January Detox Done Right
Happy new year, my lovely Life Lover readers. May this year come full of love, joy, success in everything you want and deserve.
My god, what a year was the last one, right? For me, it feels like December came in rushing full of social events and gatherings with friends and family: end of year parties, celebrations, anniversaries, graduations, and of course Christmas and new year celebration.
I feel like I was more social on last month than in the last two years! And it is for that reason that it is time for a detox. So, I will share some tricks I like to do to start the new year the right way. Welcome, January detox!
By Pat Aguilar
To get into the January detox wagon, let’s start with:
Your ambient: I like to check my apartment and give to others all the things that I no longer use. We all have that dress we might use one day, or that little box that we maybe can use for something. My rule is if I didn’t use it last year… see you later, alligator! The concept is to create space for new things in your life, materials, and others ☺
Detox from screens: After posting on social media and all those hours on FaceTime with friends and family on the other side of the world, I like to have a day a week without a phone. It is not always easy, so what I do is, I’d go on a hike with no signal, so the temptation is not great. You can also try to have a few hours a day with no phone, in case you have to be online due to work or any other reason: go to your favourite beach with a book for a couple of hours, or your favourite café, or just stay at home listening to music, painting, or anything creative that can help to stimulate your brain in a different way.
Our physical bodies: My god, the amount of food that I put in my body last month was insane! And, alcohol, one drink turned into two or three, and for that reason I like to do a little reset of my body. I like to do a juice cleanse.
You can try with one day, then 3 and some people do a week. I also go to more light recipes. Lucky for me, we are in summer, but on the other side of the world, you can look to soups and broths.
Alcohol: I also reduce the amount of alcohol considerably or, why not, a full month of no alcohol–there’s a reason why Dry January came to life.
With those two things in mind, I will share my favorite mocktail recipes, because yes, we can still go out and spend time socially without having a single drop of alcohol. I will also share the recipe of a soup and a salad that I like to have during this month of reset.
Mocktails
Well, there is no secret ingredient here, you can use a 0% alcohol base gin or vodka. You can get them in any supermarket, and prepare your favorite cocktail. Now, if you prefer something more unique, let me share a few recipes:
Frozen Apple Margarita
Ingredients
Salt, to serve
1 lime, halved
2 cups (500ml) Sparkling Apple Juice
1 cup (250ml) tequila 0% alcohol or 1 cup of sparkling apple juice.
2 tsp finely grated lime rind
2 tbsp lime juice
4 cups ice cubes
4 slices green apple
Lime zest, to serve
Instructions
Place salt on a plate. Run the cut side of the lime around the rims of serving glasses. Dip in the salt to coat.
Place sparkling apple juice, “tequila” (as I mentioned you can buy a 0% alcohol tequila in the supermarket or add an extra cup of apple juice to the mix)* , lime rind, lime juice and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour evenly among the glasses.
Decorate with apple slices and lime zest.
*Note: This tip can be used in every mocktail you want to try. Simply buy the 0% alcohol option or add an extra cup of the juice or mixer you are using.
Cranberry Sangria
Ingredients
1 cup ice cubes
1/4 pineapple, peeled, thinly sliced, cut into wedges
1/2 small orange, thinly sliced, cut into wedges
1 passion fruit, quartered
500ml (2 cups) cranberry juice
500ml (2 cups) ginger beer
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
Pomegranate seeds, to serve
Instructions
Divide the ice cubes among 4 large serving glasses. Top with the pineapple, orange, and passion fruit.
Divide the cranberry juice and ginger beer among the glasses. Top with the mint leaves and pomegranate seeds.
Ultimate Detox Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 inches fresh ginger, minced (about 1 heaping tablespoon)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary)
6 cups water
1 cup dry green or brown lentils
2 teaspoons fine Himalayan salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (or to taste)
Instructions
In a large pot (I use a 6-quart one), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the onion, carrots, and celery, and stir until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, and thyme, and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Immediately add in the water after that, so the garlic won't start burning.
Add in the lentils, 1 teaspoon of salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let the soup cook until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
When the lentils are tender, add in the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, along with the cilantro and lemon juice. The cilantro will wilt quickly in the hot soup. Adjust any seasoning to taste and serve warm.
The best part of this, is that this detox soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Let us know how you go with your detox, tag us on social media or message us directly if you try any of this recipe.
Sending lots of love and the best to start this new year!
