Candra Reynolds runs a healthy food blog called Wife of a Grocer, and her husband Brad McMullen owns and operates Summerhill Market in Toronto.
Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner? There are so many things that happen to us mentally and physically over the holidays; they are busy, emotional and well let’s face it, toxifying. The holiday grind is often full of eating rich foods, desserts, alcohol overload and stress. Yes, stress is the real deal and it diverts your internal energy from the detox process to the “fight or flight” response your body is creating. Detoxing when your body is stressed, is like insisting on having a cup of tea on Christmas eve knowing you haven’t started your holiday gift shopping. Sounds impossible right? Here are some food tips to help your body detox during the mad holiday rush.
Food detox tip #1
Eat your artichokes. Really? Yes, artichokes. There are antioxidants found in artichokes, that help boost bile production which ultimately increases the detoxification that naturally happens in the body. Artichokes are also a rich source of dietary fibre and we all know that fibre really is the holiday angel to digestive elimination. So, keep your artichokes close…then eat them! Don’t know how to eat them? I have you covered. Simply cut off the stem of the artichoke, place in a pot with a couple inches of water, boil for 30-45 mins (depending on size), serve on a plate with butter for dipping. Important tip: only eat the very small fleshy bottom of the leaf and it’s a great appetizer!
Food detox tip #2
Eat or drink your wheatgrass. I have a strong affection for wheatgrass and its results on my energy and general well being. Wheatgrass has many soldiers working for you but the one I’m going to focus on is Chlorophyll. Yes, you can get chlorophyll from many leafy greens, but 70% of wheatgrass is chlorophyll! Chlorophyll purifies the blood and detoxifies the liver by stimulating the enzymes that help in the elimination process. How do I eat wheatgrass? I buy it fresh off the shelf and put it into a green smoothie each morning. Here’s what’s in it: wheatgrass, celery, apples, kale, hemp seeds and water. Try it out during the holidays, it’s sure to boost your energy and help your body naturally recover!
Food detox tip #3
Eat your cabbage. Break out your Grandmother’s coleslaw recipe, not only is this the best back-up salad to have in the fridge during the holidays but cabbage will also do your liver wonders. Here’s what you need to know, cabbage contains sulphur which is the most important element for detoxification in the body. Sulphur promotes synthesis of bile and liver detoxification, including detoxification of excess hormones. Not to mention, your grandmother will be full of love because you used her recipe!
I have a final tip on stress: no present given (or not given) will define your relationship. A meal served late welcomes more socializing so if you are just too exhausted to cook a holiday dinner, I know someone you can call!
Summerhill Market has been de-stressing families for years by providing holiday meals prepared with real ingredients and all the fixings. The best part? No one will ever know it wasn’t you doing all the work.
Happy Holidays!
Explore Summerhill Market‘s unique food shopping experience at any one of the following locations:
Annex location, 1014 Bathurst St., Toronto,
Rosedale location, 446 Summerhill Ave., Toronto
Sherwood location, 1054 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Toronto