Catherine McCurry gives her tips for the January detox
THIS being my last instalment of healthy alternatives for the month of detox January, I thought I would explore just how damaging fatty foods can be to our bodies and general health.
We are always encouraged to eat healthy and to include fruit and greens in our meals or snacks or to substitute say a high-fat, calorie packed muffin for an oat biscuit. But if we know and understand what bad fatty foods do our well being, albeit from seeing it physically, then it will be easier to cut out the bad stuff.
Of course, I have to draw the differences between good and bad fat and while there is no denying that we need fat to help maintain energy levels, it’s about knowing when enough is enough.
Unsaturated fats, which can be found in olives, nuts and some plant oils are good for us and good for the heart, if taken in moderation.
But over indulgence in the bad fatty foods, which is found in processed foods and animals, can lead to a wide range of problems, not to mention obesity.
Junk foods don’t have the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy and so that can lead us to feeling drained and unable to carry out daily tasks to full capacity.
And, because of the lack of protein, our blood sugar level will drop after eating leaving us tired, in a bad mood and craving more food. The more fatty junk food we eat, the more weight we gain and that leads to a number of health problems and pressures on our bodies.
Knowing this will surely be of some encouragement to cut back on the junk food and embrace some greens.
Eating the right foods little and often is the key to sustained weight loss and an abundance of energy. I’ll eat a bowl of fruit with flaxseed or muesli in the morning and not feel hungry again until around 10.30am, which is usually when I go for the morning tea break, so this is the perfect time to eat a snack to keep my energy levels up. I’ll have nuts (almonds are my favourite), seeds and yoghurt during this break.
When it comes to tea and coffee, I am endeavouring to have just one cup a day, usually around lunch time, and drink herbal teas for any other time I want a hot drink. Herbal teas are great if you want to cut back on snacks – like biscuits and chocolates – with tea, as the two just don’t go together. You get to fully enjoy having a hot drink without the additional calories.
I’ve recently started to add milk thistle to my bottles of water and after a couple of weeks I can see that my skin is clearing up and I know that it’s good for getting rid of toxins. By making these minor adjustments, hopefully you can reap the benefits too.
High energy smoothie
Half an avocado; 150ml live natural low-fat yoghurt; 100ml apple juice; 100ml of water; small handful of watercress leaves; Fresh mint; Half a lemon; few drops of Tabasco and blend all together.
