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Wednesday 8 January 2014

How To Detox After Christmas: Detox Tips


When an extra special package arrived through my door from Clinique, I knew that it gave me the perfect excuse to write a January detox post. If you're anything like me, I'm sure you'll have binged out over Christmas, we're talking mince pies, a glass of wine or 5 and far too much chocolate. Do not fear though, everyone's allowed a break and December was yours, it's January now, the start of a new year so there's no better time to get fit and healthy. People often ask me what I do at the gym or how I stay toned (not that I think at all that I am perfect - I've got a long way to go), but here's a little post with what I've been doing in order to stay toned and what I will be doing throughout January in order to get my summer body back in shape. I've seen so many people saying that they're detoxing already this month, so now it's my turn... (and yours if you'd like to join me) Let's do this together!
Body Detox:

1 - Cut out the white things - I used to always laugh at people when they said this, I was like oh I eat so much white bread and I'm not over weight yet - but when I read up about just how bad it is for you, it actually scared me. White bread basically stores in your body and most likely, will convert to fat, it's very fake and you'll notice that because you're highly likely to feel really bloated after eating it. In September, I vowed to cut out all white bread and even white pasta and I have honestly seen the biggest change in my body. I am the biggest carb lover so cutting carbs out completely was never going to happen for me, but a small change like moving to wholemeal items rather than pure white, really has made a difference. For me, this was a huge lifestyle change as when I say I literally lived on white bread, it's embarrassing how much I used to eat. Pasta was the hardest one for me though as I love it so much, I really didn't realise how bad white pasta can be for you but a quick google search will tell you. Since eating wholemeal bread and pasta, I don't even like the taste of normal pasta or bread anymore, it tastes really stodgy. Obviously you don't have to do this, but I've found that it really has changed my body. 


2 - Drink lots of water! I find this one very difficult but everyone knows the benefits of water, it keeps you hydrated, it makes your skin look nicer, you generally feel more alert and it flushes out any nasty toxins. I am guilty of never drinking enough, so to help, I buy a two litre water bottle from the supermarket and carry it everywhere with me (it's heavy so see it as working your arms out every time you carry your bag around too) it just kind of forces you to drink it because the drink is always right in front of you. I'm terrible at saying: 'I'm really thirsty' and then not actually going and hydrating my body. I read somewhere once that you should never actually let your body get to the stage where you're thirsty, don't make your body beg for a drink, keep it hydrated - it'll thank you for it later.


3 - Green tea is your best friend - I know you don't want to hear this, because well, let's face it, it just tastes like plain hot water and it's probably the most boring drink ever, but again, I have noticed a huge change in my body since forcing myself to have at least a cup of green tea every day. There must be a reason that people swear by green tea and I do feel like it's really worked for me. If you google the benefits of green tea, you'll see that there are hundreds. The best thing for me about green tea is that it speeds up your metabolism, this means that you'll lose weight quicker, yay.



4 - Chocolate is okay - Have you ever heard of a cheat day? Well most experts recommend that you eat good 80% of the time and then you can cheat the other 20% of the time. Hello chocolate...


5 - Never skip breakfast -  so many people do this but it's scientifically proven that you are more likely to lose weight if you fill up on a big breakfast. With granola/museli, do check how much sugar is in it - this one is pretty bad for sugar levels - I stick to weetabix with yoghurt. 


6 - Add seeds - I have been adding seeds and flaxseed into everything I cook, particularly if it's a pasta dish - it's really good for you and you don't even realise you're eating it!

7 - Squat it out - there's a reason it hurts and that's because it's working! I can't explain the difference I've seen in my body since I started squatting. If you hate the gym, you can do this in your living room whilst watching your favourite TV show. I've recently starting squatting with weights and that's when I've really seen the difference.

8 - A tapas way of living is good - Everyone says that 3 large meals a day is the wrong way to lose weight, instead, try eating 6-8 smaller portions, it will stop snacking.

I personally think that 'diets' as such, are pointless, well, they certainly don't work for me. They're too restrictive and I'm sure they'd just make me crave and die for chocolate - I'd much rather just adopt a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to simply tone and maintain my weight but be healthier, you can see a photo of my progress below:

Left hand side in the pink bikini is before any proper weights, just cardio, left handside in the black sports bra is after a few weights, after a few more weeks of weight the results are me in the pink sports bra.


Beauty detox:



Obviously, eating the right things kind of gives you 'inner beauty' and can fight blemishes etc, but, if you prefer to actually apply things and pamper yourself (who doesn't) here's what I'd recommend.  You're bound to feel better after a candle lit bath, right?

- Exfoliate - Get rid of all that dead skin and leave your body smooth and fresh. I love Fom bioactive body polish balm which was kindly sent to me to try months before Christmas, I feel bad that I've kept this beauty all to myself for this long. Burts Bees also do some great exfoliators (plus they smell incredible).  MYA do skin peels and I have literally wanted one for so long, I feel like this would be the ultimate skin detox. I'd love to hear from anyone who's had one and see how you got on! 

- Tan - I always feel 100% better when I'm tanned, now obviously we can't always jet away on a plane to get a natural tan and I don't agree with sun beds, I've never used one in my life and I don't plan on ever using one. Instead, I stick to Palmers Cocoa Butter for a natural tan, it gives the best colour. You can read a more indepth review of it here.


- Moisturise - The same goes for moisturising, I always feel really pampered after a steamy bath and then a 10 minute moisturising session, it's harder in Winter when it's cold but you can't beat feeling silky smooth. 


- Get your hair done - I find that it makes me feel like a new person when I get my hair done, but if you can't afford a new hair-do, try some new products and pamper yourself with them. I adore the Kevin.Murphy range.

- Have a long bath - If all else fails, have a long bath. Baths are like therapy to me, candles on, say goodbye to social networking and just relax alone for an hour or so. You'll feel amazing (especially if you throw in some Lush bath bombs - nothing beats a pink bath!). 

A massive thanks to Clinique for sending me this little healthy bundle below for their Super Defense campaign, to get me kick started (there was also coconut water but erm, I drank it oops). I will be reviewing their products very shortly.



And there we have it, a few quick and easy things to do which have worked wonders for me and hopefully they will for you too. I wrote a simple guide to help you get fit and healthy a while ago which goes into a lot more detail, you can read that by clicking here if you missed it!

Did you eat a lot over Christmas? Do you do any of the above? What are your top detox tips? 
Love Em x

64 comments:

  1. I used to hate green tea, but after forcing myself to drink it (I barely dipped the teabag in at first) I absolutely love it, especially with a slice of lemon!
    Love Lucinda xx
    www.thefashionfictionary.com

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    1. Haha, i've forced myself now so I'm used to it! xxx

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  2. i'm currently dieting and damn it's hard after I've had my last meal. but water is defiantely helping! great post :) x

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  3. very interesting post! thanks for all the tips :) Xx

    www.sparklethiscity.blogspot.com

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  4. Brilliant post. Im detoxing at the moment and Ive also signed up for tough mudder so need to get toned and fit for this summer

    Carrieanne x

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    1. Ah what thats incredible - would love to see how that goes as I'd love to do it!
      x
      xx

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  5. Very useful post! You've inspired me to swap the white pasta for whole grain! I too have added exfoliation And tanning to my January beauty detox :)

    Josie xoxo

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    1. Ahhh i loveeeee whole grain, whole grain for the win! I can't wait to tan haha! x

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  6. great post and amazing tips em!

    http://thisgirlloveschic.blogspot.co.uk

    xx

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  7. your body is amazing! congrats for that :)

    I do try and eat quite healthy now.. my problem is a bit too much chocolate once in a while.. and some cake as well :)
    I also work out a bit..but I'm far from looking like you! :))

    Andra Xxx

    http://www.andradorolti.com/

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    1. Aw thank you very much! Haha I love chocolate and cake - hence why I go to the gym eek! x

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  8. Great post Em, I love that you have taken such a positive attitude towards detoxing! I'm trying to make a few healthy changes without making myself feel guilty and this post really helps! Love your blog! Laura x

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    1. Aw thank you - yayyyy :) thank you for being so nice, what a lovely comment! xxx

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  9. You look amazing, I really want to tone up my stomach for summer! Could you do a post about your workout routine or what you do to exercise or when you go to the gym? It would be so helpful! :)

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    1. Aw thank you Lauren! Of course I can, lots of people have asked:) xx

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  10. This is such a great post, really enjoyed reading it and it's definitely served as inspiration for my own detox (except, I just finished a chinese takeaway, oopsy!!). Nice to read good things from someone fairly local too :)

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    1. Hahah i love chinese, chinese is my weakness!! ooo I will check your blog out and see where you're from! x

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  11. This is a really good post! I am trying to be so good after my Christmas binge! I love reading about what others do because it keeps me motivated!

    www.makingmeblushblog.wordpress.com

    xx

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    Replies
    1. Aw so glad you like it! Haha christmas binges are more than allowed x

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  12. Love this post and great pics!

    Greetings from London,

    chrissabella.blogspot.com

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  13. Some amazing detox tips there; you look amazing!! I do a lot of squats and I do about 200 sit ups a day and I've seen results!! Instead of eating chocolate I eat a piece of fruit (usually an orange or apple) and I don't eat white bread either. I do lots of workout DVDs; about 20 minutes 5 days a week!! Xx

    http://lipstickandsparkles.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Aw thank you! Wowww thats incredible! I dont do 200 sit ups a day! I need to start doing though! Yeah fruit really satsfies me, particularly apples! Oooo you've inspired me - thank you!!! x

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  14. These are really great tips! I've been drinking a lot more water and I can definitely see an improvement in my skin :)

    www.natalielovesbeauty.com

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    1. I'm really trying with my water and already I feel much better! x

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  15. wow, such amazing tips! i also loved that you included pictures of your own progress! great blog, just found you and now following!

    Rachel x
    Style Soup

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    1. Aw thank you - yep hah i thought i better do otherwise people wont take me seriously! thanks for following :) x

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  16. Great post! I'm definitely guilty of eating too much white bread and pasta, but I'm making the switch too! x

    http://cathearts.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thank you! Yayyy once you make the switch you'll never go back! eek x

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  17. I find green tea much more palatable with 1/2 teaspoon of artificial sweetener or a slice of lemon! I do slimming world, which is brilliant & I've lost 3 stone! I've changed my lifestyle and learnt to cook rather than 'dieting' as such - I'm actually enjoying going to the gym for the first time ever too, although I was a bit naughty over Christmas...Ooops! :) x

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    1. Ooo thats interesting that you add sweetener to it! I've kind of got used to it now and just gulp it down eek. Wow that's so good, i've heard that weight watchers and slimming world etc is really good. yeah I think going to uni and cooking for myself has helped me lose weight as I live on like veg with brown pasta basically!!! Probably need some more meat though. Ah I LOVE the gym - Christmas is an exception dont worry haha xx

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  18. This has really inspired me to look after myself more, I had no idea how bad white bread is it is kind of scary when you put it like that :p definitely need to start excersising and eating better xx

    EmmiHearts

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    1. Ah so glad it's inspired you! ah I know, i stay well away from it now, uhoh! x

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  19. I love this post <3

    Cary from
    http://c--makeup.blogspot.com

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  20. I really enjoyed this post! I'm trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle and water is my buggest downfall - I can go all day without a drink so have started doing the same thing with a 2L bottle of water - I buy a few of them and keep them all over the place to force me to drink more x

    www.blameitonvogue.com

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    1. My complete biggest down fall too! that's what i'm like - must be a girl thing! xxx

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  21. These are such great tips, Em, I'm feeling inspired! You're looking amazing too, so they must be working :)

    Sophie
    http://what-sophie-said.blogspot.co.uk/
    xxx

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  22. Love this post Em! I've been drinking green tea with lemon twice a day for the past few weeks it makes it taste a lot nicer! x

    http://the-finestthings.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Aw thank you, so glad you like it! Ooo might try it with lemon, thanks lovely x

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  23. My top detox tip is dont do it, our bodies are actually really good at detoxifying themselves! However I cant reccomend enough adding in smoothies and teas filled with goodies to give it a helping hand all year round! Green tea, spiruline and wheatgrass are all amazing. Also totally agree on cutting out white carbs (yucky!) but also sugar, I tend to have agave nectar or stevia instead (sometimes 100% maple syrup if im feeling gluttonous!) and really notice the difference...plus the manufacture of sugar is just grosss.

    I'm also 10000010% behind girls lifting weights in regards to fitness regimes, the heavier the better as well but with proper technique and guidance - I see SO many girls trying to squat with a barbell and I have to jump in before I witness them subjecting their knees to any more torture! Everyone thinks you need cardio cardio cardio, running, rowing machines and cross trainers- weights make people burn the fat way quicker and give you tone- skinny flabby legs and slim toned ones..I know what I'd rather ;) Plus you still get cardio doing weights, you just lift em faster ;)


    You're looking fantastic lady

    xoxox

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    1. Completely agree, I call this a 'detox' but it's actually a healthy way of life (proven to work) the key to good health is exercise and healthy diet basically! Yayy i read your post about weights actually!!!! loveee your comment, couldnt agree more so thank you so much for leaving it xx

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  24. wery interesting post. I read it twice. Tomorrow i start my detox :)

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    1. Aw yay thats such good news that you found it interesting! thanks!

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  25. Great post hun! Definitely giving me inspiration to keep the healthy eating up, and your body looks amazing, I'd love to know your workout routine. I've just started carrying around a 2ltr bottle of water around and so far I'm managing to do it, I feel so much better for it too xx

    www.abeautifuldelight.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Aw yay glad you like it thank you so much! I will write about my work out routine as lots of people have asked so I'll get working on that post! Yeah i fee lsooo much better for doing the 2ltr bottle! xxx

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  26. I think it's great that you highlighted white bread and pasta, so many people are unaware about it. Also, with the green tea I think it's just about finding the one that's right for you! There's so many different flavours there must be one for everyone. Great post lovely!

    www.hdotxo.blogspot.co.uk
    xo

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    1. Ah yeah I only realised how bad it was when I stopped eating it and saw such a huge difference in my body! Thank you - so glad you liked it x

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  27. wow you look amazing! thanks for sharing your tips beauty!

    xx

    Kelly

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  28. Thank you so much for this! I've really want to detox, i'll by myself some green tea

    Alice
    xo

    aliceswonderlandx.blogspot.com

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    1. Aw it's fine :) yayyyy green tea sales are gona hit the roof this month ahha x

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  29. You look fab! I'm feeling quite determined to get abs now after reading this. I already exercise a lot and do a lot of weights but wish I could stop eating biscuits and bread haha. I think I'm gonna have to start drinking green tea then! xx

    www.allthingsbeautiful-x.blogspot.com

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    1. Aw thank you very much - that thats such good news! Haha I LOVE biscuits! Dont worry hehe x

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  30. All these goals are fantastic!! I seriously need to start getting back on track I did so good last year and as soon as I hit my last few months of pregnancy I completely fell off the wagon lol!!

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    1. Glad you like them! Haha ahhh it's fine you're excused!!! x

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  31. I'm so copying every single tip, you look freakin awesome!!

    http://lifebyemmy.blogspot.co.uk/

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  32. How long do you think it took before you started to notice your results in your body? I've been going to the gym 3-5 times a week for the last month and changed my diet but haven't noticed much of a change but I'm still determined to stick it out and keep going! You look great, keep up the hard work! xx

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  33. This is such a fab post, so inspirational :-) def buying me a large bottle of water to carry around!! xx

    fashiontatt.blogspot.com

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