Do you want to kick off the new year a little bit lighter? Your liver may have been working really hard these past few weeks especially if you have been indulging on sweets, carbs, alcohol, chocolate and staying up too late. We can't do anything about the past, but we can do something about the future-your future self. Let's start with Fruits and Veggies. We need them and we need lots of them. A few tips I recommend when choosing fruits and veggies. AS much as you can, try going organic and try to eat what is in season. Foods that are not in season have either been in storage for some time and who knows what they spray on the strawberries and blueberries so you can eat them in the winter. If you live in the northeast, berries are not in season in the winter.

Fruits and Veggies

When thinking about detoxing, look for fruits and veggies that are naturally abundant in vitamin C and carotenoids (such as beta carotene). These nutrients support liver function.Good choices to detox the liver are dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, artichokes, avocados, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, and citrus.

Stay Away from the Hard Stuff

Foods high in fat or protein require your liver to work harder so when you are detoxing, try to minimize these foods. Your liver has to work extra hard to process fatty meats. Try instead, to choose lean proteins such as chicken, or fish. Avoid dairy products, processed baked foods and artificial sweeteners, food coloring, food flavoring and preservatives. My rule of thumb, if you cannot pronounce it (ingredient), your body doesn't recognize it. Alcohol and caffeine put extra stress on your liver and therefore these should be avoided during a detox regiment. You can try watered down cranberry juice which can help eliminate water retention and it also cleans waste from the lymphatic system.

Keep Things Moving

Try drinking 8 ounces of hot water with lemon first thing in the morning before breakfast to aid in elimination. Try to amp up your fiber intake. Try to get up to 25 grams of fiber per day (for women) and up to 35 grams (for men). Fiber can contribute to weight loss because it helps you to feel fuller, longer and aids in regular bowel movements. Try loading fresh fruit on your morning oatmeal, sprinkle wheat germ on your eggs or opt for whole grain (watch out for added or unnecessary sugar) bread.

Make Small Changes

Knowing where to begin with a detox can be quite intimidating, so I recommend you start small. Begin by cutting out extra fats and sugar. If you HAVE to have the coffee in the morning ( I know I have a hard time giving this up), try cutting the caffeine by making it half caf. Or instead of going for that sugary snack in the afternoon, try grabbing some dried fruits, apple sauce, fresh fruit cut up in munch-sized pieces. Small changes, when added up, can make HUGE impacts on your health and your liver will thank you. If you are too busy to do a full detox then I recommend you make your own detox drink. Drink it warm throughout the day and you may just be amazed at how you feel. Those Christmas cookies will be a thing of the past.

Make Your Own Detox Drink

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 12 cups filtered water
• 8 cups chopped and mixed organic vegetables, such as:
• red beet
• sweet potatoes
• carrots
• onions
• celery
• sea vegetables
• daikon
• turnip
• parsnips
• shiitake mushrooms
• garlic (whole bulb)
• Fresh herbs and spices, such as:
• cilantro
• ginger
• cayenne pepper
• lemon grass
• parsley
• oregano
• fennel

Directions

1. Add water, veggies, and herbs to large stockpot. Bring to boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for a few hours.
3. Strain through a sieve or fine-mesh filter bag, often referred to as a nut milk bag.
4. Drink warm 2 to 3 cups a day with meals or in between.

Notes

• Store in refrigerator in glass container with tight-fitting lid for up to 5 days.