Gallery: 16 bikini-friendly foods
Why detox?
We are exposed to toxins every day and a build-up can affect our neurological, immune and endocrine (hormone) systems. The most common offenders are air pollution, food additives, pesticides, alcohol, cigarette smoke and heavy metals.
When large amounts of toxins are consumed over a long period of time, health issues arise. By following a detox diet you reduce the toxic load and enable the body to function more efficiently. Detoxing simply requires a little discipline and a fridge full of nourishing foods.
This plan consists of a preparation week followed by two full weeks of detoxing.
Week 1: Preparation
Planning is the key to success. Go shopping and get ready for the next two weeks.In week one, start weaning off caffeine and alcohol. If you drink two cups of coffee a day, reduce it to one or every second day. This early stage is aimed at limiting potential withdrawal symptoms that vary from a light headache to migraines, nausea and low energy levels. Start to up your water intake.
Foods to include
- Fresh vegetables: broccoli, carrots, snow peas, cabbage, asparagus, sweet potato, onions, celery, artichoke, beetroot, spinach and swiss chard
- Sprouts: mung beans and alfalfa
- Fresh fruit: blueberries, strawberries, apples, passionfruit, pear, pineapple, kiwifruit, mango and all citrus varieties
- Nuts and seeds: unsalted raw almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, walnuts, and pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and chia seeds
- Gluten-free grains: brown rice, millet and quinoa
- Legumes: chickpeas, kidney beans and lentils
- Soy: tofu and tempeh
- Protein: fish, eggs, chicken, turkey and lamb
- Beverages: filtered water, herbal tea, green tea, unsweetened organic soy, rice and almond milk
- Extras: tamari sauce, sea salt, pepper, cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, flaxseed oil, organic honey, tahini, almond or cashew spread
Foods to avoid
- Grains containing gluten: oats, rye, triticale and wheat (white/wholemeal breads, wheat pasta, spelt, couscous)
- Protein: beef, pork, shellfish, bacon, sausages and preserved meats
- Dairy: milk, yogurt, cheese and butter
- Sugars: sweets, chocolate, jams and fruit spreads
- Processed items: canned foods, packaged foods, frozen foods, chips and breakfast cereals
- Refined foods: white rice, white breads, biscuits, cakes and pastries
- Fast foods: hot chips, burgers and fried treats
- Beverages: alcohol, coffee, black tea, soft drinks, cordial and commercial juices
- Extras: table salt, margarine, polyunsaturated spreads, peanut butter, commercial dressings and sauces, artificial colours, flavours, additives, flavour enhancers and hydrogenated fats
The bikini detox must-dos
- Drink at least two litres of pure water each day
- Eliminate alcohol
- Choose organic wherever possible. Onions, broccoli, kale and cabbage are top vegetables for cleansing. They help the liver convert toxins to harmless substances to be excreted out of the body
- Exercise daily
Useful tips
- Start the day with a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice in water. This enhances digestion and liver detoxification. Don’t throw out the peel; the nutrients in lemon zest further promote liver detoxification. Add the zest to salads, cooked quinoa or fish.
- Sip on green tea throughout the day. It will help manage coffee withdrawal plus provide the body with antioxidants to help neutralise toxins. Green tea does contain caffeine, but it’s only a small amount and the benefits outweigh the minimal caffeine levels.
- Add fresh herbs to meals, especially coriander. This delicious herb has a unique detoxifying action and goes particularly well with stir-fries, fish and salads.
Did you know? Chewing each mouthful of food 10 to 12 times improves digestion and allows you to feel a sense of fullness without overeating.
