There are two really good reasons to do a family detox in Beijing and Monday is the best time to do one. Here’s why: One, the family probably ate out all weekend and/ or the parents were out both nights having fun and now it’s time to chill out. Two, it’s an AQI 200+ day.
Ross and I enjoy meatless Monday; a phenomenon that is slowly gaining momentum with the hashtag #meatlessmonday. I have recently tried to push Meatless Monday to include Meatless Tuesday but I was told sweetly by my husband, however not to push it. There is something about spending a day eating fruits and veggies and setting aside the meats and grains which makes the body instantly feel lighter and cleaner. Mini cleanses just eating like this for a day or two can do wonders for the body. Juicing is another great project to add to family mini-cleanses. The last couple weeks, I have been obsessed with juicing. If you don’t have a juicer and would like to get one, they can be bought on Taobao for as little as RMB 200. That being said, I generally find that you get what you pay for. If you plan on processing tougher foods like carrots and kale, you’ll want one with a powerful motor, which will cost you.
Last Wednesday when pollution got high, I loaded up on my fruits and veggies to make a powerful antioxidant juice. Here’s a list of what went in it and each ingredient’s nutritional value:
Orange and lemon (Vitamin C and detoxifying qualities)
Beets (rich in antioxidants)
Carrots (Vitamin K)
Apple (to add some sweetness)
Spinach (loaded with nutrients and power *think Pop-Eye)
Blueberries, rasberries, blackberries (for added deliciousness, antioxidants and pizazz!) Don’t put those berries into the juicer however. Instead blend them up with some water and add them to the juice at the end. They are too expensive to put in the juicer, in my opinion.
Serve over ice and enjoy!
On the days where we need a little extra pick me up, I throw them all in and have a delicious super nutrient packed drink that we can take with us into the day. I generally make enough for two servings each so that before bed we can recharge once again to help immunity rebuild during our night’s rest.
Theresa Pauline is a yoga teacher, social entrepreneur, momma, wife, and beijingkids contributor. You can find out more about her at www.taozitreeyoga.com
Photos: Courtesy of Theresa Pauline
