January Detox – back to the basics

For the past five years I have participated in a January detox by getting back to the basics as a way of being kind to my body after the festive and holiday season. I don’t follow any plan or program, I just keep my food really simple and give myself a break from any alcohol.

Usually over the Christmas holiday’s we travel overseas and I eat what I please as I love to try food in different cultures. Last year we went to Thailand where all the food is fabulous but reasonably healthy. This year we stayed home for the holidays, we went to the beach and swam in the pool and just enjoyed spending time together. I enjoyed quite a few treats that I would not usually indulge in, such as fish and chips on the beach with the kids. It was great to be free but at the end of the break it is time to get back on my real food pledge and kick-start the year with my annual January detox.

So, what does the January detox look like for me? For the month of January I don’t indulge in raw treats, real food baked goods, fruity gelato’s, coconut products, nuts, dried fruit or any other healthy indulgences that I usually have. I don’t make dishes laden with avocado, sweet potato or anything else like that. No smoothies, raw juices and definitely no alcohol. I simply eat plain meat, seafood, vegetables and fruit and use fresh herbs and spices to season my meals. I keep it really simple. It is a challenge, there is no doubt, but after the festive indulgences, even though the majority of mine are healthy choices, it is nice to cut back and reset for the new year.

You may be doing your own detox, whole30 or you may just be starting on your own real food pledge. What ever your healthy challenge is I wish you positive vibes, enjoyment and fabulous healthy results. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2015.

This photo was taken by Jo who did the food photography in my recipe and lifestyle book, Real Food Pledge. Jo took a series of photos of us and the kids at the Spit on the Gold Coast late last year. This is my crew, there is me, Mackenzie my daughter who is four years old, Cameron my gorgeous husband, Levi my eldest he is 13 and getting to be a real teenager already and Riley, he is always pulling a weird face when the camera comes out, Riley he is 10.