Give yourself a pat on the back—you made it through one of the most chaotic years in recent history. If that meant you went a little overboard on the treats and drinks this past holiday season, don’t sweat it! There are easy, healthy ways to detox from junk food to start the new year off on a great start. 

What is a detox?

First, let’s be clear on what we mean by “detox.” Your body naturally neutralizes and gets rid of toxins, thanks to your good ol’ colon and liver. However, sometimes they can use some extra help, especially if your energy levels are low or you’ve got that “heavy” feeling in your gut from unhealthy eating. 

Getting enough fiber in your diet is easily one of the most underrated ways to detox your body, but only 5 percent of Americans actually do!

Some people opt for special teas or laxatives to enhance their detox, but these can be rough on the body, compared to more natural ways. Here are some of our favorite natural methods for detoxing.

Eat your fruits and veggies—entirely.

Adding more fruits and vegetables can help detox your body, thanks to their high levels of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. One way to ramp up their detoxifying action is to eat the entire fruit or vegetable. (When possible, of course. No need to eat the skin on your oranges.) 

This can be as easy as opting for smoothies instead of juices, since juices remove the fiber from fruits and vegetables. 

Increase your fiber intake.

Speaking of fiber, increasing your intake can help your body detox as well. Dietary fiber can improve your digestion, ensuring that waste ends up where it belongs: in the toilet. It can also nourish the bacteria in your gut, which are important for absorbing the good stuff from what you eat and getting rid of the bad. 

Getting enough fiber in your diet is easily one of the most underrated ways to detox your body, but only 5 percent of Americans actually do! A simple and healthy way to get closer to the FDA-recommended 30 grams of fiber is to take an all-natural, organic daily fiber supplement like Bellway. As with any supplement, confirm with your doctor that it’s right for you before adding to your daily routine.

Maintaining hydration is essential for ensuring that your bodily functions—including its natural detoxification—operate at their fullest potential. 

Sweat it out!

On top of helping you stay fit, getting a good sweat can help your body flush toxins more effectively. You can do this through an intense HIIT workout or a calmer hot yoga session.

Get hydrated.

It might seem like every roundup of wellness tips includes water, but it really is beneficial! With roughly 60 percent of your body being composed of water, maintaining hydration is essential for ensuring that your bodily functions—including its natural detoxification—operate at their fullest potential. 

Remember, staying hydrated doesn’t just mean guzzling water all day. Drinking and eating beverages and foods that are high in water and low in calories (e.g. tea, broths, melons, and celery) contribute to your hydration as well.