DetoxDetox
Detox means according to the Oxford Dictionary: "The process of removing harmful substances from your body by only eating and drinking particular things"). There are loads of different detox diets out there. For some you would only drink watermelon or grape juice for a few days. For other detox diets you are meant to eat bean sprouts for a few days and only drink ginger water. And so on and so forth. You get the picture. Often people like me (who are not fanatic detoxers) want to do a little 'spring cleaning' on their body and minds during the months after Christmas although avoiding the extremes. The recipes in this section are a collection of recipes that are even more nourishing and contain even more vitamins than other recipes you will find on my website (although all the recipes are good for you). These recipes will give you that little bit of extra energy you need after those cold, dark winter months (especially if you live in the Northern hemisphere where it might still be snowing in April).
I am not overly fanatic when it comes to detox diets. My point of view is that your body should be getting loads of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants every day, not just through liquid (and I don't mean alcohol) a few days a year. Although my diet is extremely healthy, once in a while I feel the need to cut down on carbohydrates, soy products, dairy products, eggs and fat. I just listen to my body. Sometimes it doesn't ask for a spring cleaning but sometimes it does (especially after having two children in less than two years, your energy really gets zapped). The people that don't eat healthy in general might feel this need or they might not, depending on how tuned in they are to their bodies.
Most people feel energised after a few days on a detox diet and they feel somehow lighter and 'more awake'. Detox diet is however something that should not be done on a whim and you should always, always, always consult a doctor or a dietitian before fasting or before changing your diet drastically, even for a few days. Detox diets are normally not recommended for those that suffer from a serious illness or for pregnant women, the elderly or children. If you belong to one of those groups, please consult a professional before changing your diet.
Note that some of the recipes could perhaps be describes as not 'detox friendly' but they are lighter than the usual recipes or contain so many healthy ingredients and carry so many health benefits that they are justified in the 'detox' category. Traditionally people drink loads of juices during their detox and some people (like me) like to have clear and very light soups for dinner as well as steamed vegetables and loads of ginger tea.
It is my hope that these recipes will make you feel lighter and brighter.
Celery, Beet and Carrot Juice
If you are not into healthy eating, this drink probably might be a source of nightmares...it contains everything that "normal" people hate such as celery and beets (just add Brussel sprouts to comp
Chickpea Sprouts
I adore bean sprouts. They are so versatile and delicious. I often eat them as a snack, put them on my sandwich, in a salad or as a side dish with radishes, raisins and oranges.
Cleansing Citrus Juice
When I was making this drink for the first time it reminded me so much of Kenya. The reason for that is that in Kenya you get green oranges.
Cleansing Iron Rich Smoothie
This smoothie is particularly good for women since it is packed with iron from the beets (beetroots) and folic acid which is important for pregnant women.
Cleansing Pear, Carrot and Ginger Juice
This is a fantastic juice which I absolutely love and make several times each month.
Coconut and Banana Salad
My sister in law, Elin (who has travelled extensively through Africa along with my brother) often makes this accompaniment and serves with Indian or African food.
Coconut and Garlic Chutney from Tanzania
Well his recipe is tsort of not FROM Tanzania because this was served in an Indian restaurant IN Tanzania.
Cooling Watermelon Drink from Mombasa
I will never forget the time we arrived in Diani Beach, Mombasa (Kenya), 2006. It was spring and the sun was absolutely baking.
Crowberry and Ginger Smoothie
During my childhood, every autumn my parents picked crowberries and blueberries.
East African Fruit Salad
In every upmarket hotel/lodge I have stayed in when travelling in East Africa (and they are many) a fresh fruit salad is served at the end of a meal.
Ginger Drink
This is a very refreshing drink, especially in the summer time, or when you have a cold. It is also good if you are detoxing.
Ginger, Carrot and Melon Juice
I prefer to use a Galia melon for this recipe but you can use whichever melon is in season (such as Honey Dew or Cantaloupe). Just make sure it is ripe.
Kachumbari (Tomato and Onion Salad) from Africa
This recipe was given to my by my sister in law, Lucy Mwangi who is from Kenya. Wherever I have travelled in East Africa, I have always been served a similar salad.
Kiwi and Lime Juice
When my husband tasted this drink for the first time he said: "Mmmmm delicious, I would definitely buy this drink if sold somewhere".
Lunchbox Salad
I often make a large salad as a side dish to a dinner and pack the rest for my lunch the next day.
Mango- and Ginger Soup from Masai Mara, Kenya
I got this recipe from a girl called Margaret Ngugi, a chef at Mara Simba Lodge in Masai Mara, Kenya during one of my trips there in February 2007.
Mint Tea
This drink hardly requires introduction since it is widely enjoyed all over the world. I have had mint tea in Japan, in Africa, in the US and of course in Europe.
Mint, Kiwi and Pineapple Juice
This is a fairly thick juice (more like a smoothie) but you don't need a juicer as you can blend the ingredients in a blender (or even a food processor).
Mixed Berry Smoothie
This smoothie is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. It is thick and creamy and I love its deep colour which, depending on the berries in season is blue, purple or pink.
Moroccan Orange and Olive Salad
This is a exceptionally lovely salad and a bit different than the salads we are used to since there is no lettuce or anything green in it.
Mulled Wine/Glögg (non-alcoholic)
Mulled wine usually contains red wine combined with spices and sugar. The reason for the additional spices was to make the wine drinkable again in the old days (since it often went bad).
Mung Bean Sprouts
I love bean sprouts. They are so healthy and versatile. I often eat them on their own like a snack or I use them in salads, on sandwiches and even in casseroles.
Orange and Cinnamon Tea
I love the scent of oranges and cinnamon. There is something very soothing about that lovely combination of sweet and spicy.
