Holli Thompson

Hacking your Winter Cleanse

 
The thought of drinking cold juice and munching on salads while the wind is whipping around makes my fingers go numb.
So how do you maneuver a seasonal cleanse or a new healthy nutritional style when it’s bitter cold outside?

Here are my best hacks for your winter cleanse, and your January resolutions.

1) Substitute creamy soups for juice.
By nature, we’re programmed to enjoy substantial, warm foods when the weather gets cold. Channel your ancestors by enjoying creamy vegetable blends that are light and healthy. I love Creamy Cauliflower soup the best. It’s featured in my book and it’s everyone’s favorite.

2) Use spice to warm you from the inside out.
Some spices create a warm flush, and can make you and your digestion feel more comfortable in the cold winter months. Add cinnamon to your smoothie, nutmeg to your hot cocoa, or ginger to your soup. Allspice perks up quinoa pilaf, and ground peppercorns will heat up that stir-fry. Try cayenne pepper, too, unless your cleanse calls for you to avoid nightshades. Take a peek inside my Spice Tray for some more ideas.

3) Dress the Part
Nurture yourself when you cleanse, no matter what time of year. In winter that means staying cozy warm. My old sheepskin boots have seen better days, but you can bet I’ll be wearing them as I sip my soups and detox drinks this month.

4) Sip hot herbal teas
I drink hot tea all day; it’s like a warm hug. But my tea bag habit was getting pricy until I began to buy loose tea in bulk. That created a new issue. Tea balls are messy and the tea strainer leaked. Desperate one morning, I grabbed a french coffee press from the cupboard. Without making a mess, it brewed the most delicious tea possible. Give this tip a try.

5) Wrap your Thyroid gland
My grandmother always made me cover my neck when I was little, and I never understood how that was supposed to keep me healthy. Then I learned how sensitive the thyroid gland is to temperature, and that keeping your neck warm keeps your immunity strong. On any chilly day, you’ll find me in a cashmere scarf, or a fleece gator, or a zipped up yoga jacket. Cover it up!

6) Roast your root veggies
Enjoying whole foods in addition to super smoothies, soups, and juice is especially wise in the winter, to nurture and support your digestion. Root vegetables are winter’s comfort foods, and their substantial flavor will add sweet satisfaction to your cleanse. Try this easy to follow recipe.

7) Soak in hot water with minerals
When I’m really feeling the chill, I take a bath; as hot as I can muster. The warm water, with added mineral or Epsom salts, will heat your internal core temperature for a long time after and you’ll be toasty warm for hours. Mineral or Epsom salts containing magnesium are great for relaxing muscles, and helping your digestion. And that’s always a good thing.

Happy Winter!