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detox

You should probably pay attention to his one because this is the kind of advice that people pay hundreds of euro to hear.

Over the course of the weekend, the summer, your holidays of just a Wednesday we can easily fall off of our healthy eating bandwagons and raid the biscuit tins. Our efforts to make up for these little slip ups can apparently not be any good for us at all.

So, instead of putting yourself on a no-carb, no-sugar, no-fun emergency detox, have a look at what holistic nutritionist Eve Kessner does when she decides a detox is on the cards.

All of the water!

"Drink lots of water," Evesays. Besides balancing out the dehydrating effects of any imbibing you did over the weekend, Kessner credits water with helping the body "flush out any toxins it's holding on to." Start the morning with hot water with a lemon, which among other things has been shown to aid in weight loss.

Get some sleep:

"This one is tough [when you have a busy schedule], but super important for your body's recovery," explains the SoulCycle instructor. Skipping sleep can lead to stress, weight gain, and an overall decline in good health. 

Try and fit in some exercise:

She suggests a fast-paced cardio session since it will boost the body's metabolism, so you can definitely burn off some of those weekend indulgences. If you went completely overboard on Sunday and the thought of a high-intensity workout makes you feel a tad unsettled, try a walk in the fresh air instead.

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We’ve been idolising compact, rocket-style blenders for some time now.

They’re small, perfect for juicing and blending (hello, September detox) and super quick and easy to use.

A load of different models are available, but leading the way is, of course, the NutriBullet: the fancy-pants contraption (the manufacturers say it’s not a blender or processor but rather a “superfood nutrition extractor”) that boasts a load of celebrity endorsements.

The only issue? The €130 price-tag has always been a little out of our reach.

Which is why we reckon we’ve now died and gone to juicing heaven: Aldi is tomorrow morning releasing (unreasonable to start queuing now?) its very own mini food processor priced at just… €22.99.

We scoured the small print – and power-wise it comes in at 300W versus the NutriBullet’s 600W. So nope, definitely not as powerful.

But at more than €100 cheaper, we’re still absurdly excited about releasing our culinary potential in the run-up to Christmas.

Because when you’re not downing glasses of obliterated kale, the Aldi model is also pretty great for making salsa, hummus, pesto and dips.

It comes with two stainless steel blades to make chopping and blending a doddle. For your €22.99, you’ll furthermore get four small 260ml cups, two larger 473ml cups, six storage lids and another lid for shakes or smoothies.

In short: from tomorrow you too can be one of those smug, healthy types who skip to work and college proudly brandishing a beaker of fresh, home-made power liquid.

Yup, we’re envisioning us looking much more like a Victoria’s Secret model over forthcoming weeks and months.

And while we might quietly covet the NutriBullet in our spare time, we reckon this version will do us nicely until an unexpected cash-windfall comes our way.

Thank you, Aldi!

The mini food processor is priced at €22.99 and is available from Aldi’s 117 stores nationwide from tomorrow, Thursday, September 10, while stocks last.

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Summer is over – and therefore so are cheeky Tuesday pints, giant barbecues and sweet treats.

There’s something about September too that is the gentler, autumnal alternative to January.

And while at this time of year we may not quite have the same focus on those pesky new-year-new-you resolutions, it’s not a bad month to get into some great habits.

A good start? A serious post-summer fruit salad to help you de-bloat and get your diet back on track.

In fact, this bowl of goodness contains ingredients scientifically proven to help you deflate.

Flat tums, here we come!

What you need…

  • Papaya, cut into chunks
  • Pineapple, cut into chunks
  • Banana, sliced
  • Melon, cut into chunks
  • Some mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • One avocado
  • Fresh lemon juice

1. Mix the papaya, pineapple, banana and melon in large bowl.

2. Slice half of the avocado into 1cm cubes, and toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Set other half of the avocado and the rest of the lemon juice aside.

3. Top bowl of fruit with the berries and avocado.

4. Mash the remaining avocado and lemon juice.

5. Serve your fruit salad in small bowls, and drizzle with a teaspoon of the avocado-lemon sauce. 

What the ingredients do…

Pineapple: contain an enzyme called bromelain that helps break down hard-to-digest protein. That means there'll be less gas in your stomach.

Banana: In moderation, bananas can help you de-bloat because they're loaded with potassium, a mineral that flushes excess water out of your system. They’re particularly great if you've consumed lots of salt, which in itself makes you hold on to water.

Melon: Also high in potassium and water. The H2O content pushes the extra fluid out of your body so you can slim down.

Papaya: Contains an enzyme called papain, which helps us to break down food, especially protein, and improves digestion. Plus, papain is a diuretic that can help you get rid of those nasty excess fluids.

Avocado: Loaded with healthy fats that help you absorb the vitamins and minerals in the other fruits in this salad. In particular, Avocado boasts monounsaturated fats which have also been linked to burning excess belly fat.

Berries: Since berries are lower in sugar and calories than most fruits, they won't cause you to hold onto the extra water that makes you bloat. 

 

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These days it feels like you can’t turn left or right without having some sort magical detox method being waved in your face.

Everyone in celeb-land is promoting one as they lounge by the pool or strike a coy pose half hidden behind their giant mugs of metabolism boosting herbal blends. So you would be forgiven for hopping on the health and fitness band wagon and giving one a go.

Before you do, perhaps it might be worth keeping a few things in mind. One being; no fad diets are going to give you the lasting benefits a healthy diet and manageable exercise routine does. Also worth noting, after 14 days you will probably end up eating all the cupcakes anyway.

We put together a list of the things that will probably happen when you try a tea-tox.

You realise some of them are super expensive:

You will tell everyone about this magic tea:

You will try to stick to the guidelines:

You will realise that timing your meals and corresponding teas is incredibly annoying:

You may experience a very dramatic energy burst:

You will lie about how delicious your tea tastes:

The 'cleansing' part may not be all that glamorous:

The sugar depravation can cause some frustration:

You will pick the one weekend where everyone is going out:

There may come a stage where no cupcake/burger/caffinated beverage near you is safe:

 

 

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If you’ve noticed you’re feeling sluggish and worn out after the busy festive period, your skin has probably suffered too.

Over-indulging, stress and lack of sleep can all wreak havoc with your skin’s natural glow.

Get back to your best self with these simple tips…

1. Revamp your beauty routine
Looking after your skin properly is key if it’s been through the wringer over the last few weeks. Make a simple routine and stick to it – a daily cleansing, toning, exfoliation and moisturising process is faster and more convenient than you’d think. You’ll soon notice your skin is brighter and clearer!

2, Don’t clog your skin
While caking on a ton of make-up might seem like the best solution when your skin is dull and breaking out, you need to give it room to breathe too. If you don’t have plans for the evening, why not take your make-up off as soon as you get home from work rather than waiting for bedtime? Whenever you can, go make-up free.

3. Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is key to maintaining a healthy glow. Try to fit in around two litres a day – once you start the habit of drinking water regularly, you’ll find it gets easier and easier.

4. Get enough sleep
Nothing distresses your skin more than a lack of sleep. Eight hours is considered the norm but you may need less or more – whatever it takes for you to wake up feeling refreshed!

5. Cut out sugar when you can
Processed, high-sugar foods only serve to cause inflammation and break-outs. Cut down on refined and added sugar where you can by only eating fresh, unprocessed food.

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It's a strange fact of life for Irish people that while we can't resist alcohol to help us through the other 11 months of the year, we shun it in favour of water and green juices during what has to be the bleakest month of all – January.

Yes, it might have seemed like a stellar idea a week ago, but as Dry January drags on the whole process is getting harder and harder.

Here are a few of the many and varied feelings you'll no doubt experience this month…

1. Confidence
"31 days without alcohol? BE GRAND. Anyone could do it! Sure it'll be February before I know it."

2. Smugness
"It's already been four days and I haven't even thought about wine. Maybe I'll give up alcohol for good? Why not? If it's this easy, like…"

3. Over-excitement
"My god, this is great! I've had a green smoothie for breakfast two days in a row, I truly am the Health Queen. Body = temple."

4. A twinge of anxiety
"God, I'd love a gin and tonic. It's only been 5 days. Meaning there's 25 left… Christ."

5. Shock
"No-one told me a night out without alcohol was this dull. What am I meant to do? Dance or something?"

6. Calmness – for a while, anyway
"One weekend down, just three to go. Oh… wait. FOUR to go. Will this hell ever end?"

7. Hope
"Dry January is just a suggestion really, isn't it? No-one actually goes the full 31 days. That'd just be madness."

8. Indifference
"Ah, whatever. 12 days? That'll do. Pass the wine."

 

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With the new year in full swing, many of us are looking for ways to shake up our metabolism after December's indulgences.

During a juice cleanse, your meals are replaced with either homemade or purchased fruit and vegetable juices, allowing your body to rid itself of built-up toxins from processed and high-fat foods. The diet typically lasts anywhere between one and seven days – if this is your first time, three days or under is a good starting point. 

While a juice cleanse is a great detox option, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering trying one out. Here are our key dos and don'ts…

What to do

1. Do pick your days wisely
A juice cleanse is difficult enough to begin with, so don't hinder your chances by scheduling your cleanse for a week when you have big social or work commitments – you'll only make the whole process harder to stick to.

2. Do prepare yourself for the detox
Mood swings, headaches and bloating are all common problems when you subject your body to a detox, but you can reduce the likelihood of these symptoms by preparing your body for the cleanse. Avoid caffeinated beverages and sugary or fatty foods in the days leading up to your juice cleanse, and keep well hydrated both before and during your detox days. 

3. Do stay active (in moderation!)
You may feel weaker than usual during your cleanse, but light exercise can actually help you feel more energised and can even help your body to eliminate toxins. Heavy exercise should be avoided as your body is already working with a reduced calorie intake.

What not to do

1. Don't do it because everyone else is
A juice cleanse might be the detox diet of the moment, but that does not necessarily mean it's the right choice for you. If you struggle with intense cravings or have a history of disordered eating, a juice cleanse might end up doing more harm than good. The aim here is to eat clean and healthy, not to make yourself miserable.

2. Don't use the cleanse as a quick fix
Ideally, a juice cleanse should act as the start of your journey toward a healthier and cleaner diet – not a quick fix to drop a few pounds. If your plan is to go back to eating fatty and sugary foods again as soon as your cleanse is over , you'll soon notice those pounds creeping back on.

3. Don't be too hard on yourself
A juice cleanse is going to be difficult. If you end up caving and eating a snack, don't berate yourself. Simply pick up where you left off – it's not the end of the world.

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If your skin is acting up on you lately it is probably crying out for a good detox. Now, while many people shudder when they hear the D–word, for fear of living on a diet of lemon water for a week, there is no need for quaking with this detox.

This is probably one of the easiest detoxes you’ll read about and you can do it over two days:

Clean your face
First things first, you’ve got to clean the make-up off your face. Bet you feel better already?! Now, no make-up for two days.

Drink herbal tea
For two days ditch your coffee and tea for something a little more herbal. You can pick one up in a health food shop.

Have a massage
Massage your lymph node areas – neck, armpit and behind your knees to stimulate natural healing.

Facial time
On one of your two days you need to have a facial to properly absorb excess oil.

What to eat
For the next two days enjoy a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein avoiding alcohol and any processed foods. Basically avoid anything that comes from a tin.

Cut down on products
Cut down on your products. You are trying to clear your skin so that last thing you want to do is apply more toxins and chemicals to your skin. 

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If you went a little overboard at the weekend, no doubt your liver is crying out for a detox. Give it some much needed TLC with these super cleansing foods.

Garlic
No, it’s not good to eat this on a first date or before job interview, but it is pretty beneficial if you over indulged on the wine. It helps to flush out toxins and cleanse the liver.

Green tea
Green tea is getting a pretty good wrap lately and it is not surprising. It is full of antioxidants making it perfect after a night out.

Lemons
Lemon in hot water is great for stimulating the liver, helping it to do its job right.

Avocado
Avocado is another example of a pretty trendy ingredient. It helps the body get rid of toxins by helping it produce glutathione.

Carrots
Chew on some carrots sticks to help detoxify the liver. Just like the avocado, the carrot contains glutathione, although it has the added benefits of vitamin C, B and potassium.

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There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done, never mind making sure you are taking good care of your health.

Between skipping meals, eating on the go and not getting enough sleep, our bodies can suffer, resulting in us getting sick more than we should and our skin making us look older than we are.

Wheatgrass roots contain the most powerful anti-aging enzyme known to man which helps to aid digestion, strengthen the heart muscle and lessen the effects of radiation and cellular aging.

OxyGrass Aeroponically-Grown Wheatgrass is the only wheatgrass product that contains both the roots and the top growth of the plant, which means you get the maximum amount of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids.

Wheatgrass also makes a great detoxifier as it cleanses, destroys and eliminates free radicals in the body. It also helps to support the lymphatic system to remove toxins from the cells of the body. So it is perfect if you are on a detox.

Wheatgrass helps to boost the body’s immune system, which helps to fight off illness and ailments and assists in breaking down fats, making it a great aid in weight loss.

The roots also have an abundance of chlorophyll, which vitalizes and energises your body and protects it from carcinogens as it strengthens cells and detoxifies the liver.

Due to its huge alkalizing ability, it can help restore your natural PH balance, especially useful if you have a highly acidic diet of sugar and processed foods.

OxyGrass Wheatgrass has a smoother, creamier taste than other conventionally grown wheatgrass products, all due to the nutritious roots.

It is available in both a 15 day or 33 day supply sachet form and 200 supply tablet form. You can even drink the sachets in fruit juice or water, depending on your preference.

OxyGrass Wheatgrass is 100% natural, is free of yeast and dairy and is suitable for vegetarians and vegan. It is also the only one that is grown in nothing but air making it one of the most sustainable methods of food production.

Don’t forget to visit the OxyGrass Facebook Page for more information and offers.

 

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If you overindulged as much as we did on chocolate over Easter, this guide to the best every day detox teas can’t come quick enough!

Burdock Root Tea
Burdock is a little-known herb that has a lot of detoxifying benefits. It can has been shown to strengthen the immune system as well, and has been known to help purify the blood.

Cayenne Pepper Tea
The healing properties of cayenne pepper are just starting to create a buzz. Most find that drinking it with a slice of lemon cuts down on some of the spicy taste.

Chicory Tea
Not only can this help you detox the body, it’s also been shown to help rev up your metabolism, so you’re getting at least two major benefits from drinking this.

Dandelion Tea
Dandelion raises levels of an enzyme in the body known for its detoxifying functions. These have been known to help the body get rid of carcinogens, or cancer-causing toxins in the body.

Garlic Tea
OK, so you have to get past the pong to benefit from this tea, but it’s well worth it if you do. This tea it is definitely going to work to help cleanse the body.

Milk Thistle Tea
The benefits to the liver make milk thistle tea worth drinking. The liver is the focal point of your organs, and when it isn’t operating at its best, there is a virtual domino effect on your other organs. So any detox plan you undergo should have the liver as the main organ worth treating.

Turmeric Tea
This tea can help kick-start your liver and gallbladder into creating more bile, which helps to break down toxins and flush them from the liver and out of the body.

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Having a bath can be the most relaxing part of many people’s day. What could be nicer in this cold, wet and windy weather than a long, warm soak?

Create your perfect bath-time experience with the following tips and feel yourself unwind.

  • Decide what type of bath you want; bubbles, detox or fragrant?
  • A detox bath is easily created with Epsom salts, apple cider vinegar, baking soda and some fresh grated ginger.
  • Use essential oils to create the perfect aroma for your bath. Choose oils with calming effects such as sandalwood, patchouli, lavender, bergamot or mandarin.
  • Lighting is an important aspect of your bath time because bright lights will make it hard to relax so make sure the lighting is dim and use lots of candles.
  • Put on a face mask to rejuvenate your skin.
  • Put on some slow-paced music on low volume.
  • Grab your favourite book (just don’t drop it) and maybe leave the Kindle in the bedroom.
  • Use your spare time in the bath, when not reading and unwinding, to exfoliate your skin with a glove or scrub.

 

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