It’s time for a fresh start! Are you ready to cleanse your system of all those holiday goodies, take-out food and all the other binge eating while you were binge watching in 2020? A low carb lifestyle naturally detoxes your system of sugar and refined carbs by focusing on fiber-rich vegetables, protein and healthy fats found in nourishing, nutrient-rich light meals like soups, salads and smoothies, and here’s why I know.
Years ago, before I ever tried Atkins, I was a vegetarian, and I was also a firm believer in fasting. I’d do a vegetable juice fast one week a year, and Intermittent Fasting (IF) one day a week in the hopes to “detox” from all the carbs I was eating normally. Then I got my master’s degree in nutrition, and with my knowledge of physiology and biochemistry, I realized that the “detoxing” I was feeling was partly due to ketosis, when you’re burning fat for fuel, instead of carbs. From then on, I embraced Atkins’ sustainable low carb and keto-friendly lifestyle and its detoxing and cleansing qualities.
My suggestion for a balanced and natural “detox” is to try Atkins 40 if you’ve been doing Atkins 100, and if you’ve been doing Atkins 40, go down to Atkins 20 for a couple weeks. You can take it to the next level by boosting your vegetable intake and incorporating more plant-based meals into your menus. If you’d like, although it’s not necessary, you can incorporate Intermittent Fasting (IF) to give your body a natural digestion break.
I’ve put together a list of delicious low carb recipes you can incorporate into your detox period, which should help you feel lighter and clear-headed after the heavier foods of the holidays.
Low Carb Detox Recipes
Your menu focuses on delicious and detoxifying low carb soups and salads, bowls bursting with veggies and the ultimate detox smoothie to start your day.
Low Carb Green Detox Smoothie
The hibiscus tea helps support your liver, acts as an antioxidant and controls inflammation. Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants and fiber, while turmeric is also an antioxidant and supports liver health. Finally, psyllium, a fiber, supports digestion and excretion of toxins.
Golden Cauliflower Curry Soup
Cauliflower is a good source of antioxidants and other detoxifying nutrients including B vitamins and choline, while curry powder features turmeric.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
This light soup is packed with veggies (you can use whatever you have on hand). You can make it ahead, and enjoy it as satisfying lunch or dinner.
Curried Shrimp with Green Mango Salad
Shrimp is rich in protein and omega-3s, curry brings a detox boost, roasted red chili paste adds a spicy kick, and mango balances it out with a little sweetness.
Ginger Almond and Garlic Broccoli
This side dish has ginger is rich in antioxidants and great for digestion, garlic contains organo-sulfur compounds (OSCs) that boost enzymes that support detoxification and broccoli is high in antioxidants and good for digestion.
Simple Marinated Kale
You can use this as a salad base, adding your favorite low carb salad topping such as cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes and onion for a nutrient-dense side dish. Add your choice of protein and make it a meal!
Egg Roll Bowl with Shrimp
This bowl is better (and healthier) than your average take-out egg rolls. Cauliflower, fresh ginger and other fiber-rich veggies add crunch while garlic, sesame oil and Chinese Five Spice complete the flavorful meal.
Vegetarian Ramen Zoodle Bowls
This savory, broth-y bowl recipe is featured in my new book, The Atkins 100 Eating Solution, and is easily adaptable for Atkins 20, Atkins 40 or Atkins 100.
