Whether it was a string of parties or just too much of a good thing, sometimes the body needs a break. Banish feelings of bloat, fatigue, and constipation with these healthy recipes that are a cinch to make. Each of these delicious dishes contain an ingredient known for having detox properties that help the body's digestive system do its job even better. In no time at all, you'll be feeling lighter and more energized!
Rainbow Salad
Believed by many to have good-luck properties, cabbage (and other cruciferous vegetables) promotes healthy liver function, stimulating the body's natural detoxification process. This Winter, we can't stop eating our rainbow carrot and cabbage detox salad [2]. High in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A, the salad works to hydrate your body with its water content, while the high fiber content aids in healthy digestion.
Metabolism-Boosting Smoothie
Start your day right with a glass of fat-burning ingredients, like calcium-rich Greek yogurt, almonds, and broccoli and high-fiber strawberries and spicy cinnamon, among other metabolism-boosting ingredients [3].
Green Detox Soup
This isn't a thin, watery bowl of spinach juice: you'll be pleasantly surprised at the heft of a heaping bowl of this green Winter detox soup [4]. Kale, onion, sweet potato, turnip, and more all add detoxifying nutrients to your diet.
Kale and Quinoa Superfood Salad
The powerhouse duo kale and quinoa combine in this salad [5] for a meal you'll want to make again and again. Both are jam-packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K (kale) and healthy fats, protein, and fiber (quinoa), making the combination a healthy and filling lunch option.
Papaya Doughnuts
Here's a doughnut [6] that's definitely diet-approved! A drizzle of agave syrup and a squeeze of lime enhance the natural flavor of papaya, and the sunflower seeds add protein, along with a nice crunch. It's a great addition to any breakfast or brunch menu.
Buckwheat Porridge
Whole grains are great for detoxing, because they help keep everything moving in your gut. If you're over oatmeal, then try this buckwheat porridge recipe [7] (and once you've clicked on the link, keep clicking through for more whole grain hot cereal ideas).
Ginger-Carrot Soup
This ginger-carrot soup [8] is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese, which aids in digestion. To top it all off, there's no cholesterol whatsoever in this tasty recipe!
Pineapple Quinoa Boat
The presentation alone is enough to wow guests, but it's the recipe that will have them coming back for more. Because pineapple is high in the enzyme bromelain, it helps banish bloat by breaking down protein and easing digestion. Add to that quinoa, a superfood favorite, and this vegan pineapple quinoa boat [9] is the perfect star for a tropical-themed meal.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chicory are full of essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, but it's the chlorophyll levels that help the body detox and alkalize. To take in all the cleansing properties of leafy greens, it's best to enjoy them raw: try POPSUGAR Food's recipe for a shredded kale and brussels sprouts salad [10].
Creamy Broccoli Soup
You'll never guess that this creamy nutmeg broccoli soup [11] is entirely vegan: it makes a great low-calorie substitute for when you're craving a cream-based soup. Nutmeg and cayenne spice up your bowl and give you a little metabolism boost as well.
Roasted Beets
Beets are a wonderful treat for the times when the body feels heavy or weighed down. Their fiber increases the production of antioxidant enzymes in the liver, helping the body eliminate bile and other toxic substances. Sometimes simple is best, like this recipe for roasted beets [12].
Steamed Artichokes
The positive effects that artichokes have on the digestive system are many: studies show that the leafy veggie promotes healthy liver and gallbladder function because it's loaded with cynarin, which helps increase bile production (helping to get nasty stuff out of the body!), protects against indigestion, and stimulates digestion. We can't think of a better way to enjoy this vegetable than POPSUGAR Food's recipe for simple steamed artichokes [13].
Low-Calorie Cucumber Soup
Pamper your belly with this debloating and low-calorie soup recipe [14] from Canyon Ranch Spa. Cooling cucumbers, mint, and yogurt serve as the base, while garlic, chives, and a touch of lemon add bright flavor. This recipe is almost as good as being at the luxurious spa itself!
Cinnamon Quinoa Bake
Chowing down a big bowl of quinoa is a satisfying and delicious way to debloat. Not only is quinoa protein-packed and rich in fiber, but it's also chock-full of potassium! If you want to mix up your typical bowl of quinoa in an oatmeal setting, then opt for this creative spin that has metabolism-boosting properties. A cinnamon quinoa bake [15] is a sweet, protein-packed treat to start off your day.
Asparagus Frittata
Start your morning off with an asparagus-filled frittata [16]. What's great is that you can make this recipe on a Sunday and portion it out to enjoy over the course of the week. Omit the cheese to keep the recipe flat-belly-friendly. Asparagus contains both prebiotics and probiotics, which are both important for keeping your digestive tract healthy and working properly.
GOOP Soup
Count Gwyneth Paltrow [17] as a major fan of this light detox arugula and broccoli soup [18] — she featured this green blended soup on her lifestyle blog, GOOP. Pair this 130-calorie soup with a lean protein for a filling, detoxifying meal.
Apple and Cabbage Salad
Apples marry with the dynamic duo of red and Savoy cabbage, combining for a fiber-filled meal that aids in digestion. Fennel seeds add fiber, and a kick of cayenne boosts the metabolism. This diuretic salad [19] is one to keep in heavy rotation.
Kale Chips
Who knew detoxing could be so snack-friendly? Light and nutty, baked kale chips [20] make a healthy alternative to chips and satisfy cravings for all things savory, salty, and crispy. Make kale chips work even harder for you by tossing them in curry powder; turmeric promotes healthy liver function, detoxifies the liver, and aids in digestion.