BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM
We’ve just waved goodbye to a decade and recently welcomed the start of a new one. Let’s face it, we all like a fresh start because it gives us a second chance to make things right or to start over. With the start of a new year we are all busy making plans to eat healthier, change old habits, lose weight or even gain weight. But before we do all of this we need to reset our body. By resetting your body it will automatically reset your mind and soul.
Food is not only used to satisfy hunger but it’s also nourishment to the body if used wisely. Let’s press the reset button on your mind, body and soul for a little health and wellness makeover. By focusing on a few reset foods, you will increase your energy, reduce bloating, reduce inflammation, up your immune system, improve the glow of your skin, reduce stress and even shed a few pounds while resetting your body with a new framework for health.
Top seven foods to reset your body
Sweet potato
My favorite way to eat complex carbohydrates! Sweet potatoes come straight from the ground, are unprocessed, have 90 calories and slightly more fiber (3 grams) than a regular white potato. A great way to add this to your diet if you eat meatless is to bake sweet potato topped with nuts and seeds and sautéed broccoli for lunch.
Asparagus
Yes, asparagus may make your urine smell, but it just may be worth it. It’s low in calories, high in nutrients and is one of the foods highest in certain fibers (prebiotics) that fuel the good bacteria in your GI tract. Steamed asparagus with lemon and pepper makes the perfect reset side dish.
Romaine lettuce
Green veggies should be part of your reset diet and meal plan for life. I always recommend my clients eat greens at least twice a day. Green veggies offer a powerful dose of fiber, vitamins and minerals including antioxidants and phytochemicals, which have been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease and may help reduce the risk of cancer.
Fennel
Fennel is an excellent flushing out food because of its ability to act as a diuretic. It’s loaded with vitamin C (to help fight cancer and increase collagen production) and fiber (to promote good digestion and keep you full) and its licorice-esque taste adds variety to your healthy dinner table. Simply roast the whole bulb and add it to salads or eat on the side.
Wild salmon or sardines
Protein is essential to any reset diet. Protein keeps you satisfied so you don’t go craving sweet or fatty food. Salmon is my favorite way to get protein in because of it high amounts of omega 3.
Pecans, walnuts and almonds
Pecans are the highest antioxidant nut, walnuts are loaded with omega 3 and almonds have calcium, making these three the best nuts to help reset your body. Nut consumption has also been linked with lower body weight and reducing the risk of weight gain.
Cinnamon
All herbs and spices are powerful re-setting tools. They are low in calories, high in flavor. Cinnamon alone has been linked to being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound. Other faves include oregano, rosemary and cayenne. Make it your habit to add some spice to your diet.
Mixed greens with candied walnut salad and carrot ginger dressing
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 handful mixed greens
- 1 tomato, cut in wedges
- ¼ cup candied walnuts
- 2 tbsp Qia seeds (optional)
Carrot Dressing
- Makes 2 cups. Preparation time 10 minutes
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp peeled and roughly chopped fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
For the dressing: In a blender, combine all of the salad dressing ingredients as listed. Bend until completely smooth. When ready to serve salad, put the salad in a large bowl toss together with dressing and serve.
Candied walnut
- 1 cup walnut halves/pieces (you can also use this recipe for candied pecans)
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, add all ingredients and stir constantly until sugar starts to melt and coat walnuts. Cook for about 5 minutes then transfer to a baking tray with grease paper to cool.
