Sparkling Cucumber Detox and Refresher (from “The Nutrition Twins’ Veggie Cure”)
As registered dietitians and personal trainers we get a lot of questions about simple strategies to rid the body of overindulgences and that make you feel better and brighter. Of course, being authors of The Nutrition Twins’ Veggie Cure, we can’t help but to recommend loading up on kale, beets and bok choy. 🙂 (Check out our Kale Recharge Smoothie and our Veggie Detox Salad.) These nutritional powerhouses aid the liver in both phases of breaking down and neutralizing toxins. They’re also loaded with fiber, which flushes out your colon and flattens your belly. Oh Yeah!
However, we also recommend following our red, orange and green rule. Simply, include one serving of red, orange or green produce with every meal. Doing so will flood your body with antioxidants and plant nutrients that will begin to denature damaging particles and toxins. Plus if you fill up on veggies, you’ll be less likely to reach for starchy sides.
And as far as what you should drink… 16 ounces of water, green tea, Cucumber Detox Refresher (recipe below) or one of our other detox drinks– or a combination of any of these at every meal. Cucumbers are packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which is especially helpful if you have had too much salt the night before and woke up feeling swollen.
Sparkling Cucumber Detox and Refresher (from “The Nutrition Twins’ Veggie Cure”)
When we wake up in the morning, the first thing we always do is hydrate with a big glass of water. On days when we feel like we need something to give us an extra lift, this Refresher does just the trick. Cucumbers are packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and we love a little bubbly boost. For virtually zero calories a serving, we love that this starts our morning off by refreshing us. Drink this and you’ll feel better if you’ve had too much salt the night before, since it helps fight bloat and under-eye puffiness and helps to give skin a bright hue.
Serves 4
4 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
Lime seltzer
Mint, for garnish
To make cucumber juice:
Blend the chopped cucumbers in a food processor for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour the mash into a strainer placed over a bowl. Use a spatula to press the liquid from the pulp (this also makes the drink less frothy). For less pulp, use cheesecloth or coffee filters over your strainer. Refrigerate.
For 1 serving of Sparkling Cucumber Detox and Refresher:
Fill a 12-ounce glass halfway with ice and add 4 ounces of cucumber juice. Add 1/4 tablespoon lime juice. Top with 4 ounces seltzer or more if desired. Add a wedge of lime and a mint sprig.
Per serving: Calories 8, total fat 0g, saturated fat 0g, cholesterol 0mg, sodium 2mg, carbohydrates 2g, dietary fiber 0g, sugars 0g, protein 0g
- 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- Juice of ½ lime (about 1 tablespoon)
- Lime seltzer
- Mint, for garnish
- To make cucumber juice:
- Blend the chopped cucumbers in a food processor for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour the mash into a strainer placed over a bowl. Use a spatula to press the liquid from the pulp (this also makes the drink less frothy). For less pulp, use cheesecloth or coffee filters over your strainer. Refrigerate.
- For 1 serving of Sparkling Cucumber Detox and Refresher:
- Fill a 12-ounce glass halfway with ice and add 4 ounces of cucumber juice. Add ¼ tablespoon lime juice. Top with 4 ounces seltzer or more if desired. Add a wedge of lime and a mint sprig.