We’re just going to come out and say it: Diets are overrated. Sometimes, all you need is a healthy jolt to your system — one that cleanses, purifies, and can boost your metabolism. To get you started, we found 30 detoxifying recipes guaranteed to rid your body of the bad stuff. So incorporate these bites into your non-diet, monitor your portions, start a fitness regimen that works, and say hello to a healthy and fit 2014.
1. Apples: We all know an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But why? Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fibre that helps remove food additives and metals from your system. (via Huffington Post)
2. Ginger Tea: Remember when your mom would give you ginger ale when you had the flu? There’s a reason for that. Ginger settles the stomach. What’s more? It flushes waste and boosts metabolism. Drink a glass of ginger tea daily to keep the tummy happy. (via Vegetarian Times)
3. World’s Best Guacamole Recipe: Avocados are fiber-rich and help flush the colon, so now you have an excuse for those extra large scoops of guacamole. Pro tip: Leave the avocado pit in the guac to keep it from turning brown. (via Tree Hugger)
4. Steamed Artichokes: Not only are artichokes delicious, they fight toxins and fatty acids. For their full nutritional benefit, steam them and dip leaves in olive oil. (via Summer Tomato)
5. Roasted Beets: This bright red root vegetable is a natural cancer-fighter. ‘Nuff said. (via Food)
6. Kale and Pink Grapefruit Salad: Both kale and grapefruit fall into the superfood category, so why not eat them together. This dish makes a great side or afternoon snack. (via Bon Appetit)
7. Basil: An anti-bacterial powerhouse, basil is also rich in antioxidants that protect your liver. Incorporate a fresh sprig into your next salad for an extra detoxifying boost — and added flavor. (via Huffington Post)
8. Cinnamon Stick Tea: Rich in iron, calcium, and manganese, cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar. Brew a cup of cinnamon tea, or sprinkle the freshly ground spice in yogurt or oatmeal for a snack that’s antioxidant rich. (via Bigelow Tea)
9. Pineapple: Cleanse your colon and improve digestion with fresh cut chunks of this tropical superfruit. We wonder if that means piña coladas are okay, too… (via Simply Recipes)
10. Caramelized Fennel: Got a thing for licorice? Forget sugar-rich Twizzlers. Instead, caramelize fennel, a root vegetable with natural licorice flavor that helps boost digestion. (via Putney Farm)
11. Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad: The carrots and avocados in this flavorful salad aren’t the only antioxidant ingredients. Cumin also helps aid digestion. (via Smitten Kitchen)
12. Seaweed: Rich in iodine, seaweed helps boost your metabolism. Since it’s not the tastiest detoxifier, blend some into your next smoothie. (via Huffington Post)
13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans: Replace the pecans in this recipe with brazil nuts, which flushes mercury from your system. (via Real Simple)
14. Dandelion Greens with Double Garlic: Both garlic and dandelion greens cleanse your system. Cook them together for a flavorful and healthy dish. (via Mark Bittman)
15. Quick and Easy Flaxseed Granola: We like anything quick and easy in the kitchen. This detoxifying granola will make a great breakfast, especially if you add sesame seed and goji berries to the mix. (via Feed Me, Seymour)
16. Green Apple Spinach Smoothie: Get twice the antioxidant power with the two main ingredients in this guilt-free smoothie. (via A Beautiful Mess)
17. Grapefruit, Carrot, and Ginger Juice: Each ingredient in this juice has detox strength. Need we say more? (via Whole Living)
18. Blueberry Salsa: Great for meats and fish, this sweet and spicy salsa packs an antioxidant punch. (via Health)
19. Raw Onions: Don’t let these tear-inducing bulbs fool you. They’re packed with amino acids that help cleanse the liver. Add fresh slices to your next salad, or enjoy a tasty onion-rich bruschetta. (via Huffington Post)
20. Crunchy Sesame Seed Candy: Sure, “candy” is in the name, but there’s nothing unhealthy about this sweet snack. Bonus: The recipe calls for two other antioxidant ingredients: cinnamon and ginger. Done and done. (via Food)
21. Cabbage, Apple, and Walnut Salad: There’s no denying that salads are healthy. But this one replaces toxins with nutrients that boost your energy and metabolism. (via Smitten Kitchen)
22. Broccoli Slaw: Broccoli can help lower your cholesterol, which means so can this slaw. Pro Tip: For extra detoxifying power, swap the almonds for sesame seeds and replace dried cranberries with dried goji. (via Smitten Kitchen)
23. Blueberry Pineapple Oatmeal Smoothie: This smoothie is like a hearty blended meal of fruity, grainy goodness. (via Knead to Cook)
24. Green Tea Smoothie: Green tea is rich in antioxidants, and you don’t have to only drink it brewed in hot water. (via Shape)
25. Beet, Carrot, Apple, Ginger Juice: Say that 10 times fast! This just might be the most antioxidant-rich juice out there. (via A Girl Defloured)
26. Baked Kale Chips: If only all chips were this healthy. (via Smitten Kitchen)
27. Parsley: Not just a fresh garnish on your plate, parsley is good for the kidneys and bladder. (via Huffington Post)
28. Goji Hemp Milkshake with Raspberries: Goji berries are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which means less waste in your system and a healthier liver. (via Raw Food Recipes)
29. Artichoke Olive Crostini: These antioxidant-rich apps will please all the guests at your next dinner party. (via Smitten Kitchen)
30. Delightfully Baked Apples: Because your detox diet doesn’t have to exclude dessert. (via Skinny Taste)
How do you plan to cleanse and purify? Share your favorite detox recipes below.