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Are you in need of a new year refresh, but daunted by complicated or expensive detox programmes? Instead, try these six simple tips from nutritionist, Zoe Sterling, to help cleanse, refresh and re-energise your body this January!

Brush your body
Skin brushing can stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps to take waste products away from the tissues. You’ll need a skin brush preferably made from natural vegetable bristles, which are soft and gentle on the skin. Brush all over your body once a day before a bath or shower, making sure to brush towards the heart.

Reach for the greens
Eat two to three servings a day of fresh green vegetables, which contain an abundance of nutrients that support natural detoxification. Brassica veg such as broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts are fantastic as they’re also rich in nutrients called glucosinolates, which boost detoxification in the liver. For an extra detox whammy – or if you struggle to reach that green veg quota – add a green superfood powder to your water or into a drink each day such as Pukka Clean Greens.

Get dressed up
Make your own salad dressing. Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar are two great detox-supporting ingredients: add either (or both) to olive oil, shake it up and pour over your salad. And don’t forget the benefits of the salad itself – full of fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants and low in calories.

Put the kettle on
Sip on cleansing herbal teas that can help your body declutter the stuff it doesn’t need. Pukka’s Cleanse tea  contains nettle and dandelion, which are traditionally chosen to help  ‘spring clean’ your insides from within, supporting the liver and kidneys to eliminate waste and enhancing overall digestive health.

Sweat it out
It might be freezing outside, but if you can get your cardio on the go it will do wonders for your detox. Exercise that increases sweating helps eliminate toxins through the skin and will boost your circulation too. To replace your fluids, forget expensive and sugary sports drinks, make your own healthy alternative by mixing a cup of good quality coconut water, a pinch of sea salt and a quarter-teaspoon of powdered vitamin C.

Go Swedish Style.
Like exercise, a sauna encourages sweating to eliminate toxins. Perfect if you’re having a rest day from the gym, or just looking for a more relaxing way to detox. There’s no need to foot the bill for a fancy spa day – the sauna at your local gym is fine! If you’re feeling brave, switch between the sauna and a cold shower to stimulate your circulation. And take extra care to hydrate properly.

words by Zoe Sterling

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