Happy New Year! No matter how healthfully you may have lived over the last six weeks, it is nearly impossible to emerge on January 1st without feeling a little bit puffy.  Let’s face it.  The calendar has evolved around cookie swaps, endless parties and feasts.  And so with every New Year, there is always a renewed emphasis on health and well-being.  

For some, before they can begin eating nutritiously again, they feel the need to detox or cleanse.  The topic of cleansing has been debated by medical professionals.  Most agree that detox diets or cleanses that require fasting can cause fatigue and vitamin/mineral deficiencies.  Instead, you might try one of these ideas to kick off your New Year feeling lighter and more energized:

• Try Cooking Light’s Three Day Detox.  Rather than cutting out all food and calories, the incredible authors at Cooking Light have put together a plan for you that will get you back on track and make you feel renewed.  There are recipes and shopping lists included.  I’ve never met a Cooking Light recipe that wasn’t amazing.  I have so many that have become family favorites.  The Pan-Seared Shrimp with Rosemary Spaghetti Squash looks incredible!
• Make a vegetable-based soup.  This is what I do when I’m feeling sluggish – especially in winter.  Lunches can become soup plus a hard-boiled egg or two for protein.  In year’s past, I’ve made Karina’s Detox Green Soup with Ginger from the Gluten Free Goddess blog.  This New Year’s Day, I made Carrot and Ginger Soup (see recipe below).  It’s delicious and it will be a warm and nutritious lunch for the cold days ahead.
• Embark upon a cleanse – with supervision.  Juice On Main offers a Juice Cleanse in 1, 3 or 5 day programs.  I have spoken to several customers who have been very pleased with the results.  Email Lori for more information: lori@juiceonmain.com.  Or learn more at http://www.juiceonmain.com/juice-cleanses/
• Consider making it a Dry January.  I’ve had several friends and colleagues take this January plunge over the past few years.  This year, I jumped in with some friends and made the commitment as well.  I’m curious to see if I can improve my health even more by cutting out sugary wine.  Detox tea anyone?  If you haven’t heard of Dry January, check it out on Facebook.  There is even a Dry January app.  

Here’s to a more energized and focused version of you in 2018!

Carrot and Ginger Soup Recipe (from The Low-FODMAP Diet Cookbook, Sue Shephherd, PhD, 2014)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small celery root (about 14 ounces) – Note:  I just used celery.  It was fine

4 pounds carrots, cut into ¾ inch chunks

2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters

6 ½ cups gluten-free chicken stock (onion free, if following Low FODMAP diet)

1 heaping tablespoon ground ginger

1 cup low-fat milk (or lactose free milk or other plant based milk)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the celery root, and cook until golden.  Add the carrots, potatoes, and stock.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.  Let cool for about 10 minutes, then puree with an immersion blender (or in batches in a regular blender) until smooth.
2. Stir in the ginger and milk until well combined.   You can adjust the quantity of milk depending on how thick you like your soup.  (I added more milk and more ginger).  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Reheat gently without boiling and serve.

Serves 6.

Per serving: 225 calories; 7 g protein. 4 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 44 g carbohydrates; 12 g fiber; 713 mg sodium