We all go overboard with our sweet, salty, and fatty food intake sometimes. And then we pay for it in pounds gained, bodies overtaxed with toxins, mind, fog and lethargy.

To get back on track, you don’t need an expensive juice cleanse or extreme diet, you just need to get back into your clean eating routine. That said, I like to jump-start my detox process and energy with a few simple, homemade elixirs.

These beverages may not be cure-alls, and obviously should be taken with a balanced diet, but they can expedite your detoxification process and can help you feel better faster.

First Thing in the Morning: Lemon Water

This one is real simple. Lemon juice not only boosts your immune system, it aids in digestion, increases concentration, flushes the liver and kidneys, supports heart health, and can even help wounds to heal faster. In the case of getting back into a healthy routine, registered dietitian Natalie Olsen has found that lemon juice will help remove toxins.

For the most noticeable benefits try drinking this tangy mix first thing in the morning before breakfast.

Make Your Own

Step 1:  Pour 8 cups of water into a pitcher.

Step 2:  Wash and cut 2 organic lemons into slices.

Step 3:  Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before drinking.

Step 4:  Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Breakfast Time: Green Smoothie

A green smoothie will give you all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you need for the day without taxing your digestive system. Health, beauty and skincare advisor, Adonia Dennis suggests having a green smoothie as a meal replacement for breakfast.

This recipe offers a combination of iron and vitamin C, which is a powerful duo that will oxygenate your blood. And having a banana in your daily smoothie every morning is jam packed full of nutrients that will help with heart health, digestion, mood elevation and relaxation.

There are so many recipes for green smoothies. So, if you get bored of this one, you can easily change it up.

Make Your Own

Blend: One banana, 1 cup of frozen pineapple, 1 cup of spinach, 1 cup of water or coconut water.

Anytime: Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is easy to make at home, but you can also purchase it at the grocery store. I personally love the Yogi Tea Brand, but an even better version is to take fresh ginger, peel it, and boil it to gain the best medicinal effect.

According to Gehard Whitworth, a registered nurse specializing in cardiology, this tea has the power to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, fight respiratory problems, improve blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and relieve stress.

Make Your Own

Step 1:  Choose a ginger root that is firm, smooth and clean. (You can use the skin, but give the ginger a little scrub.)

Step 2:  Use about 1 Inch of ginger for one cup. Slice ginger thinly.

Step 3:  Bring water to a boil and pour over ginger in a mug.

Step 4: Let it seep for 10 minutes. Add honey or a slice of lemon for flavor.

Before Lunch & Dinner: Apple Cider Vinegar Shot

Now, I have to be honest, this doesn’t taste all that great, but the health benefits are so phenomenal that I’ve found it’s worth it.  ACV helps with weight loss, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood sugar levels, improves symptoms of diabetes, kills harmful bacteria and improves heart health. Kris Gunnars, a nutrition researcher, recommends using organic ACV with the “mother” (Braggs seems to the most popular option)

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Lisa Ormsby
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