Curing The Holiday Hangover...
Well you’ve done it again. You say every year you are going to slowly savour just half of that cheesecake, choose the wine OR the appetizers, the stuffing OR the mashed potatoes. Who are you kidding? You stuffed your face.
I am not trying to make you feel guilty, I also had one too many of Terry’s chocolate oranges (who likes those anyway?) It’s perfectly okay to allow ourselves to indulge especially when surrounded with people we love. The important part is knowing how to recover properly to avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy habits.
Re-setting the body with a cleanse or detox is a fast and effective way to clear out toxins from excess food and alcohol. Why is this important? Your digestive system assimilates everything you ingest, breaking it down into smaller molecules used for energy and cell repair. When it becomes overwhelmed with toxins (think unhealthy fats, sugar and alcohol) the entire system slows down. This can lead to fatigue, digestive distress such as gas, bloating and yup - that muffin top!
Re-setting the body doesn’t mean giving up food either! You can still enjoy an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, fibre found in whole grains, and lean protein. While including these foods in your diet, drink plenty of lemon water and the recommended products below. Avoid sugar, alcohol and coffee. Avoiding gluten and dairy are also recommended for a more effective detox. Do this for 7-10 days and revel in how good you can feel!
Emily's Recommendations:
Josh Gitalis’ Elixir - With powerful super foods such as maca and ginseng, this elixir will de-fog your brain and boost your energy levels! Enjoy in the morning in place of your coffee, stir into hot oats, or blend into a creamy, rich smoothie *check out our recipe for "the best smoothie ever" below
The Honest Leaf Relieve - Hand crafted, natural herbs ginger, camomile, peppermint and fennel help to reduce gas and bloating often associated with too much food. Steep a cup and sip between meals.
Jax Coco Coconut Water - Super refreshing and hydrating! This 100% pure coconut water contains high amounts of minerals such as magnesium and potassium to balance electrolytes lost after too much alcohol.
Immune Boosters!!
Not only did you consume a little too many treats, but you may have also been in contact with a lot of people and if you’re family is like mine, you kiss on both cheeks. Many people tend to become ill after the holidays due to the spread of germs. The following immune boosters will kill any unwanted bacteria right in their path!
Immune Illume by Living Libations - potent antibacterial anti fungal properties from essential oils of thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus and oregano will kill the spread of germs before they attack!
Instant Chaga by Four Sigma Foods - this mushroom contains a high concentration of the bodies most powerful antioxidant-superoxide dismutase (sounds like a super hero right?) effective in killing bacteria, viruses and reducing inflammation. It can be dissolved in warm water and taken as a tea, as part of smoothies, or simply dissolved in water.
Include all or any of the following as part of your cleansing routine and your body will return to balance much quicker, leaving you revitalized and ready to tackle a New Year!
Energizing Smoothie
- 2 tbsp. of Elixir
- 1 scoop of your favourite protein (I used Sun Warrior chocolate protein)
- 1 cup of cold Jax Coco Coconut Water
- ½ a banana (frozen if you have it) or ½ an avocado
- ½ a cup of frozen raspberries
- 1 tbsp. of hemp seeds
- a handful of greens (optional but highly recommended!)
Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Written with love by Jule's Basket's Holistic Nutritionist, Emily Sawyer.