5 Healthy Foods to Give You a Post-Holiday Reboot
If you were smart during the holidays, you balanced all that rich eating with a few healthy foods and staples here and there. But if you overdid it, not to worry, you’re not alone. A little indulgence is a good thing after all. But if now your system is saying “stop!” it’s time to give it a bit of a reboot and give it all the fresh, light, healthy foods that it’s craving.
You don’t need to go on an all out detox, in fact going all out and completely taking yourself off of fatty and sugary foods could put your body into withdrawl. Instead, ease your way out of your holiday food coma with these five ideas for delicious and healthy foods that will kickstart your system and take you into a fresh and vibrant new year.
1. Greens
Kale, chard, spinach; if it’s leafy and green, eat it! There are plenty of winter greens that are seasonal and make for a great base in salads, soups, a stir fry or simply topped with a fried egg for breakfast. You can even take advantage of greens that you would otherwise toss away – think carrot and beet tops – like in this recipe for Garlicky Beet Greens.
2. Morning smoothies
A good smoothie in the morning can give you a big dose of vitamins, minerals and keep you hydrated. Spinach and kale can be good for an energizing base, or high fiber fruit like apples and pears. Add spices like ginger and cinnamon (Cinnamon Banana Green Smoothie anyone?) for an extra kick and added health benefits.
3. Citrus
Especially this time of year, your body is in dire need of vitamin C, and it’s also a vitamin that’s essential for detoxing. Lemons, oranges, limes, mandarins, grapefruit–whatever you can get your hands on! Start your morning with grapefruit, a metabolism boost for your system, and get in a bowl of Sliced Avocado and Oranges with Tahini Yogurt Sauce in the afternoon.
4. Winter Squash
Full of antioxidants and vitamin C, winter squash like butternut and acorn are beneficial to your system and keep you eating seasonally. Baking and roasting squash is a simple way to incorporate them into a meal, and you can top with olive oil and spices according to your taste preference. Pureeing squash is an excellent way to make soup, like in this Thai Roasted Squash Soup.
5. Green Tea
Instead of your morning coffee routine, try a mug of green tea instead. It’s a known detoxifier that’s packed with antioxidants. Studies show that it also helps boost metabolism, which is an added benefit if you’re thinking about your waist line. Another great option that you can make yourself? Peppermint tea. All you need are a few stalks of leaves and hot water.
Related on Organic Authority:
11 Leafy Greens You Might Like More than Kale
21 Butternut Squash Recipes
10 Foods That Detoxify Your Body Without Fasting
Image: msdonnalee
