SaraIf you’ve got a big shoot coming up, you’re probably preparing yourself mentally and physically to ensure it’s a success. Your bag is packed and each item on your to-do list is checked off. You’ve got the directions handy and you’ve triple-checked your email for instructions. You’ve practiced smiling and posing in front of the mirror a million times. Now you want to focus on some last-minute remedies for maximizing your physical appearance.
If you’re hoping to minimize bloating, make your skin glow, and improve energy levels before the big day, you might consider a weekend cleanse. You can do so naturally and detoxing the body will help you present your best at the shoot, while helping to clean out vital organs such as the liver and kidneys for maintaining proper health in the long-run. But, what should you eat and drink to detoxify? Dr. Oz offers some suggestions for giving your immune and digestive systems an extra boast before the beforehand.
Two days prior, in the a.m., eat quinoa and prunes. Quinoa is packed full of protein, phosphorus, and fiber and will give you an energy boast while cleaning out your digestive system. Prunes provide an extra kick to the gut – literally – with fiver and sorbitol to encourage toxins to leave the body.
For a mid-morning snack, consider mixing kale, spinach, and ginger in a blender along with cucumbers, lemon, and mint. These ingredients will clean out the kidneys. You can also munch on cucumbers and radishes, and mix these in a baggie with olive oil and lemon juice for an on-the-go pick-me-up.
For lunch, whip up some vegetable broth soup with purifying ingredients. Dr. Oz suggests one that is full of fennel to help bile flow in your gallbladder, garlic to cleanse the liver, cabbage for cleaning out the liver and kidneys, and shitake mushrooms to boost liver function. You can also eat sauerkraut, which contains a healthy dose of probiotics and apples for added fiber.
For dinner, incorporate miso, tofu, and edamame, which all act as diuretics, and a vegetable medley containing cauliflower and broccoli, which detoxify the liver and aid in digestion.
If you need to incorporate an evening snack or crave something sweet after your meal, consider a fruit-filled protein shake. Throw in some blueberries, flaxseed, frozen bananas and almond to maximize its properties and mix with chopped ice and milk for a smooth finish.
Always drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep things running and to aid in clearing out your system. Avoid empty carbs, soda, and sugary snacks which encourage water retention. Being mindful of your health will help you show off your best self in front of the camera!