Now that Christmas has come to a close and we reflect on all that 2017 has brought, it is now that we also look forward to what 2018 will look for each of us. Now is the time to take a moment, to really visualize who you want to be in 2018. Will that mean, feeling your absolute best, working on that all year round glow and being in the best shape of your life? For me, these intentions are high on my list.
One thing I'd like to note with you guys, you can make all resolutions (or as I like to call them, intentions) in the world, but if you don't have a road map or a means to meet these intentions, then they're pretty much empty promises you're making to yourself. SO if you have that goal to be more flexible (also one of my intentions) then think about the steps to get there. Join a yoga or a pilates studio and commit to 2 classes per week. Or if your goal is to get that six pack you've been wanting the past 4 years, firstly cut out the sugar, eat a clean diet and get a good ab workout that you can practice 3 times per week.
Whatever your intentions are, commit to them, make them realistic and create a clear path to achieving them so that this time next year your intentions for the following year will be even stronger and working towards your best version of you.
Ok, so now for this Vegan Detox Salad. This low sugar, gut healthy recipe is one sure fire way to get on the path to that glowy skin and six pack I mentioned earlier.
Why will this salad help your skin glow?
High levels of Levels of sulforaphane
Sulforaphane; a chemical compound which is naturally present in cruciferous vegetables are the highest in broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties.
Bursting with Vitamin C
This salad has loads of Vitamin C from the addition of rainbow carrots, watermelon radish and beets. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C and its role in collagen production make vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health. Dietary vitamin C has beneficial effects on skincells, and some studies have shown that vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet induced damage to the skin.
Full of Antioxidants and Omega 3's
Chia seeds provide the body with a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids. They are also rich in antioxidants which help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer.
Supports the production of healthy bacteria in the gut.
The addition of fermented beets, helps support a healthy gut flora. Raw beets also help boost immune function thanks to high vitamin C, fiber, potassium and manganese, while the betalin pigments and sulfur-containing amino acids in beets support your body's detoxification process.
Rules I follow when making a Salad
Use a variety of color.
Different colors indicate different nutrient profiles, so focus on getting a little of each color in your bowl each meal to maximize the nutritional benefits.
Always include an element of fat
Whether its nuts, avocado, an almond cheese or a cold pressed oil in the dressing. This addition of fat will help satiate you.
Don't skimp on size.
If you're using a big base of salad greens, load that baby up. Salad greens are low in calories and high in water content, so the more the better.
Don't mix fruit or sugar in with your salad.
I try to avoid adding dried fruits or berries etc in my salads as these digest quicker than vegetables and proteins and can cause discomfort and gas during the digestion process.
Add in a high quality source of Vegan protein.
Although you can get a good amount of protein from vegetables, I always like to add a plant based protein source like hemp seeds, chia seeds, nuts or tempeh to my salads to help make it a well rounded meal.
Never skip on the dressing.
The dressing is my favorite part. Whether its a mix of avocado oil and lemon juice. Or a tahini drizzle. There's nothing more boring (or unsatisfying) than eating a dry, undressed salad.
All produce in this salad is available from Milkandeggs.com which is a SoCal grocery delivery service.
Serves 1
What you'll need:
50g mixed salad greens
1/2 cup broccoli sprouts
5 rainbow mini carrots, sliced thinly
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 watermelon radish, thinly sliced and cut into quarters
2 tbsp Kite Hill Foods almond cream cheese
2 tbsp fermented beets
Dressing
1 lemon
3 tbsp avocado oil
What to do:
In a large bowl, mix all your ingredients (except the cream cheese) together in a large salad bowl
Drizzle through the avocado oil and juice from your lemon and stir well
Transfer to your salad bowl and serve with a few dollops of almond cream cheese
Enjoy
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