Detox

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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.