Tips And Recipes For A Healthy Detox Diet

If you overindulged during the holidays, try these tricks to feel fit fast.

According to Maria Marlowe, certified nutritionist and author of Detox Without the Deprivation, the most important part of detoxing is getting enough water. "Water is the number one detoxifier," says Marlowe, "so watermelon, which is mostly water, makes a great part of a detox plan. We eliminate many toxins through urine, which is why it's important to drink adequate water (at least 2.2 liters for women, 2.5 for men) per day, and eat water-dense foods (fruits and vegetables) every day, but especially while on a detox."  

Tomatoes and watermelon are both more than 90 percent water, making this salad perfect for a detox diet. If you're sticking to a strict detox diet, omit the goat cheese. The salad will still be incredibly delicious.  Click here for the recipe.
 

The holidays can wreak havoc on even the strongest stomachs. Susan Schenck, author of The Live Food Factor, recommends cleaning your system with a quarter cup of beet juice. "Eating beets is very good for digestion," says Schenck. "Beets are a wonder cure for constipation." 

There's never been a tastier mix of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This salsa is so good, you'll probably keep eating it after your detox! Click here for the recipe.

Believe it or not, mate tea has some wonderful detoxifying properties, and it won't make you jittery like coffee does. According to registered dietician Lisa Hugh, "Mate tea is very nutritious, full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. Its caffeine is very well tolerated by most people and causes less jitters and upset stomach compared to other caffeinated beverages."

Start your morning by detoxing with this tea rather than retoxing with your usual cup of Joe. Click here for the recipe.
 

Most of us feel a bit bloated after heavy holiday meals. One natural way to feel more comfortable in your skin is to eat endives and fennel, says Dr. Carolyn Dean, medical advisory board member of the Nutritional Magnesium Association. "The bitter alkaloids and fiber in endive make it a good liver and bowel detoxifier," Dr. Dean says. "Fennel seeds are good for [reducing] flatulence or constipation, and to chew after a meal for the breath and digestion."

Eat away your bloat with this fresh, light winter salad recipe. Added bonus? It's also delicious. Click here for the recipe.