By Michelle Ginsler RD

(NC)—After several weeks of eating and drinking over the holidays, there is no better time than right now to make a fresh start. With a list of New Year's resolutions firmly in place, a "cleansing" detoxification (detox) diet may be at the top of your list.

Designed to help your body clear out a build-up of toxins, a detox diet can help you feel healthy and refreshed, while improving digestion and clearing up your skin.

Avoid: Simple sugars (fruit juice, candy, pastries) and processed or refined foods (white breads, crackers and pastas); foods that contain artificial sweeteners, additives or preservatives; alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, regular tea and soda); saturated ("bad") fat found in red meat and dairy products; and common allergens such as wheat and peanuts.

Include: Plenty of fresh vegetables and some fruit, which provide dietary fibre; whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa; lean protein from fish, chicken, turkey, egg whites, tofu, beans and nuts; filtered water (8-10 cups each day); and caffeine free herbal or green tea. Choose organic products whenever possible to reduce exposure to harmful pesticides and hormones.

The following tips will help get you started on a detoxification diet:

• Pick a detox diet that realistically fits with your lifestyle. Purchase any groceries you will need in advance and have a set of meal ideas planned for the entire duration of your detox.

• Working towards a goal is much easier if you can share the journey with a friend or family member. It is important to have someone who can motivate and encourage you to stick with the detox program.

• Headaches, nausea and fatigue are some of the symptoms you may experience during the first few days of your detox. To prevent headaches from caffeine withdrawal, gradually decrease your intake of coffee or switch to decaf a few days prior to beginning the diet.

• Take a daily multivitamin such as Jamieson Super Vita-Vim to help supply any essential nutrients you may be missing from your diet during the detox.

• Add 20 to 30 minutes of gentle physical activity to your daily routine (such as walking or yoga) to get blood and oxygen flowing to the tissues and help your body to eliminate toxins.

• Remember that the hardest part of any diet is getting through the first few days. The key to success is to think in terms of making long-term healthy lifestyle changes -- which a detox can help you get started with.

More information is available online at www.jamiesonvitamins.com or toll-free 1-800-265-5088.

Credit: www.newscanada.com