I ate white bread, a veggie burger, roasted vegetables, rice, and fried seafood. This year, for take-out, I had a shawarma dinner with salty and spicy meat, yellow rice, and cabbage garden veggies. While it was filling, I didn’t feel my best afterward. For dinner, I chose a healthier option with a sweet potato, whole grain rice, beans, vegetables, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli), hummus, and whole wheat toast (as I was feeling extra hungry). I also added 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds to my rice. Today, I plan to stick with my regular dinner, which includes 2 different legumes, such as, red kidney beans, and marinated chickpeas.
The next day, I felt sluggish. A good detox drink I had first thing in the morning on an empty stomach was warm lemon water. I boiled the kettle (you can also use a pot on the stove) and used a lemon squeezer, either made of stainless steel or plastic.
Alternatively, a manual hand reamer, a heavy-duty metal squeezer, or a wooden manual lemon squeezer with efficient extraction mechanisms can be used to get the most juice from citrus fruits. Look for sturdy, ergonomic designs with ample leverage for effortless juicing. Another remedy drink I recommend is 1/4 teaspoon of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds steeped in a cup of boiled water for 10 minutes. Strain it with a small strainer (you can use a cup with a built-in strainer). This drink helps with water retention, removes excess salt from take-out foods, and supports gut health by reducing bloating and aiding digestion. The lemon squeezer I used was a plastic one to get out all the juice from the lemon.
Then, I suggest returning to your regular healthy eating schedule, including legumes, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins (plant-based or animal), carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods. Aim to drink plenty of water—about 4 liters—but if you’ve already consumed the teas, 3 to 3.5 liters should suffice.
It’s also a good idea to work out and get 20 minutes of sun exposure per day. Avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent burning; if you’re out longer, wear mineral sunscreen with SPF 30+. Avoid alcohol, get 8 hours of sleep, and try to go to bed by 10:00-10:30 PM, or whenever you feel tired.
Please try to spend less time on social media, as it can impact mental health. Consider meditating to help with stress, engage in conversations and relationships, and aim to learn something new daily. Following these guidelines can benefit your overall health, including mental, physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
