Sue Hardman

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Goji Berry is a Superfood. Try these Recipes

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Goji Berry – the Chinese superfood

The Goji Berry has grow in popularity for it amazing health benefits. There are some amazingly effortless ways to enjoy this Asian fruit, it’s available fresh, dried or in juice form. I’m going to give you a run down on the Goji Berry and why you should add them to your die, along with some super simple recipes.

With the addition of Goji Berries in your diet you’ll experience the following health benefits:- cholesterol control, anti-aging, heart protection, stress lowering, improving digestion, protecting the brain, protecting your liver, increases sleep quality and these are only SOME of the benefits. No wonder it’s called a superfood.

In fact, I recommended a friend add this superfood to her diet as she was lacking energy and struggling to fall pregnant with her second child. She needed a tonic boost and the addition of goji berry helped. She fell pregnant quite quickly after that – there’s no proof it was the goji! So, if you’re looking for a pick-me-up to boost energy, immunity try this fruit – it has more Vitamin C than oranges. Remember, stress reduces vitamin C and reduces immunity.

goji berry superfoodMost goji berry recipes are simple and require little to no cooking whatsoever. It’s such a versatile fruit that it can be adapted and incorporated into most recipes that call for dried fruits.

You can simply throw a few of these berries into your salads, just as you would dried cranberries or raisins. Stir goji berries into your favourite yoghurt with some muesli for a super healthy breakfast.

A simple rule to use when using goji berries, is to replace raisins or cranberries with Goji Berries. It’s just that simple.  Try putting them into your chicken or duck marinade, or add goji juice. Many people use raisins and dried cranberries in rice dishes, so why not add goji berries instead?

Here are some of my favorite recipes to incorporate Goji Berries into your diet:

Kids -icles/icecream

Goji fruit and juice can be frozen to make an excellent and healthy dessert or treat on a hot day. There are some great goji berry recipes for kids, including simple goji-cicles.

Just pour goji juice into an ice cube tray, and stick toothpicks or paddle sticks in to serve as popsicle sticks.

You can also make chewy goji bars. Take your usual recipe for fruit and nut bars and add goji berries to the mixture.

Goji Elixir – Energy Booster

Add one handful of Goji Berries into a big glass of hot or cold water, juice or herb tea , and let them sit and hydrate for 3-5 minutes (they become plump and juicy) or put several handfuls in a pitcher and enjoy all day as you drink your own delicious elixir.

Chewing the Gojis as you drink is a great experience and with 500 times more Vitamin C by weight then Oranges, It’s a great pick-me-up between meals and the most delightful way to enjoy a glass of water.

Goji Fruit Smoothie

For a unique experience in phytonutrient energy that you feel throughout your body as a buoyant lift that fills you with joy and feeds you right down to a cellular level.

Blend together equal amounts of Goji Berries, blueberries, cherries, apples, raspberries and blackberries. Put in a blender for a few seconds, add a cup of water, rice milk, or orange juice for easier blending. To add a special touch, dust the top of juice with cinnamon or cocoa powder and a light sprinkle of chopped pine nuts and serve.

Buckwheat Oats with Goji Berries

For people who struggle with wheat allergies and gluten intolerance, buckwheat is an ideal food. Most people who suffer from physical and emotional challenges find that removing wheat and other gluten containing foods from their diet makes a profound difference in how they think and feel.

Buckwheat has plenty of protein and B vitamins, and is rich in phosphorus, potassium, iron, and calcium. Although buckwheat has many grain-like characteristics, it is from an entirely different botanical family, and is actually a fruit. Since buckwheat is unrelated to the classic cereal grains, those who are allergic to wheat can tolerate buckwheat. It is also delicious!

To make a serving for two people: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, slowly stir in 1 cup of Cream of Buckwheat, return to boil. Add a handful of Goji Berries per person. A dash of good quality salt is optional. Reduce heat to low, simmer 10 minutes stirring frequently.

Goji Recipes on the Go

Pure and Simple Goji Trail Mix

Goji trail mix for example, involves just throwing goji berries in with other dried fruits and grains for a delicious on the go snack. Simple.

Mix up a combination of goji berries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pecans, small amount of pine nuts, walnut pieces, dried blueberries, apples slices, cherries, peaches, pineapple, and a small amount of coconut shreds.

Boost your energy and up your Vitamin C, give this small powerhouse fruit a go.

Chocolate – Is A Superfood (so it’s good for you)

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Chocolate. Yes it is good for you and here’s why!

Cacao or raw chocolate has been used in South America for centuries for its healthy benefits and energising properties.

Cacao is the dried seed from a South American tree and which is used to make cocoa, chocolate or cocoa butter. Cacao contains many of the same health benefits of the dark green leafy vegetables, however it all depends on a few key things; like how it’s prepared, how you eat it or what you eat it with.

Why is Raw Chocolate good for you?

raw chocolate superfoodRaw cacao beans are full of flavonoids that act as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from ageing and disease caused by free radicals. Raw cacao contains up to four times the antioxidants of traditional cocao powder.

Scientists from Cornell University in the US recently discovered that raw cacao contains nearly twice the antioxidant content of red wine and up to three times the antioxidant content of green tea.

Benefits

These are the amazing benefits of good quality raw chocolate:

  • It’s a top food source of antioxidants.
  • Top source of magnesium – nature’s tranquilliser for helping you deal with stress.
  • Contains the compound that scientists believe is released when you’re in love (Phenylethylamine) – now we all need more of that!
  • Boosts serotonin & endorphins – improves your mood and the feel good emotions.
  • Supports good heart health, helps lower blood pressure and it reduces inflammation – i.e. stops ageing read more about that here

Avoid this chocolate!

Commercial chocolate (bars, sweets etc.) is usually roasted to high temperatures that ends up destroying all the goodness – the anti-oxidants, enzymes and nutrients whereas raw chocolate is not heated above 45°C to maintaining it’s health benefits.

Store bought chocolate bars also mostly contain a lot of sugar and milk which if you don’t know all the negative effects that sugar has on your weight, your skin and ageing then read more here.

The lower the cocoa content in the chocolate bar or sweet the lower the antioxidant level e.g. A 75% cacao bar has approx. 25% sugar.

Uses

Cacao powder is finely ground and easy to add to recipes or smoothies, homemade energy balls and raw chocolate cakes.

The cons

You can have too much of a good thing.  Raw cacao is a stimulant, contains some caffeine and can over stimulate the nervous system, especially if you are sensitive. Don’t consume more than four heaped teaspoons a day.

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE RECIPES

Raw Chocolate Nut Smoothie – Energiser

raw chocolate smoothie

½ cup almonds

2 cups dairy alternative milk i.e. rice milk or coconut milk

2 medjool dates

1 teaspoon raw organic cacao powder

1 banana (frozen if desired)

Directions

Place all ingredients into your blender and mix until smooth and enjoy!

Chocolate & Kale Smoothie – Hormone Balancing

chocolate and kale smoothie

  • 1 cup coconut, hemp, or almond milk1 frozen banana1 cup of kale3 tablespoons cacao nib1 tablespoon raw cacao powder 5-6 ice cubes

Directions

Throw all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.

Healthy Chocolate Bar Recipe

raw chocolate nut square

-2 cups of mixed nuts, seeds and dried fruit- 1/2 cup of coconut oil- 1/2 cup of cocoa powder- 1 tablespoon raw honey

Directions

Chop nuts into smaller pieces.Mix all ingredients together, flatten in a baking tray and refrigerate a minimum of 4 hours.Cut into squares.Store in a refiergate.

To help you get started on your journey to better health, you can start with one of the free resources, whether you’re looking for help with your digestion or gut, choose the first free guide or if you need more energy then be sure to choose the  guide to Endless Energy All the resources on this page  are FREE for you to download.

What Stage Are you In? Flat, Exhausted or Chronically Fatigued?

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A bit of back story here. When my son was born, I was studying to be a Naturopath at the same time, and with the added pressure of being a new mum, staying on top of my course, and throw in a new baby that didn't want to sleep - I ended up with hyperthyroidism, 'adrenal fatigue' or what is now referred to as adrenal dysfunction.

Fortunately, for me I had access and help from health experts through my course, to help me manage my exhaustion and get through those early years. I have been there and can relate to working women who are looking to regain and restore their energy levels.

If you’re feeling a tired or flat.....you don’t have the energy to do all those things you want to do – You’d planned to come up with new ideas for your business, be super productive ticking off your daily to-do-list, make changes to your eating habits, get fit, lose weight………… 

BUT what if you don't feel like it because you just don’t have the necessary energy or motivation to do all those things? You're just feeling flat, tired and unmotivated BUT everyone thinks you've got it together - You’re not alone, way too many women feel this way.

Yes, it's all very well that people say, ‘just do it’, or get organised and have a plan so you can get more sh*t done. 

Coffee’s not going to do it, it usually makes things worse, it’s a small energy boost that usually leads to an energy crash later and a serious knock-on effect to a poor nights sleep.

Fatigue can be a silent struggle that others may not fully understand.  

How others may see you:

  • From the outside, they might see someone who just appears to be lacking enthusiasm.
  • Or they might not notice anything wrong at all.
  • They don’t understand the constant battle you face and the impact it has on your daily life. 

What you’re feeling:

  • Inside, you’re fighting just to get through the day.
  • You arrive at work with brain fog and extreme exhaustion, even though you woke up a few hours ago.
  • By the end of the day, you’re too tired to cook, play with the kids, or do some simple self-care, even though you really need it.

What Stage Are you In? Flat, Exhausted or Chronically Fatigued?

Are you experiencing afternoon slumps, feeling tired all day, “burnt out,” “run down” or “worn out.” Apparently for no apparent reason!

The Role of Stress & Your Flagging Energy Levels.

Your tiny adrenal glands have many responsibilities, including responding to stress and the situations that cause it. They give us the energy and strength for “fight or flight” in crisis situations by pumping adrenaline and cortisol throughout the body to mobilise resources for this effort. It’s what helped keep us alive for millennia.

The most common health issues arising from long term stress. Having elevated cortisol has an effect on your blood sugar, insulin, blood pressure, immune function, gut health, sex hormones, sleep, mood, memory, cell growth and repair, digestion and thyroid function.

How To Recognise If Your Adrenals Have Become Dysregulated

More than 3-5 symptoms indicate that you are likely to have a problem with dysregulated adrenal function.

  • A feeling you’re constantly racing from one task to the next?
  • Feeling wired yet tired?
  • A second wind that keeps you up late?
  • Difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep?
  • A feeling of anxiety or nervousness—can’t stop worrying about 
things beyond your control?
  • A quickness to feel anger or rage?
  • Memory lapses or feeling distracted, especially under duress?
  • Sugar cravings (you need “a little something” after each meal, usually of the chocolate variety)?
  • Dreaded abdominal fat, or muffin top—not bloating?
  • Skin conditions such as eczema or thin skin?
  • Bone loss?
  • High blood pressure or rapid heartbeat?
  • High blood sugar?

There are two big problems in our modern world:

#1: Your body can’t detect the difference between life-threatening danger (tiger chasing you) versus when you feel mentally or emotionally stressed (running late), your body reacts exactly the same way – releasing cortisol.

#2: Today’s stress is continuous — perhaps relentless. Fight-or-flight situations are supposed to be short lived, giving your body the chance to recover from the negative effects of cortisol and adrenaline. The constant stress means your adrenal glands must work overtime to keep up.

When scientists measure stress, they find that stress is a function of both demands and control: the greater the demands on you and the lower your control over the outcomes, the higher your stress.

A challenging job, constantly juggling, worrying, taking care of children or elderly parents, skimpy sleep, eating poorly, over-or under-exercising, living in a troubled relationship — are all common examples of high-demand, low-control situations that many women are experiencing.

What is the downward spiral from being worn out, then burnout and finally adrenally fatigue? 

Stage 1: Wired and tired

This starts of when you feel wired most of the time, due to an extended release of adrenaline and cortisol in response to a high stress load. You may even think you’re handling everything just fine because it feels as if you’re getting so much done.

Further down the line, as your normal daily cortisol cycle continues to be disrupted by trying to manage more and more stress, you can become both wired and tired.

Stage 2: Stressed and tired

This is the phase you say you feel so wiped out that you can’t get out of bed in the morning, but when it’s time to go to sleep at night, you’re wide awake for hours.

Stage 3: Burnout

The final stage of chronic exhaustion, is when you feel tired all the time, with no energy at all. At this point, cortisol levels decline drastically as the natural rhythms between the brain and the adrenal glands become so disrupted that the adrenal glands stop functioning normally.

At this point, women feel truly exhausted and find it difficult to carry out even simple daily activities.

Emma, a 40 year old full-time working mom with two kids. She works a full day and has no help at home, she pretty much does everything herself!

On the weekends, between her kids’ extra-curricular sports and activities, she rarely has time to relax.  When she goes on holiday, they're more like sightseeing missions than an actual time to rest.

Initially, Emma felt like she could handle her busy, stressful life as she felt motivated and energised. But as time went by, the feeling of being able to handle things started to diminish.

Getting to sleep at night became more difficult as she often felt 'tired but wired'. She began waking up early in the morning, around 3-4am, and found herself unable to fall back asleep. Mornings became challenging as she often woke feeling unrested, even when she did sleep 8 or 9 hours.

She started to experience blood sugar crashes. She found that she needed to eat more frequently and often craved salt and sweets. She also noticed she was starting to gain weight around her abdomen even though she hadn’t done anything to change her diet. Exercise, which once helped her feel good, now made her feel exhausted.

As things started to deteriorate, life was no longer easy to manage. Work now easily overwhelmed her, and she had little energy for her family or friends.

Can you relate?

This is a common experience. What Emma has going on is Adrenal Fatigue or HPA axis dysfunction.

Stress-driven cortisol levels cause all sorts of issues over time, including:

  • suppressing the immune system
  • raising blood sugar
  • ruining sleep-wake cycles
  • wrecking digestion

Stress can be a killer because it is a driving factor in most major chronic diseases. It raises the rates of everything from unhealthy weight gain and hypothyroidism to early aging, heart disease and cancer.


If your goal is to kick burnout for good in 2024, then you need a holistic strategy.

A strategy that accounts for the myriad ways that stress impacts your mind AND your body.

Quitting your job won’t cut it.
One or two yoga classes a week won’t cut it either.


Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your hormones, your gut, and your nervous system. 


You need to establish your top stressors and deal with them, they’re usually not as obvious as you think.


You likely need to do a little fine-tuning of your diet. More foods with the nutrients you need. Less foods that irritate your gut and cause inflammation and wild blood sugar (read: energy & mood) swings.

On the other hand you probably need to make some shifts in your daily life. You need solid but simple routines that keep you grounded, make you more resilient to stress, and fuel you with energy- while not completely disrupting your life.

You may need to take stock of what’s draining your energy and be more discerning with your “Yes’s” and “No’s”.


You can do this. Not overnight, but I promise it’s possible!

Final Word

Stress and the effect it has on your adrenal issues, is the root of many hormone imbalance. There are many ways to support your adrenal health — from targeted supplements to key lifestyle changes.

If you suspect that you have adrenal issues, consider working with professional.

As you head in a healthier direction, you’ll feel stronger and more resilient, and your life will change for the better.



Are you allergic, hungover? Does your liver need more support?

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Tips to use to reduce the effects of alcohol.

If you’re one of those people that suffers a little after a drink or two, by following a few of these guidelines and supporting your liver you can reduce the effects of alcohol and make your recovery a lot quicker.

Avoiding alcohol is the obvious recommendation, however there are ways you can include preparation and prevention, especially when it's the holidays and the season for celebrating.

Maybe you're allergic, not hungover?

If you follow all these tips and your hangovers are still terrible then you might find that you’re allergic or sensitive to the yeast in beer, a certain type of grape or the sulphites in wine. 

It’s a good idea to consciously choose which alcohol suits you better and avoid the pain or using a process of elimination!!

Alcohol can cause the stomach lining to feel inflamed, and you can find out more about inflammation, it’s effects and how to mange it.

Before and during the event: -

Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Plan ahead!! Always eat a meal before drinking to reduce the risk of inflammation from alcohol. 

  • You’ve probably heard this before …. water is essential, have a glass of water with each alcoholic drink it dilutes the alcohol, speeds up elimination and stops dehydration.
    • TOP TIP – take a teaspoon of glutamine in water before a night out to protect your gut it can really make a difference for some. Or you can try slippery elm powder, it’s a traditional herbal remedy that helps protect, soothe and heal inflamed mucous membranes, including those lining the throat, stomach and digestive tract. mix a teaspoon of slippery elm powder with yoghurt, or mash into a banana.  
    • Don’t mix your drinks make it a wine night or a spirit night. In general, the less colourants and additives you add to your drinks the better try and keep it clear i.e. white wine, vodka or gin. It is of course an individual thing so get to know your body and which one has least effect on you.

    • Take the herb Milk thistle it protects and detoxifies the liver. 

    • Take N-Acetyl-Cysteine NAC – is an amino acid that will increase glutathione (the master antioxidant) - helping your liver to break alcohol.  It's found in poultry, oats, dairy, garlic, onions and brussels sprouts, although higher amounts may be needed to provide optimal support following alcohol consumption.  Take 25 – 50mg daily throughout the festive season.  You can also take NAC in higher amounts 30 minutes before you have a drink to help reduce the toxic effects of alcohol.

    • Magnesium - an essential mineral, is easily depleted by alcohol.  It has anti-inflammatory effects thereby helping to reduce symptoms of a heartaches and hangovers.  Supplement daily with 25 – 50mg magnesium to keep sufficient levels.

    • B Vitamins - Alcohol depletes B vitamins, at the same time they're essential to help clear it from the body.  Supplement with a B complex.

    • When you get home: -
      • With a large glass of water – take another milk thistle, Vitamin C, B Complex and either fish oils or evening primrose oil.
      • Eat something to help replace nutrients like mixed fruit juice, smoothies, or a slice of toast with peanut butter.
      • Take a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a glass of water with some lemon juice. This helps to alkalise the acidity in your body caused by drinking, and fight symptoms of your hangover.

    Next Day:-

    • Replace lost electrolytes.  Keep coconut water handy, it rehydrates the body more effectively than water due to the electrolytes in it. Dehydration is one of the primary causes of headaches, especially hangover headaches.

    • Make your own Rehydration ‘morning after’ Drink - ½ lemon, pinch of salt, a teaspoon of honey to water helps replace the sodium and glycogen lost the night before. The likes of tea and coffee will just further dehydrate you. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon and add the salt and honey, with a splash of hot water from the kettle, and mix until the salt and honey are dissolved, top up with cold water and drink immediately.

    Breakfast Cures

    • Avoid the traditional fry up – the cooked fats are difficult to digest and hard on the liver, your body does not need additional work whilst it’s trying to heal itself. Rather, opt for a breakfast which contains foods that will help repair the damage.
    • Poached eggs on wholegrain toast, with onions and beans help support liver pathways, breakdown toxins and elimination. Egg yolks contain large amounts of cysteine, which breaks down acetaldehyde, one of the culprits behind a hangover
    • Porridge with chopped banana is a good hangover food as both contain crucial B vitamins which help reduce the stress your body is under. The banana will also help restore lost potassium.
    • Fruit Smoothie made up from natural yogurt, banana and berries is a great hangover cure because dairy is another good source of cysteine and works well paired with high vitamin C fruit. 
    • A freshly home-made juice containing apple, carrot and beet root with added ginger. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are a rich source of natural antioxidants, providing your body with a much-needed antioxidant hit.

    Although exercise may be the last thing you want to do, however gentle exercise - like yoga or walking will help stimulate circulation, get your brain functioning and encourage the release of happy endorphins that tend to be low the morning after the night before, also known as the ‘alcohol blues’.

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    Disclaimer: The advice in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a qualified, licensed professional, please consult your medical doctor if you have persistent symptoms.

     

    Milk thistle – the best liver loving herb!

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    Milk thistle is most often considered a weed, however it’s uses as a medicinal herb far exceed this.

    Although the use of  milk thistle goes back as far as Dioscorides who used it for snake bite (Mills and Bone, 2000 p. 554), the seeds have been used for centuries in mainland Europe in treating mostly liver disorders.

    The Eclectics in the U.S. also used it for the spleen, liver and kidneys and liver diseases in Pakistan and Bulgaria (Morgan, 2005 p.1). The plant is edible and the stalk and young leaves were often eaten as a salad.

    What is milk thistle good for?

    Milk thistle is an excellent antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used to detoxify the liver.Milk Thistle

    The active ingredient, silybum marianum is a flavonoid that when used as an extract or in supplement form has cell regenerating benefits. 

    Milk thistle is a true liver tonic and is a powerful detoxifier, and it boosts protective antioxidant levels in your liver cells.

    Milk thistle seeds are especially useful to detoxify and support your liver whenever you are exposed to chemicals in your drinking water or beauty products, alcohol, pesticides in your food, or prescription medications as it has been shown to decrease and even reverse damage to your liver.

    The liver performs many essential functions in your body including:

    – acting as a “blood purifier,” cleaning your blood continuously
    – detoxifying and removing harmful substances
    – it aids in hormone production
    – releases glucose giving your body energy
    – releases bile into your small intestine so fat can be absorbed from foods

    How does milk thistle protect your liver?

    It prevents tissue scarring and toxins from binding to the cells found in your liver membrane. It also stimulates protein synthesis in the liver, helping with the formation and growth of healthy new cells by inhibiting inflammatory chemicals in your liver (Thamsborg et al., 1996).

    When your liver is overwhelmed it can create various symptoms like PMS, irritability, skin itching, heat sensations, digestive problems, bitter taste in the mouth, fatigue, headaches (hangovers) and the tendency to react negatively to some drugs or herbs.

    So if your liver isn’t functioning properly you can see where all the problems can start!

    In European hospitals it has been used when someone has taken the death cap toadstool (Amanita phalloides), due to it’s ability to reverse toxic liver damage and protect against toxic liver agents.

    Milk thistle’s (Silymarin) also has numerous other benefits.

    1. It’s been is associated with decreasing the risk for cancer by boosting the immune system, fighting DNA damage and reversing tumor growth.

    2. Supports heart health and helps to lower cholesterol levels by reducing inflammation, cleaning your blood and preventing oxidative stress in the arteries.

    3. It has been reported through clinical studies that the antioxidants, can help control symptoms of diabetes by decreasing blood sugar levels in insulin-resistant patients.

    4. Helps to purify the body of metabolic waste, thereby regulating the function of the gallbladder, kidney and spleen.

    5. Studies show that phytochemicals, like those found in silymarin of milk thistle, are effective at inhibiting UV stress on the skin.

    6. The antioxidants help prevent free radical damage throughout the body and remove pollutants and waste from the blood and digestive tract, it can actually slow the aging process – on the surface of your skin and within your organs.

    Girl having lunchIn Summary
    Milk thistle is considered a true liver tonic as it is used for treating true liver conditions like hepatitis and cirrhosis.

    The antioxidants in milk thistle are known to protect the liver from toxins, including the effects of chemicals and alcohol.

    Not only has milk thistle (silybum marianum) been found to increase glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that is crucial for liver detoxification), it may reverse liver damage and help to regenerate liver cells by stimulating the growth of healthy new cells.

    Clinical applications of milk thistle include:-

    When clients need liver support I also like to combine milk thistle with other herbs like dandelion root, gotu kola or turmeric root to create a liver tonic which heals, repairs, detoxifies and gently stimulates the liver.

    Serious skin conditions, hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, ischemic injury, radiation toxicity, and viral hepatitis.

    Safety

    Very safe, occasional digestive upset. Use cautiously (consult your physician) if taking specific drugs which require adequate blood levels, such as cardiac glycosides or cyclosporine.

    DOSAGE:

    • Concentrated standardized silymarin capsules (70-210 mg): one to two pills, two to three times per day

    Something else to consider: Is your body trying to tell you something? Do you often look & feel tired, have dark circles under your eyes, or wake up feeling sluggish?

    Because Toxins are unavoidable, maybe your body needs a cleanse. So every once in a while it’s a good idea remove them with the structure and support of a fresh food detox!

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    Disclaimer: The advice in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a qualified, licensed professional, please consult your medical doctor Consult a qualified herbalist  if you have persistent symptoms.

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    8 Simple Ways To Support Your Body’s Daily Detox Processes – it doesn’t have to be extreme!

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    The idea of doing a detox has been around in healing traditions for hundreds of years from the North American Indians to Eastern Ayurvedic therapy.

    These days you have a huge choice of detox diets they can vary in their complexity, expense, deprivation or difficulty. You might choose to do a retreat, a no food juice-only diet or buy yourself a complete detox kit (£169++) that could include a suggested diet and a variety of powders, teas or pills to take.

    Personally I prefer to incorporate simple detoxing or cleansing into my daily routine.

    These are some easy guidelines to follow EVERY DAY to make your BODY healthier and put less pressure on your digestive system. This way your body can cleanse out the toxins without you having to follow an extreme detox routine.

    8 WAYS TO DETOX DAILY:

    1) Water
    Drink water (hot or warm) first thing each morning. Squeeze ½ an organic lemon/lime into a cup to cleanse and purify your digestive system. You can also add grated ginger if you like, especially if you feel like you’re getting a cold.

    Drink 8 glasses of water daily to flush toxins out of your system, add herbal teas or foods with a high water content like watermelon or cucumber.

    2) Green Juice – this is the best detox ever

    Make sure you have a juicer.

    RECIPE IDEA – If you like certain green vegetables then add them, even if it’s not on this list. You can add an apple for taste, don’t go OTT with fruit. Ideally the ingredients should be organic:
    – 1 stalk celery
    – 1/4 head of lettuce (romaine or whatever you can get)
    – 1/4 bunch of spinach/ kale/ or ALL (if you like)
    – 1 whole lemon or lime
    – 1 apple / or 1 pear
    – small bunch of parsley
 /and or small bunch of cilantro (if you like the taste, it is a very good herbal detoxifier).
    – 10cm Ginger root
    – 1 beetroot (great for cleansing blood and removing toxins from digestive system)
    – 2 large carrots
    – 1/2 cup of water.

    Adjust according to taste and personal preference.

    OPTIONAL add a teaspoon of ‘Green Superfood Powder‘ if want an extra detoxifying boost.
         Click on this image to order you’re own bottle of Super Greens

    3) Green Genius
    Eat as many green veggies, daily, as possible (celery, parsley, kelp, spinach, broccoli…)

    4) Herbal Helpers
    Drink organic detox teas like fennel, milk thistle and dandelion they are great for cleansing the liver and kidneys.

    5) Chew your food!
    Sit down with your meal and try to chew your food properly. It doesn’t cost anything and you’re body can expend it’s energy detoxing and cleansing you, instead of processing un-chewed food.

    6) Exercise
    Even 10 mins COUNTS! Make a date with yourself otherwise exercise can slip to the bottom of your to do list. A simple thing like skipping or dancing can immediately make a difference, you’ll have greater energy and you’ll feel more positive.

    7) Eat Apples
    There is so much truth in the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. Apples are one of the best natural cleansers they are rich in natural fibre that binds with toxins and clears them out.

    8) …. oh that reminds me… SLEEP! That’s yet another great tip for ‘detoxing’, your body cleanses while asleep! So make sure you get 7-8 hours of decent sleep every night.

    I know this list may seem daunting to do, what I suggest is that you start by adding one of these ideas to your life every week and before you know it they’ll be part of your lifestyle.

    If some of these concepts are new to you, then even one little change in your lifestyle can make a big difference.

    If you want you want to know how you can be a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself – by having more energy everyday,  improving your mood, having better digestion and getting you’re hormones under control –  any queries or questions, need help then please do drop me a quick email sue@suehardman.com