Time to escape the world of Hollywood hunks and hotties and get back to reality!! As fun as watching the Oscars can be, it tends to lead most of us into a night….long night….of over indulgence! So…how do we get back on the wagon and start off our Monday morning feeling fabulous!? Well, don’t I have the solution for you?!? Monday’s can always be hard to ‘get back into the swing of things,’ especially when it comes to our diet; so I’ve devised a simple day full of healthy meals and tips to help you feel lighter! It starts the second you open your eyes……..

Detox Solution 1: Take a deep breath. Breathe in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth. It’s important to be conscious of your breathing. Inhaling oxygen nourishes and revitalizes our cells.

Detox Solution 2: Cleanse your liver. Start your morning with a warm glass of water and freshly squeezed lemon. This helps to eliminate toxins from your liver, improves bile flow, and aids the bowels in better, more efficient elimination.

Detox Solution 3: Eat a nourishing breakfast. Our body needs the right fuel in the morning, and it definitely doesn’t get that from sugary cereals or refined bagels! A protein shake or heart healthy oatmeal is a much better option to starting your day!

Heart Healthy Oatmeal Recipe:

Ingredients

1/2 cup steel cut oats

2 1/2 cups water

pinch of sea salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp goji berries

1 banana, sliced

1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp chopped almonds

1 tsp grade B maple syrup

Directions:

Bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in oats. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring often, for 35 to 40 minutes. Top with cinnamon, goji berries, banana, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. Drizzle with maple syrup.

Detox Solution 4: Stay hydrated! Be sure to bring a large glass bottle filled with filtered water with you to work. Add lemon slices, cucmber slices, or even throw in frozen berries! Anything to get you to drink your water! Water is part of every cell. It aids our metabolism, digestion, and improves elimination. Without enough water, we can become constipated, which will effect how we eliminate toxins in the first place! So drink up!

Detox Solution 5: Snack time! This is the perfect time to increase our fruit intake. Fruit of choice- APPLES!! The amazing pectin, an indigestible, soluble fiber, that apples contain; help to maintain great digestive health and keep us regular. Pectin is also great at lowering cholesterol, so eat up!

Detox Solution 6: Lunchtime! Time to load up on veggies and protein, and a large spinach tahini bean salad, will do just the trick! Not only is this salad full of fiber and protein, but spinach contains loads of minerals and antioxidants!

Spinach Tahini Bean Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups spinach

1/2 cup cucumber- cubed

1/2 cup pepper (red/green/orange/yellow)- chopped

1/2 cup tomato- chopped

1 cup white kidney beans (if canned, be sure to rinse and drain)

Dressing:

1 glove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon

1-2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp sesame butter (tahini)

Directions:

Mix veggies together and top with white beans.

Dressing- Whisk together all ingredients and drizzle over salad.

Detox Solution 7: Get Moving! Head outdoors and take in the fresh air! A quick 15-20 minute walk is truly invigorating! It’s keeps our blood flowing, strengthens our heart and doesn’t require any fancy gym equipment!

Detox Solution 8: Dinner! Something light and easy. Baked Salmon with veggies! Salmon is loaded with heart healthy fats and a great source of protein to keep you satisfied. This recipe serves two.

Ingredients:

2 glove garlic, minced

2-3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp dried basil

1 tbsp fresh parsley

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 6oz salmon filets

Directions:

In a medium glass bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt and pepper. Add salmon and leave to marinade for 30mins- 1hr.

Preheat oven to 375. Place salmon in foil and cover with marinade. Seal foil tightly. Bake in oven for approx 20-25 mins, or until easily flaked with a fork. Serve alongside your choice of veggies. You can steam, roast or sautee your veggies.

Detox Solution 9: Evening herbal tea. Nothing with caffeine of course! A chamomile tea would do just fine to ease you into the perfect state of relaxation so you can drift blistfully off to sleep!

Detox Solution 10: Early to bed! Sleep is so important for cell renewal and regeneration. Getting to bed at a decent time, (ie. Before 11pm!) is beneficial for heart health, liver health, metabolism, and will improve our performance the following day.

And there you have it! I’m feeling light and fabulous already!