TERESA CUTTER

at the start of each year, I like to reset and plan out my diet and exercise regimen to keep my health in check, get motivated and stay on target for the year ahead.

what helps me most is a natural therapy-based detox, which is a bit like an oil change for your car. It cuts out any alcohol and processed food, dairy, meat, sugar, caffeine, wheat and gluten.

I discovered the essence of what a ”real detox” was after visiting my favourite health and wellness retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand.

I’d never felt so fantastic and now it’s something I do at least twice a year. Naturopaths tell me the liver detoxifies in two phases and to eliminate toxins from the body, both phases need to be supported.

Phase one breaks down toxins into smaller components, which can then be eliminated from the body – this occurs during the first three days of your eating program.

Phase two is the actual detoxification process, when the toxins are metabolised into simpler substances and expelled from the body.

during this time, you need to provide your body with the right nutritional fuel it needs – such as fresh vegetable juices, herbal teas and a little protein – to provide sufficient amino acids to rebuild and repair.

the motto of a detox should be remove, restore, rejuvenate.

below is one of my favourite detox recipes.

RAW PAD THAI

2 Lebanese cucumbers 1 carrot Large handful bean sprouts Handful baby spinach leaves 1 red capsicum, finely sliced 2 spring onions, chopped ½ red chilli (optional)Small bunch coriander or Thai basilBunch mint leaves, chopped120g grilled tempeh1 tsp ground flax seed (linseed)

Juice from 2 limes1 clove garlic, chopped1 tsp fresh ginger, grated2 tsp wheat-free tamari soy sauceFew drops stevia2 tsp tahini

Use a peeler or mandolin to slice vegetables into long noodle-like strips. Combine all the ingredients except flax seed in a large mixing bowl. Combine the dressing ingredients and pour over salad just before eating. Sprinkle with flax seed and serve.

Nutrition per serve: protein, 11.2 grams; total fat, 7.4 grams (saturated, 1.0 grams); carbs, 10.1 grams; fibre, 5.3 grams; calcium, 270 milligrams; 672 kilojoules. Gluten-free, low GI, protein-rich, vegetarian, dairy-free.

for more detox recipes, go to thehealthychef.com.

– © Fairfax NZ News