detox

Neil and I have been feeling pretty tired and just not great lately after the rush of the holidays and all the sweet and rich food. We decided its time to jump start things and get back to our (usually) healthy routine so we are going to do a 3 day detox diet starting saturday.

1-2-3 Detox for Radiance
1-day cleanse for radiance

Whether you use this fast as a regular radiance boost or because you’ve just had a weekend of rich food and too much alcohol, you’ll find it’s really worth the effort—just take a look in the mirror 24 hours later to see the difference.

On waking A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon

Breakfast A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon; a large glass of Radiant Juice; a mug of nettle tea

Midmorning A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon

Lunch A large glass of Tomato Juice with Garlic and Green Onions; a mug of mint tea

Midafternoon A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon

Supper Mango, Kiwi, and Pineapple Juice; a mug of nettle tea

Evening Carrot and Beet Juice

Bedtime A mug of lime-blossom tea

2-day cleanse for radıance

Start by following the 24-Hour Cleanse for Radiance regime. On Day 2 have:

On waking A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon

Breakfast A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon; a large glass of Radiant Juice; a mug of nettle tea

Midmorning A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon

Lunch A glass of Radiant Lemonade; a mug of mint tea

Midafternoon A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon

Supper A large bowl of fresh fruit salad, to include apple, pear, grapes, mango, and some berries—but not banana; a handful of raisins—chew them very slowly—and a handful of fresh, unsalted cashews; a mug of mint tea

Evening A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon

Bedtime A mug of any reputable brand of chamomile tea with a teaspoon of organic honey

3-day cleanse for radiance

When you wake up on day 4 after this cleansing regime, your body will feel lighter, your system cleaner, and your eyes and skin will have a sparkle and luster you haven’t seen in ages. You’ll also be overflowing with all the protective antioxidants you need and you’ll almost certainly have lost more than 2 pounds in weight.

Start by following the 48-Hour Cleanse for Radiance regime. On Day 3 have:

On waking A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon

Breakfast A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon; fresh fruit salad—a mixture of any of the following: apple, pear, grapes, mango, and pineapple and any berries, with 2/3 cup plain yogurt (soy) with live bacteria and a tablespoon of unsweetened muesli; a cup of weak Indian tea or herb tea midmorning 6 dried apricots; a glass of fruit or vegetable juice

Lunch Watercress Soup with a chunk of crusty wholewheat bread, no butter; a cup of weak Indian tea or herb tea

Midafternoon An apple and a pear

Supper Zucchini Pasta; a salad of tomato, onion, and yellow bell pepper; a cup of weak Indian tea or herb tea

Recipes

Radiant Juice

1 large eating apple, quartered
1 orange, peeled but with some pith
2 large carrots, topped, tailed, and peeled if not organic
1-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, peeled and sliced

Put all ingredients into a blender or food processor and whiz until smooth.

Tomato Juice with Garlic and Green Onions

8 large tomatoes
2 fat bulbs green onions, trimmed
4 large sprigs basil
6 large springs oregano

Roughly chop the tomatoes and green onions and put into a blender or food processor with the leaves from the basil and oregano. Whiz until smooth.

Mango, Kiwi, and Pineapple Juice

1 large ripe mango, pitted
4 kiwifruit, peeled
1 medium pineapple, top removed

Simply put all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and whiz until smooth.

Carrot and Beet Juice

4 carrots, topped and tailed
4 medium beets
3 large sprigs basil

Put the ingredients into a blender or food processor and whiz until smooth.

Radiant Lemonade

Vitamin A is essential for healthy, radiant skin and you’ll get it in abundance from the carrots in this juice. The bonus comes from the radishes—their natural constituents stimulate the cleansing function of the liver, making this the perfect juice when you’ve been a bit overindulgent or your digestive system seems slightly sluggish.

1 large carrot, topped, tailed, and peeled if not organic
10 radishes, topped and tailed
1 apple, quartered
1 beet, topped and tailed
juice and finely grated zest of 2 lemons
up to 1-1/4 cups naturally sparkling mineral water (optional)

Juice the first 4 ingredients. Add the lemon juice and zest. If you want a longer, fizzy drink, add the mineral water.

Watercress Soup

Watercress is one of the truly great radiant foods. It’s hugely antioxidant, especially protective against lung cancer, and rich in iron, which makes it a key to inner beauty.

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 bunches watercress, with stems
1 quart vegetable stock
3/4 cup plus tbsp. plain yogurt with live bacteria (we are going to use soy yogurt)

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onion gently until soft. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Add the watercress and continue to cook gently until it wilts. Add the stock and simmer for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a blender or food processor and whiz until smooth. Serve hot or cold with a swirl of yogurt in each bowl.

Zucchini Pasta

14 oz. thin pasta, such a spaghettini
4 medium zucchini, grated
1-1/4-inch piece fresh gingerroot, grated
4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 tsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese (we are using nutritional yeast)
4 green onions, finely chopped
1-1/2 cups bean sprouts

Cook the pasta in a saucepan of boiling water according to the package directions. Transfer to a large serving bowl and mix in all the other ingredients. Serve immediately.

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From “The Little Book of Detox Tips for People on the Go” by Michael Van Straten. Copyright Michael Van Straten, Sally Pearce and Quadrille Publishing Ltd. Republished with permission.
Consult your doctor before using any health treatment — including herbal supplements and natural remedies — and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications. The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intented as substitute for medical counseling