Around this time of year, many of us feel compelled to be kind to our bodies. Whether it is taking up a new hobby, joining the gym, going for a dance class or just eating a detoxing meal, we need to boost our energy levels some way or the other. 

We share a few of our favourite and yummy detoxing meals to give you the lift you need to get out of your winter slump.   

Energy Booster 

Starting the day off well is always a good idea. A good boost from detoxing foods can last an entire day.   

Acai Breakfast Bowl by Hello Glow  

Ingredients  

• 2 ripe bananas  
• 2 tbsp acai powder  
• 1/2 cup almond milk  
• 2 tsp coconut oil  
• 2 tsp bee pollen  
• 1 tbsp almond butter  
• To garnish: chia seeds crushed almonds, coconut flakes, bee pollen, acai berries  

Method  

1. Add all the ingredients into the blender and pulse to obtain a creamy mixture.  
2. Distribute evenly into the serving bowls, top with chia seeds, pollen, coconut flakes, pollen and berries, and serve.  
3. Freeze any leftovers in an ice cube tray and add to future smoothies  

Vitamin and Mineral Rich  

A detoxing, energy salad is the call of the day if you need a quick energy boost. Choosing ingredients that are high in vitamins and minerals will give you that half-day pick up you need. This detox salad will do just that.  

Detox Salad by Detox Insta  

Ingredients  

Dressing  

• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice  
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil  
• 1 to 1 1/2-inch knob of fresh ginger, to taste  
• 1 clove garlic  
• 2 tablespoons raw honey  

Salad  

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or both)  
• 1 large carrot, shredded  
• A handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped  
• 1/2 avocado, sliced  
• 2 tablespoons raisins  

Method  

1. To prepare the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a blender, starting with just 1-inch of fresh ginger, and blend until smooth. Add more ginger to taste, if desired, and set aside.  
2. To prepare the salad, toss together the cabbage, carrots, and parsley in a large bowl and top with the sliced avocado and raisins.  
3. Top the assembled salad with 3 to 4 tablespoons of the lemon-ginger dressing and let it marinate for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.  

A Sweet Tooth  

Choosing the healthy version of a favourite treat can be dull and boring, but these no-bake dark chocolate cookies and something else. No guilt when eating too many of them and your body will thank you for pumping it full of ingredients to detox.  

No-Bake Dark Chocolate Cookies by Paleo Hacks  

Tools  

•  Double boiler  
•  Sheet pan  
•  Parchment paper  

Ingredients  

•  1 ½ cups raw cacao paste  
•  ¼ t sea salt  
•  1 T coconut oil  
•  2 T raw walnuts, chopped  
•  2 T raw almonds, chopped  
•  2 T raw pecans, chopped  
•  2 T goji berries  
•  2 T lemon rind  

Method  

1. Melt the raw cacao, salt and coconut oil in a double boiler and stir until smooth.  
2.  Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper.  
3.  Drop ⅛ cup of the cacao mixture onto the parchment paper to make 8 cookies.  
4.  Sprinkle each chocolate with chopped nuts, goji berries and lemon rind.  
5.  Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set and enjoy!