January Reset: How To Detox At Home

Fresh off the heels of Christmas indulgence and with New Year’s resolution motivation still fresh in the mind, now is the perfect time to start being kinder to your body and preparing for whatever the next 12 months will throw at you.

Here’s our pocket guide to detoxing at home and starting off 2024 in the right way.

Drink Up

During festive seasons, the emphasis on alcoholic beverages can result in a decrease in water consumption. It's essential to reestablish the habit of drinking two liters of water daily. Invest in a reusable water bottle and keep it with you at all times, whether you're at home or working remotely. Additionally, keep a jug or carafe nearby to ensure easy access to water throughout the day. Embracing this habit offers various health benefits, including improved memory and skin health.

Perfect Your Sleep Routine

Sleep is crucial for overall well-being. Failing to get the recommended 7-8 hours per night increases the risk of various physical and mental health issues, as well as impairs concentration and cognitive performance.

This year, prioritize establishing a buffer between screen time and bedtime to improve sleep quality. Blue light from screens inhibits melatonin production, disrupting sleep patterns. Optimize your bedroom environment for sleep by keeping it cool and dark, and ensure it's used exclusively for sleeping. Making these adjustments can lead to an immediate improvement in sleep quality and overall well-being.

Keep It Natural

Indeed, it may seem challenging, but avoiding packaged foods like those in bags, jars, or cans, as well as pre-packaged items with film lids, can significantly reduce your intake of fat, salt, and sugar. Eliminating excessive sugar intake can revitalize your taste buds and allow natural sweetness from fruits to satisfy cravings.

If you're aiming for effective detoxification, this is the starting point. By eliminating these processed foods, you're essentially cutting out hidden excesses in various harmful aspects of your diet. Substituting fresh and raw ingredients will lead to noticeable improvements in both your health and waistline.

Plan Your Week

Having a solid plan in place can greatly increase your chances of maintaining a healthier diet and lifestyle in the new year. Start by creating a well-thought-out schedule for your meals at the beginning of each week and shop accordingly to support your plan.

Make sure your plan includes provisions for healthy snacks to curb hunger between meals and aim to incorporate a variety of colorful foods to ensure you're getting a good balance of vitamins and minerals. Consider preparing at least one meal in bulk that can be stored in the fridge or freezer for convenience.

Preparation ahead of time can be a lifesaver when time is tight or you're not in the mood to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It can help prevent you from resorting to unhealthy options like ready meals or takeaways.

Tailor Your Approach

Beyond passing trends, there are specific dietary choices this year that could positively impact your well-being. If you experience stomach issues, consider avoiding gluten and explore the abundance of gluten-free options available. Incorporating rice, whether in grain or noodle form, can serve as a flavorful foundation for a variety of meals.

Similarly, lactose may be causing hidden discomfort, so opting for alternative milks like oat or almond, or lactose-free options, could be beneficial. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, consider stocking up on alcohol-free beer. Switching to green tea from coffee and traditional brews can also be beneficial, along with incorporating plenty of nuts and dried fruits for snacking.

Focus on adding color to your plate with a variety of foods to support detox eating.

Thank you