Better Than Detoxification

I’ve heard the word detoxification in practically every patient conversation since January 1. It seems as soon as the New Year rolls around people always feel guilty about their overindulgence during the holidays (or perhaps the entire previous year). So to counterbalance their gluttonous behavior they talk about detoxification, which usually involves some major shock to their metabolism to rid their body of all the junk. Does detoxing work? Well, that’s not the topic of this blog.

Instead of doing some crazy 3 day detox why not just eat healthy all year round – with maybe just a few, occasional indulgences? Eating healthy can be quite simple. Just eat whole foods and avoid anything processed.

Foods to eat:

·         Vegetables (favor leafy greens, beets, and sweet potatoes)

·         Fruits (limit dried fruits to raisins and prunes)

·         Raw nuts and seeds

·         Wild salmon, sardines, and other fresh, wild fish (avoid shell fish)

·         Organic chicken, turkey, and other grass fed lean meats

·         Whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa)

·         Use extra virgin olive oil when cooking

·         Use almond oil or avocado oil on salads

·         Water

Helpful Hints

·         Eat breakfast: breakfast should include healthy protein to keep your blood sugar levels stable

·         Avoid junk food: I use raw nuts as a mid day snack at the office. They are loaded with protein and will keep you satisfied for hours. This will help you avoid the mid day cookie.

·         Try to limit caffeine to 1 cup per day: For an afternoon pick me up try green tea or Yerba Mata

·         Use spices to flavor boring dishes and make them exciting

·         Eat at home and plan your meals

Read this and more health blogs at www.drcardinal.com/blog/blog.html