family holiday dinners may bring us closer to our loved ones, but they are also the reason we run away. from the our diet program and then we need a few days to get back on track. After all, during the holidays we don't count calories, only moments! As a result, the end of the holidays finds us with a couple of extra kilos, with the annoying bloating and fluid retention . In the goals of the new Detoxification is also a popular concept in the field of nutrition, wellness and well-being . Detoxification is the nutritional "cleansing" of our body after the excesses of the holidays, with overconsumption of meat, sweets and alcohol. It is the removal of toxic substances from our bodies for the benefit of our health and our general well-being. How can we detoxify and get back in shape?

Following some very simple steps!

 Ø Avoid excesses, deprivation , starvation or mono-diet.

Ø   Choose fresh fruits and vegetables - preferably organic to reduce exposure to pesticides, as they have a high water content and are low in calories. They contain antioxidants , which act against inflammation and aging, as well as potassium , which increases urination, helping to detoxify the body. You can consume juice or smoothies in place of fruit,

Ø   Choose whole grain foods , as they are rich in fiber and B vitamins , which help reduce the absorption of fat you consume from food and the metabolism of nutrients.

Ø   Don't forget the water! Hydration is one of the most basic elements of detoxification programs, as water consumption increases our metabolism and through diuresis the kidneys eliminate toxins. Therefore, it would be a good idea to consume at least eight glasses of water a day, but also plenty of fluids such as semi-skimmed milk, unsweetened juices and tea. Start your day with a glass of lukewarm water, in which you will squeeze a lemon. Citric acid contributes to the production of bile, which the body uses to remove toxins. Warm water helps improve digestion and increase our metabolism.

Ø    Choose foods rich in probiotics, such as kefir or organic yogurt , which provide "good" bacteria that improve gut flora.

Ø    Eat foods rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduce fat storage, especially in the abdominal area, such as olives, olive oil, avocados, and nuts.

Ø    As part of your detoxification effort, avoid alcohol for a period of time.

Ø    Replace sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey and date paste . Say "no" to sweets and "yes" to healthy snacks such as fruit, yogurt, and nuts.

Ø    Avoid foods rich in  carbohydrates in the evening. As metabolism is at a low rate towards the end of the day, it is preferable to have your last meal to It is rich in protein , which increases the feeling of satiety and keeps you fuller for longer.

Ø  Daily exercise , even of moderate intensity , causes sweating, which helps remove toxins from the body and renew the skin.

Ø  Try to sleep at least 6 hours a night. When you sleep, your brain clears itself of toxins that block its proper functioning.

Ø    Replace coffee with green tea. Green tea contains chlorophyll and flavonoids, such as catechins , which help in better functioning. liver , accelerate metabolism, slow down aging and give glowing skin. Try replacing your morning coffee with green tea or matcha.

Ø   Eat garlic

Garlic also helps detoxify the body, as it contains substances that cleanse the liver of toxins.

Ø Try intermittent fasting. This increases metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels, and boosts your gut microbiome .

 

It takes patience, consistency, a plan and organization and you will manage to welcome the new year renewed internally and externally . There are no magic recipes or easy solutions. But we don't give up and we always try to achieve our goal.

Detoxification from food and why not, detoxification from anything that is bad for your mental health!

Written by Marianna Metaxa

Educator, Author of the books "My Sweet Kelly" and the fairy tale "Melita and Zacharoulis" and lyricist of the song "Listen to My Heart"