The "After the Holiday" Detox Clean Eating Plan

I hope you all did more than survive the holidays! I hope that you had so much down time and peace and tranquility not only with yourselves but with family and friends, and that your'e ready to take 2018 by the gonads and make it great!

So here we are now at the New Year and making all of our resolutions, especially as it concerns our diet. It's back to the grind after eating anything and everything. Time to refocus and make conscious decisions of what we're going to partake of (so to speak). 

I admit it, I did have moments where I came off of my clean eating regimen and ate sugar, meats and processed foods but I did try to limit them and when eating them tried to eat as clean as possible. I didn't want to have to start over from last year (if you know what I mean). But if you went all out, no worries. Back on track!

So, where to begin? First of all try not to feel overwhelmed. Nothing happens overnight. Making small changes amount to big ones. But here are a few ways you can slowly ease in:

• Drink warm water with lemon (first thing in the morning) - They (whoever they are) say that when begin our day sipping on this concoction it alkalizes the body, cranks up your metabolism, and curbs cravings. Plus, we need the water to stay hydrated. Are you drinking enough water, btw?
• Opt for a smoothie in place of a meal or in addition - I adore adding smoothies and juices to my daily diet, adding either a protein drink in between meals for that extra umph, or taking my leftover veggies and mixing them up with raw honey, berries and super foods from the local farm. They not only give you the extra vitamins and minerals your body craves but there is so much nutritional value in the super foods (such as the powdered moringa that I use) which also helps with inflammation. 
• Time to get back off the processed foods - Go to more of a plant-based diet (if only for awhile) - I know that it's not reasonable for me to expect that everyone will get off of meat. But I would suggest cutting back and going to more of an organic/sustainable plant-based protein diet if even for a few weeks. Cut back on your meat intake and see how you feel. And then, eat clean meats. Trust me, you're going to feel amazing! (Opt for the darker, green, leafy veggies)
• Cut back on the gluten! - You've heard me say this before but wheat is not our friend. Even if you aren't allergic to gluten or have sensitives to it.  Wheat and the way that it is processed here in the states is a huge contributor to inflammation and allergies. There are so many things that are now gluten-free that we really have no excuse. It's an adjustment, but just try it! Your belly will thank you.
• Come off of dairy - See how you feel. Are you no longer having that runny nose? Are you starting to feel better in your gut? It just may be that the dairy you are eating is causing you to feel poorly and you may be experiencing some sort of intolerance. If the thought of coming off dairy makes you want to curse me, try moving to an organic dairy choice instead. Or perhaps nut-based milks just to see how you're feeling during this trial period.

Another great thing would be to keep a food journal during this time. Write down what you are eating when, and how it made you feel. Then, you can go back over the journal to track your progress and see where you are or where you need to improve. Most importantly, you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

All of these things will help you to start to detox and you'll begin to notice you just may lose a few pounds, be sleeping better at night, and perhaps having no more digestive issues. And hey, who knows? You just may want to continue this journey of eating clean. 

This post was written by Susan Avello, Personal Chef at Lean Bean Chef Personal Chef Services in Dothan Alabama - offering Healthy Meal Prep, Meal Planning, Private Cooking Classes, Private Dinner Parties and Education on Healthy Eating. ​​​