After the holidays, it’s natural to want to cleanse your system and detox from the excess carbs and sugar you may have indulged in over the holidays. Cleanses, detoxes and fasts… you’re probably reading about them everywhere right now.
Here’s my take: If you’re on Atkins, there’s no need to do any of those (you can read more about my thoughts on fasts here). If you follow Atkins’ low carb eating approach, you are naturally cleansing and detoxing your body of the sugars and processed carbs while curbing your sugar cravings and losing weight.
When I need to clean up my act, I’ll go back to Phase 1 for a bit, focusing on very clean eating. My low carb “cleansing” strategy includes fiber-rich vegetables (fiber is one of nature’s favorite cleansers), protein and healthy fats in the form of nourishing, nutrient-rich, light meals such as soups, salads and smoothies. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and, if you’d really like to take it to the next level, choose organic food whenever possible. Your body will naturally start to detox, and you’ll probably drop a few pounds in the process, all while eating satisfying and delicious whole foods.
Kick off your low carb “cleanse” with these recipes:
Breakfast
You can’t go wrong with this quick and satisfying smoothie, which features a dose of healthy fats from avocado.
Eggs Scrambled with Sautéed Mushrooms and Zucchini
Mushrooms are a nutrient-packed superfood. Choose organic eggs if you, can, and feel free to substitute other veggies if you’d like.
Soups
Creamy Lemon Spinach Chicken Soup
This light and lemony soup works great for lunch or dinner.
Cook up a batch on Sunday for meals all week. Feel free to add shredded rotisserie chicken for a boost of protein.
Fresh ginger and jalapenos add some zing to this satisfying soup.
Bone broth, like this chicken broth made from a whole chicken (you can also substitute beef bones to make a beef version), is great for maintaining gut health, healthy skin and bones and is also rich in potassium and magnesium. Sip on a mug or two as a hot and soothing snack throughout the day.
Bowls
You can add shrimp, chicken or any protein of your choice to this fiber-packed bowl.
If you want to reduce the carbs, you can omit the carrots.
Salads
Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower are naturally cleansing and low in carbs. Salmon will give you a nice dose of omega-3 fats.
Grilled Chicken Over Baby Spinach, Tomato and Avocado Salad
Pack this salad for lunch or serve for dinner. If you’re in a rush, you can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken.
Shrimp and Scallop Salad with Fennel
Fennel is also naturally cleansing and great for digestion.
Tuna Celery Salad in Avocado Halves
Avocado halves elevate everyday tuna salad.
