I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging, but, I had FLAWLESS skin while I was pregnant with Benny. And being that I was a "pizza face" in high school, that change meant more to me than words could describe. However, after giving birth and falling behind on my skin regimen, (as a result of getting into the groove of being a new mommy) my monthly breakouts returned. And they returned with a vengeance. After a few weeks of applying makeup only when necessary, the usage of a heaven sent purifying facial mask (#GiovanniD:tox), washing my face with a cleanser at least once a day (don't judge me) and remembering to drink lots of water, my skin is back to it's "mid-pregnancy glow". Now that I have it under control and my mind is able to think beyond diaper changes and feedings, I have been realizing my internal "system of things" haven't been functioning as they use to. For that reason, I want to do a full body detox. But that is easier said than done, when you're breast feeding.
"A detox diet is a great way to boost your liver and kidney function–the body’s natural detox agents. Most detox diets are too calorically restrictive for nursing women who need a minimum of 1,800 calories a day to maintain milk supply. If you’re breastfeeding you need solid foods to keep your energy elevated and to take care of your baby." Here are 10 foods that detox your body and cleanse your liver.
If your body needs to get the yuck out, add Brussels sprouts to your diet today. Brussels sprouts are high in sulfur, which helps to remove toxins from the blood. Eating a serving or two of Brussels sprouts daily will help sponge out toxins – whether they’re environmental or dietary.These little sprouts also boost glucosinolate, an antioxidant that forces the liver to release enzymes that block damage.
A fresh bulb of garlic. Don’t have any in your kitchen right now? You should. Here’s why…garlic is loaded with sulfur, a mineral that helps rid the body of toxins. Garlic has also been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Garlic has been used in the treatment of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and bacteria-related illnesses. Keep in mind, heating destroys many of the beneficial properties of garlic. If you can't stomach raw garlic, you can find it in capsule form in most grocery of health food stores.
Carrots are rich in glutathione, a protein that helps detoxify the liver. In addition to the detox properties, carrots contain good amounts of vitamin C, B6 and potassium. They also loaded with vitamin A and K, too! It's best to eat these raw. I love to eat them raw and roasted. I'm kind of a one trick pony when it comes to how I roast my veggies. Peel the carrots and cut both vertically and horizontally (as pictured above). Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil or coconut oil (that would be nice). Season with kosher salt and black pepper and add slices of garlic. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and the edges begin to brown at 425ยบ. It's one delicious trick.
Raw tomatoes do a great job detoxifying the liver, containing 169 milligrams of glutathione per serving. The benefits don't stop there. Tomatoes are famous for their lycopene content, which has been shown to protect against breast, skin and lung cancer. Eat tomatoes when they're fresh. Try with a little balsamic vinegar and sea salt.
Popeye's favorite, spinach, contains a whopping 166 milligrams of glutathione per serving when eaten raw. Cook it, and it all goes away. Spinach also contains twice as much energy-boosting iron as other leafy greens. Spinach has also gained a lot of attention as a cancer-fighter, too. Throw 2 handfuls of spinach in a blender with your favorite fruits and enjoy a smoothie.
Walnuts detox the liver and feed the brain! A good source of glutathione and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, a little bit of walnuts goes a long way. Why not sprinkle a few on a strawberry and spinach salad?
Avocados are another fruit rich in glutathione. This green goddess is also a good source of monounsaturated fats and has been shown to lower cholesterol levels when eaten regularly.
In addition to being great for the liver, asparagus is a great vegetable to eat raw when you're feeling bloated. Asparagus is a natural diuretic. I roast them just as I do the carrots.
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Grapefruit contains just over 70 milligrams of liver cleansing glutathione. Grapefruits also contain a special kind of pectin that has been shown to lower cholesterol like no other pectin-containing food. One whole grapefruit is about 80 calories, so enjoy with a cup of cottage cheese or plain yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon and you've got a great breakfast.
