Good morning! Just this past Saturday, I was sitting in my house (I live in NYC) and I looked out my window and saw snow! It wasn’t a full on snow storm but WTF! I mean, yes, it has been on and off cold, and I haven’t worn anything lighter than my winter sweaters, but could this spring get any more screwed up?!? During much of my shelter at home days, weeks, months (I have lost track) the weather here has been cold and not at all spring-like. I have been wearing comfy sweats, big winter sweaters and slippers. I shower every day and wash my hair and let it air dry. I have not worn any makeup as I have not had anywhere to go. But, last week when the calendar turned to May, I decided I had enough. I started getting dressed in jeans and putting on a bit of face makeup and doing my hair (ok, my roots are truly showing my natural colors but I am embracing the look!). I am still not going anywhere and while it doesn't feel like spring, I know that it’s coming and so must a healthy detox.
Here are a few things that I am doing to detox:
Drink water- water is key to flushing out your system, hydrating your skin for that warm-weather glow, and boosting your metabolism. Start by adding just two glasses to your daily routine — one when you first wake up and one more right before you go to bed. You'll automatically knock 16 ounces off your daily requirement and will begin and end your day on a healthy note.
Add at least one green veggie to every meal. Leafy greens are full of vitamins and minerals. Green veggies are also a good source of fiber — important for weight loss and maintenance because it helps to control your hunger by keeping you feeling fuller, longer. And even if you're not a huge veggie fan, there are so many delicious ways to prepare and enjoy them. Why not start the day with a green smoothie? Click here for a green juice that you can make yourself. Here are a few green veggies to try this time of year: Asparagus is in peak season now and besides being an antioxidant powerhouse, asparagus provides digestive support to the body. Asparagus contains inulin, a type of prebiotic that encourages colon health while also stimulating the growth of probiotics (good bacteria) in the body. All in all, this is a major win for your digestive system! Enjoy asparagus steamed, roasted or sauteed with a little olive oil. Click here for a great and easy recipe using asparagus and eggs. Artichokes are another vegetable that is in its peak in spring. The positive effects that artichokes have on the digestive system are many: studies show that the leafy veggie promotes healthy liver and gallbladder function because they are loaded with cynarin, which helps increase bile production (helping to get nasty stuff out of the body!), protects against indigestion, and stimulates healthy digestion. I simply steam artichokes and serve with a mustard vinaigrette to dip the leaves. Click here for a helpful way to steam an artichoke.
Don’t try to overhaul your diet overnite. Start with a simple, manageable rule: eat fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein. And make a plan to stay away from sugar in the form of cakes, candy and white bread and pasta.
Exercise- Get up and move at least 30 min each day. Walk, run, bike, take the stairs- getting up and moving is crucial to slimming down and feeling energized.
Go to bed 30 minutes earlier than you normally do. Getting enough sleep is just as important as eating right and exercising. Try getting into your pajamas earlier which can help you to wind down and also try to power down all of your electronics at least an hour before bedtime helps in the wind down process. Try having a hot herbal tea as part of your nighttime routine which helps to relax the muscles in your digestive system and your body.
Want to learn more ways to detox this spring, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc. I am happy to share my ideas for healthy living!