How to do a One-Day Mini Detox

Sometimes all your body needs is a simple one-day detox to cleanse your mind and body and replenish your energy. So often, a day off really isn’t a day off! I know that I am personally just as busy on my “days off” (if not busier) as I am when I’m at work! The grind can get exhausting and we all have those days when we feel like we just want to quit and sleep for a week straight. These are the days when your body is demanding a reset and a one-day mini detox is a great way to do it. It helps cleanse your body and de-clutter your mind. Here’s what I do when my body needs a mini detox.

Bonus: choose a day when you can pair this with a digital detox. I promise you will not regret it!

Morning

The best way to kick-start your morning is to drink warm water with lemon. This helps boost your metabolism and hydrate your body.

Try this Detoxifying Morning Elixir

  • 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (1-2 wedges)
  • ¼ tsp ginger
  • 1 Tbsp raw honey
  • A tiny dash of cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients in a glass or small jar and add about 4 oz of warm water. Enjoy!

Also, try some meditation and deep breathing. There are many ways to do this. You can sit alone and breathe deeply 10 times. You can also sit and listen to music for a few minutes or just stretch your body. Do something that helps relax your nerves. If you don't know where to start, you can try an app like the Calm App to get you going. Set aside just 10 minutes and you will feel a difference.

After meditation, it’s time for breakfast. Remember, you are resetting your body and you need the first food of the day to be natural, whole and nutritious like a green smoothie.

Try this one:
Green Detox Smoothie

  • ½ banana
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
  • ½ green apple (cored, seeded and cut into chunks)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ½ cup coconut water
  • ½ cup almond milk
  • Optional - 1 scoop vegan protein powder (this is our favourite)

Around mid-morning, have a cup of mint, licorice or chamomile tea and some raw almonds, walnuts or pecans.

Afternoon

A heavy lunch usually leads to an afternoon slump, so skip it and go light. Try a healthy and detoxifying salad.

Try this one (serves 2)
Detox Salad with Lemon Ginger Dressing

Salad

  • 4 cups shredded cabbage (all the colours)
  • 1 large carrot, shredded
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp dried cranberries
  • 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds

Dressing (makes 1.5 cups- store more for later)

  • ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 inch knob of fresh ginger
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 2 Tbsp raw honey

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth
Combine salad ingredients into 2 bowls and top with dressing to taste. Enjoy!

Take a 15 to 20-minute walk at a vigorous pace and make sure to leave your phone behind. While you are walking, notice 5 things about nature that you cherish.

If you are hungry by mid-afternoon, have a small bowl of berries and if you have time, try a quick 20-minute power nap or meditation session.

Evening

For dinner, keep it simple again, but make sure you are replenishing the energy you used today by incorporating nutrient dense ingredients.

Try this one:
Zucchini Noodles with Cilantro Pesto (serves 2)

Cilantro Pesto

  • 1 bunch Cilantro
  • ¼ extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Zucchini Noodles

  • 2 large zucchinis
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 heirloom or other variety tomatoes sliced
  • Pinch of sea salt

In a food processor or blender, add the cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, pine nuts and salt. Pulse until finely chopped.

Chop the ends off the zucchinis. Attach to a spiralizer or use a grater to make “noodles”.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the zoodles and tomatoes and heat for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to 2 plates or bowls. Top with Cilantro Pesto and sprinkle with salt.

After dinner, have a cup of hibiscus tea. This will cleanse your body of toxins and promote good digestion.

Keep your evening quiet and calm. Dim the lights and skip the TV or digital device. Before bed, write down at least three things you were thankful for throughout the day. Spend a few extra minutes describing your day and any emotions you felt.

A mini detox always leaves me feeling light, refreshed and positive. It is a great opportunity for you to give your body a break!

Please schedule a one-on-one consultation to achieve your health goals.