Even the healthiest among us let our guard down over the Christmas period. A January detox is the perfect solution to get you back on track, increasing energy levels, boosting skin health and helping you shed those pesky pounds that sneaked on in December.
Fortunately, detoxing doesn’t have to be about restrictive diets and deprivation – factoring some savvy diet tips and lifestyle tweaks into your day can be an easy way to give your insides a spring clean and make you feel your best ever. Get started with our round-the-clock guide to feeling fab from morning to night.
7am: Kick-start your liver
When you’re feeling like death on a bleak January morning, sipping on a cup of hot water with lemon before breakfast is the perfect way to set a healthy tone for the day ahead. ‘This combination encourages your liver to detox more efficiently and stimulates gastric juices which help with digestion,’ explains nutritionist Christina Martin.
8am: Practise yoga
Roll out your yoga mat for some early morning Zen time. ‘Practising yoga postures such as downward-facing dog and cat pose first thing awakens your digestive system, keeping your bowels healthy,’ says Champneys fitness director Louise Day.
8:30am: Eat a hearty breakfast
Experts at the University of Missouri have found that a high-protein breakfast takes the edge off your appetite for the rest of the day, so munch on poached eggs with seeded toast to fuel up first thing.
10am: Take a spoonful of coconut oil
If radiant skin, weight loss and improved vitality are on your January wishlist, coconut oil could be the answer to your prayers. ‘This stuff has figure-trimming, antibacterial and antioxidant effects in the body,’ says health coach and author Gloria Halim. We love Biona Virgin Coconut Oil, £4.75 (ocado.com).
11am: Drink up
Feeling sluggish after burning the candle at both ends? A green juice is the perfect post-party detox to prime you with all-cleansing, restorative antioxidants. ‘Green vegetables will help your system get rid of accumulated toxins,’ explains Geeta Sidhu-Robb, founder of Nosh Detox. ‘Blend together half an avocado with a handful of spinach, watercress, a chunk of cucumber and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, and drink every morning for a few days.’
12pm: Get active
Exercise is just what your body needs after a month of indulgence, and when it comes to working out, short and sweet is the way to go. ‘Your lunch hour is the perfect opportunity to get a workout in the bag. Go for a run or a brisk walk and you’ll be more likely to have a healthy lunch,’ says PT Scott Laidler.
1pm: Have a souper lunch
If getting your five-a-day is becoming a bit of a chore, ring the changes with a bowl of warming soup. Boil a selection of your favourite veggies, add some beans or lentils, a stock cube and sprinkling of herbs. Voilà – a lunch that’s low in calories but high in cleansing nutrients.
2pm: Enjoy an energising brew
There’s no denying the festive season zaps energy levels, leaving you weary come January. ‘Matcha tea is well known for its energising and detoxifying properties,’ says Lepicol’s nutritional therapist Natalie Lamb. Try Teapigs Matcha Green Tea, from £2.
3pm: Snack smart
A 3pm snack will help curb the endless barrage of temptation that comes with busy afternoons. Nibble on a few nuts (the good omega-3 fats will fill you up) and a chopped apple to nix a sweet tooth.
5pm: Detox your mind
Take the stress out of your commute with some chillout tunes. Download a relaxing playlist or CD of the sounds of nature onto your smartphone and pop on your headphones for some travel downtime.
7pm: Make a healthy supper
Don’t let the day’s virtuous efforts go to pot in the evening. Whip up a super-detoxifying meal such as grilled salmon with steamed spinach, broccoli and kale to boost your liver’s cleansing powers.
8:30pm: Soak in the tub
Run a hot bath with detoxifying essential oils to help unwind from the day’s activities. ‘Pour a cup of sea salt to your bath and add five drops of lavender, geranium and fennel oils,’ advises aromatherapist Joannah Metcalfe.
10pm: Lights out
Make up for lost slumber to restore a sallow complexion and keep weight-loss hormones on track. Aim for eight hours’ kip to start the next day on the right foot.
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