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.
Orange, Carrot and Ginger Juice
This is a lovely juice and one you could easily buy (overpriced, mind you) in a juice bar or a health food store as it is a classic combination.
Passion Fruit and Mango Smoothie
This drink is like Africa (or at least Tanzania and Kenya) in a tumbler. There are very few things that have reminded me as much of those places as the first sip I took of this drink.
Pear and Ginger Juice
This is a very cleansing and refreshing drink, perfect when pears are in season. Pears are rich in fibre and vitamin C and are very good for cleansing our systems.
Pineapple and Beetroot Salad from Naivasha
I remember vividly when I saw this salad for the first time. I was in Naivasha, Kenya, at a small lodge just by Lake Naivasha.
Pineapple and Passion Fruit with Toasted Coconut Flakes
This is an extremely easy, cheap and healthy dessert to make.
Pineapple Smoothie
This is an excellent smoothie for the digestive system since pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins and is very good for your stomach.
Refreshing Pineapple and Coconut Drink from Uganda
It was a baking hot day in a town called Jinja, Uganda.
Rhubarb and Banana Smoothie
I know that this smoothie doesn't look beautiful...it has a brownish colour and looks kind of uninteresting.
Rhubarb and Strawberry Smoothie
When we were kids growing up in Iceland every neighbour had a garden plot outside their home with potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and rhubarb.
Salsa (Tomato Salsa)
I love tomato salsa. It is one of those healthy side dishes you can even order at a crap restaurant, serving disgusting food and it will still be mostly healthy and most often delicious.
Soba Noodle Salad with Wakame, Ginger and Vegetables
I made this salad immediately after arrived home from a trip to Japan.
Strawberry and Banana Ice Lollies
I love ice lollies. When I was a little girl I used to live in Canada (from 3-7 years old) where of course there are warm summer days.
Strawberry and Watermelon Drink
I love the texture of this drink because it's very light and almost frothy and wonderfully refreshing.
Strawberry Smoothie
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and they contain fibre and antioxidants as well. Sweet, organic strawberries, freshly picked from a field (think Danish strawberries) are my favourite fruit.
Summer Salad with Oranges and Watermelons
If there was a competition for healthy salads, this one would clearly be a winner.
Sweet Dinosaur Juice
Well the juice is not exactly made from dinosaurs or for dinosaurs (I guess you figured that out) but they name is actually designed to make the juice more appealing for kids...and it works (at lea
Sweet Potato Morning Juice
This is a sweet and delicious juice which has one unusual ingredient, sweet potato. Don't be afraid to use it though, you won't detect any potato taste.
The Bloody Good Drink
This drink is bloody good (excuse my language)....but what I mean though is that it is especially beneficial if you are anaemic or feeling tired because prunes contain lots of iron and the orange j
Warm Blueberry and Vanilla Sauce
I absolutely love this sauce. It is so good with everything. I use it on pancakes, waffles, on ice cream, in milk shakes and whatever I think goes well with blueberries.
