The goal of detoxing is to eliminate toxins in the body. Toxins are unusable products resulting from the metabolism of nutrients, pollutants, pesticides, food additives, medical drugs and alcohol. A true detox doesn’t require fasting or flushing your colon clean, instead it’s finding ways to boost your body’s own natural detoxification system to rid itself of harmful toxins.

Just follow these five easy detox fixes from Registered Dietitian Ashley Koff to clean-up your diet and your health:

Eat organic. Reduce the toxins you take in by choosing organic foods that contain no artificial ingredients or synthetic preservatives and are GMO-free. Jumpstart your day with delicious Nature’s Path Flax Plus(R) Pumpkin Flax Granola that is rich in flax seeds and high in fiber.

Power up with plants. Phyto (plant) nutrients such as antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, spices, whole grains, nuts and seeds create your bodies clean up team. Eat more and let them naturally help clean up your digestive system.

Follow the rainbow. Variety is essential to a healthy diet, and it is important to add a rainbow of colorful, spices and blends of grains, seeds and nuts to your diet.

Find fiber. In order to eliminate toxins through our body’s digestive tract, we need to eat foods rich in fiber and nourish good bacteria it is also important to choose foods that contain nutrients like magnesium that support healthy motility of the digestive tract and bitter herbs which help stimulate the digestive tract.

Nourish with nutrients. Our internal detoxification system needs the right nutrients to nourish our bodies. Add healthy and good-for-you foods such as, broccoli, garlic, leeks, sesame seeds, greens and beans to your diet to boost your energy level and cleanse your body at the same time.

Finally, detox foods can be delicious as they are nutritious. Check out this fiber-rich recipe that is sure to have your friends and family asking for seconds.

Roasted Squash with Crunchy Pumpkin Topping

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour

Serves 6

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup Nature’s Path Flax Plus(R) Pumpkin Flax Granola
• 1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
• 1 large butternut squash (about 3 lb.), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

Mix together Pumpkin Flax Granola, bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, ¼ teaspoon each pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper.

Spread evenly on baking sheet; bake for 6 or 7 minutes or until mixture is crisp and golden brown.

Toss together squash, brown sugar, thyme, and remaining pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper; arrange on prepared baking sheet.

Roast for 30 to 35 minutes or until fork-tender and lightly browned.

Arrange squash on platter and top with granola mixture.

Tip: To make fresh bread crumbs, pulse day-old bread in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs; store in airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.

Nutrition Facts, per 1/6 recipe

Calories 240; Fat 11 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 240 mg; Carbohydrate 33 g; Fiber 5 g; Sugars 9 g; Protein 3 g

The post Debunking Detox with 5 Easy Fixes appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Detox diets are a popular trend in the world of health and nutrition these days. If you have been following the latest in health fads, no doubt you have heard about them. However, the jury is still out on whether or not detox diets are actually good for you. Many health care experts and dietitians are now questioning the claims behind these food regimens. If you are considering using a detox diet to lose weight, get healthier skin, rid your body of certain addictions, or just feel better, you might want to think again.

What are Detox Diets?

Detox diets refer to those eating plans that essentially promise to rid of the body of harmful toxins. The principle behind them states that these damaging substances build up in our bodies and cause a variety of health problems, everything from weight gain, bloating, decreased immunity, fatigue, and aches and pains. If you can get rid of those toxins in your body by following a specialized diet, you will start to feel great and your body functioning will improve as a result.

What do Detox Diets Require?

Of course, the methods of detoxification vary according to which plan you choose in order to accomplish this. There are detox diets that promise quick results that last anywhere from three to thirty days. Some diets focus solely on eating raw foods, fluids, or a certain kind of nutrient. Others focus on fasting and colon cleansing in order to detox. In general, detox diets encourage the consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and plenty of water. Processed foods, meats, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar are typically not allowed.

Are Detox Diets Good for You?

The theory behind detox diets sounds appealing, but there is hardly any scientific evidence these methods do any good. Our bodies get rid of toxins all on their own, no matter what kinds of foods we eat. After all, that is what the liver, lungs, and kidneys do anyway. Moreover, studies have shown that detox diets should never be done for long periods of time because they lead to more health problems connected to nutrition deficiencies. In terms of weight loss, detox diets will help at first because they cut out a lot of calories but the human body cannot last long on such a plan.

Detox diets do offer some noticeable health benefits. They support increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and water while cutting out junk food and unhealthy drinks. In reality, though, detox diets may be more harmful than helpful. They may be great in the short term but most experts agree that they are not a solution in the long run. The key to taking care of your body is to rely on the tried-and-true methods of regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.

The post Demystifying the Detox Diet appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.