Weekly menu to cleanse the body

This seven-day detox diet promotes both the elimination of toxins and weight loss.

During Christmas celebrations we tend to eat and drink more than we should, which leads to an increase in the consumption of alcohol, sugars and fats. As Marina Domene, nutritionist at SHA Wellness Clinic, tells us, “these factors cause an increase in oxidative stress and toxins in the body and can cause irritability and tiredness, decrease performance and accelerate the cellular ageing process. Although at SHA we always promote healthier choices, it is also important to enjoy the holidays and not obsess about calories. That’s why the secret is balance.

The key to minimising the unhealthy consequences of holiday overindulgence is to try to limit it to the festive season and follow a healthy, balanced diet the rest of the time. To do this, Melanie Waxman, a specialist in Natural Therapies and Healthy Nutrition Consultant at SHA Wellness Clinic, has prepared a one-week detox plan to help you cleanse your body and lose weight.

Before we break down the menu, here are some recommendations from the expert. “Whenever possible, choose fresh, seasonal, locally produced and organic foods:

1. For vegetable and fruit juices, use carrots, beetroot, celery, cucumbers, peas (one per juice), apple, lemon, lime, etc. In addition, you can add chopped fresh herbs, such as coriander, parsley or mint, or spices, such as turmeric.
2. For vegetable soups, creams and stews, combine carrots, turnips, squash, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, spinach, onions, chard, leeks, mushrooms, shiitake, cucumbers, beans, sweet corn, lettuce, avocado, asparagus, rocket, garlic, ginger or turmeric.
3. To dress raw salads, mix a teaspoon of white miso, tahini, mustard and brown rice syrup in a little water.

Day 1

Breakfast

Fresh fruit and vegetable juice. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds and a tablespoon of ground flax seeds.

Lunch

Raw or lightly blanched salad. Add a few slices of avocado and grilled tempeh.

Dinner

Light vegetable stew.

1 small bowl of brown rice. Add a pinch of shiso powder and toasted sesame seeds.

1-2 tablespoons sauerkraut.

Day 2

Breakfast

Oat porridge with blueberries, raspberries, cinnamon, ground flaxseed and chia seeds.

Lunch

Lightly sautéed vegetables with tofu, red radishes and cucumbers. Season with shoyu or tamari sauce and fresh ginger juice.

Dinner

Pureed sweet vegetable soup, seasoned with white miso and chopped fresh herbs.

1 small bowl brown rice with a pinch of shiso powder and toasted sesame seeds.

1-2 tablespoons sauerkraut.

Day 3

Breakfast

Miso soup. Add a few cubes of mochi, chopped fresh herbs and a slice of lemon.

Lunch

Quinoa and vegetable salad.

Steamed broccoli.

Dinner

Cream of pea and lettuce soup.

Steamed mixed vegetables.

1-2 tablespoons sauerkraut.

Day 4

Breakfast

Fresh vegetable juice.

Lunch

Raw salad with lightly blanched asparagus.

1 small bowl of buckwheat with onions, mushrooms and sweetcorn.

Dinner

Lentil and vegetable stew. Cook lentils with onion, celery, sweet potato and carrots and season with brown rice miso, cumin, turmeric, ginger and coriander.

1-2 tablespoons sauerkraut.

Day 5

Breakfast

Oat porridge with blueberries, raspberries, cinnamon, ground flaxseed and chia seeds.

Lunch

Lightly blanched salad with hummus.

Dinner

Cream of leek and cabbage soup seasoned with white miso and fresh ginger juice.

Steamed sweet potato (mashed if you prefer).

Salad of chopped rocket, grated carrot, sauerkraut and a drizzle of olive oil.

Day 6

Breakfast

Fresh vegetable juice.

Lunch

Quinoa salad.

Cucumber and wakame salad garnished with freshly squeezed orange juice and brown rice vinegar.

Dinner

Grilled tempeh with marinated vegetables.

1-2 tablespoons sauerkraut.

Day 7

Breakfast

Miso soup.

Lunch

Raw salad. Add cooked chickpeas and finely chopped green apple.

Dinner

1 small bowl of brown rice with a pinch of shiso powder and toasted sesame seeds.

Stir-fried or steamed vegetables. Add a good handful of chopped fresh herbs.

1-2 tablespoons sauerkraut.

If you want to know the recipe for leek, shiitake and wakame detox broth, Click here