Liver Lovin' Holidays

Hope everyone had a grandiose Turkey Day and was able to stick to their diets (Ha!). Many thanks to Susan because she prepared a brilliant feast. Was thinking back to last Thanksgiving in Africa (see photo) and how it was certainly my most unique holiday experience. We all went up on a big hill which overlooked the Senegal/Mali border (at the Senegal river) and had a massive bonfire to cook steaks, potatoes, onions and apples. Instead of Pinot Noir, we had South African 40-ouncers and watched the various brush burnings from the hilltop. I recommend everyone do this at least once in their lifetime.

Anyway, for those of you who indulged last week (just like me), I have some “de-tox” recommendations for you. Other than significant exercise and a de-toxing week-long vegan diet, there are some other solutions out there.......

Green Tea! If you love alcohol like I do, your liver needs some lovin. Try getting in at least three “green tea shots” per day. True green tea (not the lipton sweetened/pre-made junk) is full of EGCG antioxidant properties and your liver’s detoxing enzymes are stimulated by this. The purest/most economical green tea on the market is Stash Green Tea ($2-$3). You can find it at almost any supermarket. It taste somewhat like ass but here’s my solution. Take one tea bag and 2 oz. hot water, let tea steep for at least 3 minutes, then let it cool down a bit and do it like a shot of tequila (sans salt/lime). Works like a charm! If you want a good detox-sippin’ tea, stick with South African Rooibos.

I also must recommend finding your “ inner bunny rabbit” this holiday season. Make up for your naughty eating by having whole-food dinners or lunches. My personal favorite is a half head of steamed broccoli (chopped up), topped with salsa (preferably fresh) and non-fat plain yogurt (it taste just like sour cream), accompanied by whole wheat toast and spinach scrambled eggs (4 whites, two yolks) topped with more salsa (you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can’t take Texas out of the girl!) or the Thai hot sauce, Sriracha. Buen Provecho!