Detoxing

As a dietition, I'm frequently asked about 'detox' of the body by my clients. Well, detoxing is actually a relative term. Anything that helps in elimination of toxins from the body will help you detox. Just by drinking a couple of liters of fluid everyday, increasing your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, by including fewer meat and dairy products - will reduce congestion and speed up elimination. Apart from diet, other elements of detox include various treatments such as aromatherapy, massage and body scrubs which you can get done at a spa or even at home. A 'home spa' should include a clean and tidy room with a comfortable rug or duvet and lots of pillows, good reading material, some essential oils like lavender, rose or jasmine, scented candles and soft, soothing music.

Going on weekend detoxification is convenient as well as rejuvenating and relaxing. For a change, eat light over the weekend. Have lots of fluid in terms of water, thin buttermilk, vegetable juices, herbal teas, warm water with lime, a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, a selection of nuts and seeds, brown rice, skimmed milk yogurt and fresh herbs. Make up your own menu from the list of foods suggested. Here's how your diet should look like:

• UPON RISING: A glass of lukewarm water with lime and honey
• BREAKFAST: Fresh fruits + a handful of nuts/dry fruits + herbal tea (w/o milk and sugar)
• MID-MORNING: Spinach + mint + coriander + lime juice or any other vegetable juice
• LUNCH: Green salad + grilled vegetables with tofu + brown rice + thin buttermilk
• TEA: Herbal tea (w/o milk and sugar) + 1 fruit
• DINNER: A bowl of vegetable soup followed by a fruit

Avoid caffeine on this diet. Avoid the use of salt and oil, instead use fresh herbs and lemon or lime juice to dress and season your food. Eat smaller quantities of food in order to give your digestive system a rest. Try to eat a piece of fruit or raw vegetable when hungry.