Top 10 Foods To Help You Get In Shape For Summer

Summer is approaching; fresh fruits and vegetables are in season so it's a great time to nourish the body with foods to support your digestive system and liver in a gentle detox!

Avocados:

Avocados are amazing foods as they packed full of healthy fats, particularly the monounsaturated fat Omega 9, they contain most amino acids and is rich in vital nutrients Vitamin A, folate, choline, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Avocados are also an ideal snack as they help you feel fuller for longer and reduce sugar cravings!

Sunflower Seeds (milk):
Sunflower seeds are loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. They're a good source of protein, fibre, essential fatty acids, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, manganese, selenium, as well as, vitamin E and B’s. All nutrients needed to support the liver and aid detoxification.

Pomegranate Seeds / Juice:

The deep red colour of pomegranate seeds are due to the presence of Anthocyanin’s, a potent antioxidant that protects our body from DNA damage, inflammation, heart and diabetes. As well as boosting the immune system, pomegranate helps in intestinal cleansing and has detox benefits.

Pear:

Pears contain special phytonutrients, including anti-inflammatory flavonoids and powerful antioxidant polyphenols. A low sugar fruit, high in fibre to help ease constipation and provides high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K and boron.

Romaine lettuce:

A powerhouse leafy green often underestimated, but packed full of nutrients. Romaine lettuce contains more vitamin C than carrots, rich in B vitamins, vitamin K, essential fatty acids Omega 3, calcium and protein. This not so dark leafy green is also rich in minerals magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium and zinc. A nice leafy green to be added in a smoothie or juice instead of kale as this lettuce has a delicate flavour that is easily masked by fruit.

Lemons:

Lemons are wonderful a stimulant to the liver, stimulate bile production and help cleanse the kidneys. Warm water with a slice of lemon and fresh ginger in the morning is a prefect tea for a detox cleanse.

Garlic & Ginger:

Two herbs that have been used for centuries to aid digestion and cleanse the liver. Garlic acts as an antimicrobial in getting rid of harmful bacteria from the body while ginger helps in the detoxification process and soothing digestion, especially reducing the feeling of bloating and indigestion.

Turmeric:

Full of hundreds of beneficial compounds called curcuminoids and tumerones; turmeric helps to treat digestion and liver disorders. When we consume turmeric, it supports the liver process that helps to detox the blood, reduce inflammation, and prevent internal blood clotting.

Celery: 

A negative calorie food as it takes the body more calories to digest it than the calories it contains, is high in fibre, a natural diuretic and 95% water. Celery is a perfect food for weight loss and cleansing. Combine it with cucumber, pear, mint and lemon for a refreshing detox smoothie.

Cucumber:

With it’s high water content aiding the urinary system cucumbers help flush toxins from the body. Low in calorie and alkaline make this vegetable a must have in salads and smoothies.