The detox expert

Back in the summer I spoke to Deborah Marzohl-Ives about diet, nutrion, facials and the like. Post the excesses of the holidays she has kindly sent in some tips to help us ALL get through January and feel better for 2010.

She says: If, like me, the holiday season has taken its toll on your waistline and your energy levels are at an all time low, don’t panic! A few easy changes will help you get back on track and set you on course for a very healthy and happy 2010. 

1. Have a healthy snack – eating little and often is the key to keeping your blood sugar levels constant, which in turn helps to stop cravings for sugary and fatty snacks. As a general rule, eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, good oils and whole grains and snack on crudités, bean dips, nuts, seeds and whole grain crackers instead of biscuits, cakes, chocolate, and crisps.
2. Go green – swap builders' tea and coffee for herbal and green teas. Less caffeine is better for you - although green tea does contain some, so two cups a day is ideal. Herbal tea also counts towards your daily water intake and being rehydrated helps to make you feel more alert and have more energy .
3. Sleep tight – we all feel better after a good night's sleep and if you reduce your intake of caffeine you should find this easier to achieve. If we’re sleep deprived the levels of hormones responsible for feeling hungry rise, while levels of hormones for feeling full fall – this means that you’ll eat more.
4. Keep moving – walking, gardening, swimming, dancing -  it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do something! Aim for at least 30 minutes a day to get the health benefits such as lower cholesterol, improved heart function, weight management and the production  of ‘feel good’ hormones.
5. Don’t stress – now that Christmas is over the stress levels should drop. Find ways to relax – exercise, massage, listening to music, taking a long bath, learn some stress management techniques – whatever works for you.

Deborah has started a 28-day detox for the month of January. If you would like to join in or want more information on this call her on 06 08 77 81 58 or visit her website at http://www.nutritionaltherapy.biz/index.html and she'll send you more information.