Winter is just around the corner, so our bodies are going into 'hibernation' mode by slowing down metabolism (this is why we tend to put on so much weight over Christmas, on top of all the food and drink we consume!).
Now is a great time to cleanse the body from toxins that make it vulnerable to sickness, and also to speed up your metabolism so as to avoid winter weight gain.
Here are 8 ways to boost your immune system and help with Christmas weight gain:
Greens: Eating greens like kale, broccoli, cabbage and cucumbers is like absorbing sunshine; it keeps your body happy all winter long when sunshine is scarce. Eating greens also helps to regulate your body’s systems, removes toxins from the body, and boosts your immune system.
Sweet vegetables: Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots and beets are all great choices for a detox. These seasonal vegetables cut the cravings for chocolate and sweets that we feel in the winter. Add them to your menu to avoid cravings altogether! The beta-carotene and vitamin A also boost immunity and protect your skin and eyes from damage.
Whole Grains: To really kick your detox into high gear, stick to grains in their whole form and avoid all flours and foods that are separated, like wheat germ or bran. When you eat grains in their whole form like barley, oats, wheat berries, quinoa, or millet, they work like sponges in the body. The soluble fibre absorbs cholesterol and the releasing toxins to remove them from the body.
Water: The winter is very drying on the skin, which is our biggest organ. To protect your skin and to wash out all of the releasing toxins, it is vital to drink 2-3 litres of water a day. This includes decaffeinated, unsweetened teas, or flavoured water without sugar.
Movement: Sweat is the best way to warm up the body to increase metabolism as well as excrete all the junk you are detoxing. As long as you are sweating, you are detoxifying your body.
Sugar: Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners while detoxing. These are one of the greatest forms of toxins you are exposed to every day.
Now is a great time to cleanse the body from toxins that make it vulnerable to sickness, and also to speed up your metabolism so as to avoid winter weight gain.
Here are 8 ways to boost your immune system and help with Christmas weight gain:
Greens: Eating greens like kale, broccoli, cabbage and cucumbers is like absorbing sunshine; it keeps your body happy all winter long when sunshine is scarce. Eating greens also helps to regulate your body’s systems, removes toxins from the body, and boosts your immune system.
Sweet vegetables: Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots and beets are all great choices for a detox. These seasonal vegetables cut the cravings for chocolate and sweets that we feel in the winter. Add them to your menu to avoid cravings altogether! The beta-carotene and vitamin A also boost immunity and protect your skin and eyes from damage.
Whole Grains: To really kick your detox into high gear, stick to grains in their whole form and avoid all flours and foods that are separated, like wheat germ or bran. When you eat grains in their whole form like barley, oats, wheat berries, quinoa, or millet, they work like sponges in the body. The soluble fibre absorbs cholesterol and the releasing toxins to remove them from the body.
Water: The winter is very drying on the skin, which is our biggest organ. To protect your skin and to wash out all of the releasing toxins, it is vital to drink 2-3 litres of water a day. This includes decaffeinated, unsweetened teas, or flavoured water without sugar.
Movement: Sweat is the best way to warm up the body to increase metabolism as well as excrete all the junk you are detoxing. As long as you are sweating, you are detoxifying your body.
Sugar: Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners while detoxing. These are one of the greatest forms of toxins you are exposed to every day.
Dairy: When the weather cools down, reduce your dairy intake to one cup a day at most to avoid excess mucus, and try to buy organic when possible to avoid the antibiotics. During the detox, avoid dairy and use almond milk instead.
Oils: Stick to olive oil during the detox to lubricate your body. The Omega-3 fat enhances your body’s fat burning abilities.
Learn more: VL Aesthetics
