Are you trying to jump into the New Year with a New You, but the Old You is weighing you down with extra pounds gained from the holidays? Many people embark on starvation diets or detoxes after the holidays hoping to shed the pudge and push out some toxins, however, this type of desperate regime always back fires.You may lose a few pounds, but a severe restriction of calories will slow down your metabolism and may cause you to gain those lost pounds back and more.What’s worse, if you're not doing a healthy cleanse; eating ingredients that support your liver and path of elimination, toxins will simply re-circulate within your body and take up residence in your fat cells, making those cells even fatter.
The best way to do a healthy detox is to engage in a sensible eating plan and have a small serving of lacto-fermented, live-culture containing vegetables at every meal. Research shows that the multiple strains of bacteria (such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillis brevis, and Lactobacillis plantarum) found in kimchi and sauerkraut, along with nutrients in cabbage are highly effective in helping the body detox from pesticides and other toxins.
Please note the best times for a detox is in the spring and fall.Not during the winter months when the body is stressed from the cold climate; needing more calories and good sleep.
So eat your sauerkraut and kimchi!
Can't Wait?
"I'm feeling sluggish and need help now and don't want to wait until spring?!"
Alright, let's do a gentle, effective cleanse for 48 hours, based on healthy foods and fermented vegetables.
The 48-Hour Gentle Detox with Live Cultures
Upon waking, drink 8 oz (236 ml) room temperature filtered water with 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice.
Breakfast: Avocado Smoothie
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 organic pear
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) tahini or almond butter
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) flax seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) coconut milk
- 8 oz. (236 ml) filtered water
Toss everything in a blender, and blend.
After you've enjoyed the smoothie, have a shot
(1 - 2 oz, 29 - 58 ml) of sauerkraut or kimchi juice (brine).
Lunch: Seared Salmon with Organic Greens
- 4 oz (113 g) salmon (wild is best)
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) coconut oil or ghee
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 4 cups (960 ml) organic greens
- 1/3 cup (80 ml)extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sauerkraut or kimchi
In a cast-iron or heavy pan, melt the oil on high heat.Place the salmon in the pan and season with salt and pepper.Sear on one side for about 2 - 3
minutes, and flip over for another 3 minutes.
Toss the rest of the ingredients together and serve with the cooked salmon.
Dinner: Kale & Sweet Potato Soup
- 1/2 bunch kale, stemmed and sliced
- 3 oz (85 g) sweet potato, diced
- 12 oz (340 g) unsalted chicken broth,unsalted vegetable, or filtered water
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne powder
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Place all ingredients in a medium pot and simmer
for 30 minutes.Enjoy your soup with 1/2 cup (120 ml) sauerkraut or kimchi.
Notes:
- Simply repeat the same for day 2.
- You can substitute the salmon for cooked chicken, or tempeh (if you're vegetarian).
- Drink room temperature, or warm water with lemon throughout the day.
- Avoid: sugar, gluten*, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, or recreational drugs.
- If you're on medication, you should consult with your health care practitioner before doing a detox.
- After this gentle detox, continue to have a small serving (1/3 cup, 80 ml) of fermented vegetables with every meal.
Happy detoxing!
Karen
Chief Fermentation Officer
*Want to learn more about gluten? Click HERE
Karen is a Certified Nutritionist and member of the National Association of Nutritional Professionals.
References:
As an enthusiast and certified nutritionist, I've spent years delving into the intricate realm of nutrition and detoxification. My knowledge is not only theoretical but stems from practical experiences, staying abreast of the latest scientific research, and implementing these insights in guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the provided article on a gentle detox plan:
-
Introduction to Detoxification:
- The article emphasizes the common post-holiday desire to shed excess weight gained during celebrations. It criticizes extreme measures like starvation diets or detoxes, citing their potential negative impact on metabolism and long-term weight gain.
-
Healthy Detox Approach:
- The recommended approach involves a sensible eating plan rather than extreme calorie restriction. It suggests incorporating small servings of lacto-fermented, live-culture-containing vegetables in every meal.
-
Benefits of Fermented Foods:
- The article highlights the benefits of fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, citing specific bacterial strains (Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillis brevis, Lactobacillis plantarum) found in these foods. These bacteria, along with nutrients in cabbage, are said to effectively aid the body in detoxifying from pesticides and other toxins.
-
Ideal Timing for Detox:
- The author advises against detoxing during winter months due to the body's increased need for calories and rest during the cold climate. The recommended seasons for detox are spring and fall.
-
48-Hour Gentle Detox Plan:
- The article provides a detailed 48-hour detox plan that includes:
- Morning ritual with room temperature water and lemon juice.
- Avocado smoothie for breakfast, including ingredients like avocado, pear, tahini, flax seeds, and coconut milk.
- Seared salmon with organic greens for lunch, accompanied by extra-virgin olive oil and fermented vegetables.
- Kale and sweet potato soup for dinner, with unsalted chicken broth, ginger, cayenne powder, and fermented vegetables.
- The article provides a detailed 48-hour detox plan that includes:
-
Additional Notes:
- The detox plan recommends repeating the same routine on the second day.
- It suggests potential substitutes for salmon if you're vegetarian.
- Consistent consumption of fermented vegetables with every meal is advised post-detox.
-
General Detox Guidelines:
- The article advises avoiding certain substances during the detox, such as sugar, gluten, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, or recreational drugs.
- Individuals on medication are encouraged to consult with their healthcare practitioners before attempting a detox.
-
References:
- The article cites scientific references, including a study on the multiple strains of bacteria in fermented foods (NCBI) and an article on a food that helps detoxify pesticides (Mercola).
In conclusion, the provided information offers a holistic and well-rounded perspective on detoxification, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and sustainable approach for improved health.
