Let’s be honest: Halloween candy is one of the most anticipated parts of fall, and even the health nuts are sure to indulge a little bit, right?
Life is all about balance, so eating a little bit of Halloween candy isn’t a total crime. That being said, it’s always a good idea to add extra nutrition to your diet pre and post-indulgence, as your liver works overtime to detoxify from the toxins and large amounts of refined sugar found in Halloween treats.
Here are six super foods to help you recover from Halloween candy indulgence this year.
1. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a plant used in herbal medicine to help promote healthy liver function. Since the liver is the primary organ of detoxification (and has over 500 different tasks to perform in the body), it’s important to include an adequate intake of liver supportive foods and herbs in your diet. Taking a milk thistle supplement will help your liver perform it’s functions with more ease while ridding your body of the excess sugar and chemically derived ingredients found in processed Halloween packaged snacks.
2. Parsley
Parsley is known to aid in liver detoxification because of its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll. Parsley also supports the kidneys and helps rid the body of excess water weight. Since it is a strong herb to have on its own, parsley is best combined with other low glycemic fruits and vegetables in the form of juice or a smoothie. Try mixing parsley with celery, ginger and a green apple to create the ultimate post-Halloween indulgence elixir. If you’re on blood-thinning medication or have a kidney condition, skip the parsley and replace it with collard greens- another green nutrient powerhouse for gentle detoxification.
3. Greens+ Powder
As you can see, there’s a clear pattern with the color of foods and their ability to detoxify! A Greens+ powder contains the equivalent of 6 servings of fruits and vegetables in one scoop, making it a convenient option to provide your body with essential antioxidants after indulgence. (Greens+ is also the quickest no-fuss Halloween hangover cure known to man.) Greens+ powder comes in several flavors and can be mixed with filtered water or blended with your favorite smoothie. If you’re not a fan of green powders, you can take Greens+ in capsule or tea form.
View our selection of Greens+ products here.
4. Organic Free Range Eggs
If you’ve ever craved eggs after a night of tequila shots, it could be your body asking for the liver detoxifying nutrient, sulfur. Sulfur is found in runny egg yolks and activates the detoxification pathways in the liver while binding to toxins for safe elimination from the body. If possible, choose organic free-range eggs to get your dose of sulfur as non-organic eggs can contain hormones or antibiotics which further increase the toxic load and work for your liver. For our vegan readers, you can replace eggs with brussels sprouts, plant-based sulfur-rich food that supports the liver in the same way.
5. Asparagus
Steamed asparagus is a natural diuretic that helps your body flush excess toxins. The fiber, vitamins, and minerals in asparagus also offer nutrition for the entire digestive system, including the liver. Pair your eggs with a side of asparagus and you have an ideal meal for post-Halloween indulgence.
6. Lemon
What isn’t lemon good for? Lemon is used as an efficient household cleaning ingredient, and it has the same cleansing impact on your body. Lemon is rich in antioxidant compounds that clean out your digestive system by stimulating bowel movements and clear the urinary tract. Be sure to drink a pitcher of lemon water after your Halloween treats to reduce the negative impact of sugar on your digestive system.