Dr. Wiley – Winter Fun

Dr. Wiley’s Top 4 Winter Detox Strategies

Detoxification does not have to mean following a strict diet or cleansing plan. In fact, it is best if we make detoxification an easy part of our lifestyle. The key is to change our mindset by focusing on the health behaviors we want to embrace, instead of focusing on those we want to avoid. This can be a very motivating mental shift. After all, what we think about we bring about. Here are my top four detoxification strategies that will fuel your metabolism!

Embrace your winter greens!

Your liver loves green veggies. As an organ of elimination, the liver is constantly challenged by stress, alcohol, sugar, saturated fats, and chemicals in our environment. Eating a little more green vegetables can go along way to help you feel your best. I recommend eating green veggies with every meal. Breakfast is a great place to start. An easy low carbohydrate green smoothie is the perfect accompaniment to a high protein breakfast. Simple affordable Broccoli is one of the top detoxification veggies on the planet. It can be cooked in an instant and enjoyed as a soup, side or salad. Cabbage is a wonderful stir-fry companion. Try loading your stir-fry with so much cabbage that you won’t need any rice. Kale makes a great long lasting salad that once prepped can be easily accessed for a few days from the fridge. Greens are trendy, cauliflower is the new mashed potato, zucchini is the new pasta, and every health-hipster loves their roasted brussel sprouts. When it comes to greens, the detoxification secret is simple. Load ½ your plate with green veggies and enjoy!

Soups, stews and the winter magic of your slow cooker!

Nothing says warm winter nourishment better than the smell of homemade chicken soup. Soups and stews provide some time saving leverage. It is easy to make a large batch that will last for a few days. Soup broth and slow cooked food is very easy for your body to digest. The micronutrients are dissolved in the broth and readily accessible to your body for detoxification and optimal hydration. Easy digestion also makes for better elimination and health bowel movements.

Simple and soothing Green tea!

Do not underestimate the health benefits of simple green tea. Green tea is loaded with anti-oxidants. It has anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. It is great for your brain and metabolism, and it has more research and positive health benefits than any other food I have ever studied. Relative to supplements and other Superfoods it is extremely affordable and easy to consume. Unlike coffee, it improves focus and concentration while having a relaxing effect on the brain. It is also great way to warm up in the winter.

 Warming winter spices are delicious and even more nutritious!

Natural spices don’t just add flavor they significantly enhance nutrition. Culturally we have removed spices from many processed foods and replaced them with artificial flavour sugar and salt, ingredients that are void of nutritional value. Turmeric is loaded with anti-oxidants and is a great anti-inflammatory. It is especially amazing because it genetically signals your body to make more glutathione, a very powerful internal anti-oxidant. Tasty Ginger is also very rich in anti-oxidants, warming to the soul, and calming to the digestive system. Delicious Cocoa is so full of flavinoids that it reduces risk factors for diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Anti-oxidants help your body to detoxify. It’s time to put that turmeric curry, delicious ginger chicken, and a dark cup of hot cocoa on your meal plan and savour!

May these simple health promoting tips help you cultivate your detoxification lifestyle.

Dr. Erin Wiley is a naturopathic doctor with a strong focus on preventative and integrative medicine. She is the Owner and Clinic Director of the Integrative Health Institute, an integrative medical clinic located in downtown Toronto. Erin has a strong clinical emphasis on stress related illness, anxiety, depression and hormone balance. As a naturopathic doctor, Erin is passionate about working with people to help them better understand their health and achieve their health goals.