SUMMER DETOX

Detoxification is a process by which impurities are flushed out from the body. It is also called cleansing of the internal organs. A person feels lighter and more energised after it.

Summer is a wonderful time to detox as a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are available. And what better than smoothies to detoxify the body.

Let us start by identifying top 10 foods which help in detoxification :

• Watermelon – Due to its high water content, watermelon is considered to be the best food for detoxification. It keeps the stomach full for a long period of time and removes impurities from the body.
• Cucumber – Cucumbers are 95% water and help in keeping the body hydrated. It also has good amounts of dietary fiber which helps in getting rid of impurities from the body.
• Lemon – Lemon aids in digestion and cleanses the liver. It also fights infections and improves immunity.
• Blueberry – Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants which help to lose belly fat and rejuvenating health.
• Raspberry – Unlike blueberries, raspberry are also loaded with antioxidants and aid in losing weight.
• Spinach – Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. Apart from being lowin calories and carbohydrates, it is a good source of iron, folate, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants.
• Avocado – Besides being a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, it helps in reducing hunger by improving the absorption of nutrients in a meal.
• Mint – It is low in calories and is a good source of antioxidants.
• Flaxseeds – Flaxseeds are low in carbohydrates, high in protein,fiber and good quality fats. This helps one to feel full and keeps from being hungry for longer periods of time.
• Green Tea – Green Tea is loaded with antioxidants. Its active compounds aid in the weight loss process by boosting the effects of some fat burning hormones.

Using these foods, a sample diet plan has been created :

Early Morning : Detox Water

Breakfast : Raspberry Coconut Smoothie

Mid Morning : Green Tea

Lunch : Mango Avocado Green Smoothie

Evening Tea : Green Tea

Dinner : Blue-Berry Watermelon Smoothie

After Dinner : 1 Teaspoon Roasted Flaxseeds with Lukewarm Water

RECIPES :

DETOX WATER

Prep time: 10 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Serving size: 1 - 8 oz glass

INGREDIENTS: 
2 litres water

½ grapefruit, sliced

½ cucumber, sliced

2-3 mint leaves

½ lemon, sliced

½ lime, sliced

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.
2. Allow the ingredients to chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrient content:

Per Serving (1 - 8 oz glass):

Calories: 7

Fat: 0g

Protein: 0g

COCONUT RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup Coconut milk

1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 of medium banana

2 tablespoons coconut, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place the milk, raspberries and banana in the blender and blend until smooth.

2. Pour into a glass and garnish with coconut.

3. Serve immediately.

Nutrient content :

Calories- 571 Kcal

Fat- 44 g

Protein- 6.4 g

MANGO AVOCADO GREEN SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup (165 g) mango (fresh or frozen), chopped

100gm spinach

1/4 avocado

1 cup (235 ml) low fat milk- add a little water if you like your smoothie thinner

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash spinach.
2. Add all ingredients to blender and blend on high until smooth, about 45 – 60 seconds.
3. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrient content :

Calories- 250 Kcal

Fat- 9 g

Protein- 7 g

BLUEBERRY WATERMELON SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup cubed watermelon

1/4 cup ice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add blueberries and watermelon to the container of a blender. Blend on high for about 40 seconds or until completely pureed. Then, stop blender and remove the lid. Add ice to the puree and secure the lid back onto the container. Turn the blender on high for 40 more seconds or until completely blended and smooth with no ice pieces remaining.

2. Serve immediately.

Nutrient content:

Calories: 66 Kcal

Fat: - 0 g

Protein: 0.5 g