The beginning of the New Year and return to our normal routines is often a wake-up call that we have let our healthy eating habits slip over the festive season. Whether or not eating healthier and getting fit is one of your New Year’s resolutions, chances are at this time of year you’re left with the feeling that you’ve over-indulged and need to clean up your act with a detox of some kind.

If the thought of a strict juice cleanse (which may deprive you of essential nutrients and leave you feeling weaker, especially at this time of year) is daunting, consider these 10 tips for a gentle method of detoxing.

Ideally, aim to stick with your detox for seven to 10 days, and rather than thinking of it as a temporary fix, incorporate these good habits into your regular routine moving forward.

1. Clear out leftover holiday treats and eliminate “unclean” foods.

There’s no need to eat your way through the rest of your goodies – time to throw them out. It’s vital to eliminate all sugar and refined carbohydrates during your detox (and ideally from this point forward), as well as other toxins including food colorants, additives, preservatives and flavor enhancers. Avoid processed and prepared foods as well.

2. Start each day with a glass of warm water and lemon juice.

Use the juice of a whole organic lemon, and if you want, add a dash of cayenne powder to this for extra detoxifying effect. This will get your bowels moving and start balancing your pH levels early in the day.

3. If at all possible, avoid coffee.

Replace coffee with the lemon water drink during the detox period. If you are having caffeine withdrawals, you can drink green tea for light caffeination with a boost of antioxidants and amino acids including theanine. Of course, alcohol is also off-limits during your cleanse.

4. Enjoy a modified liquid cleanse at breakfast.

Opt for a smoothie consisting of fruits, greens, coconut oil, and superfoods like Maca, wheatgrass, or spirulina. Some people prefer to completely avoid dairy during a gentle detox, but you could add a small amount of plain yogurt to your smoothie (and get the added benefit of probiotics in your meal). You could also add raw oats and a small handful of nuts or nut butter to your morning smoothie. Or if you just can’t face a cold breakfast on a frosty winter morning, enjoy a bowl of organic oatmeal with almond or coconut milk and berries, sweetened with a little Agave or maple syrup.

5. Eat well at lunch and dinner.

Your lunches and dinners should consist of lots of green leafy vegetables. Add in some whole grains, pulses, fish, and, if necessary, organic meats in small quantities.

6. Drink detoxifying herbal teas throughout the day.

Ginger, burdock root and dandelion are great choices.

7. Exercise to help the body get rid of toxins.

Although intense exercise is not recommended during a classic cleanse, you can certain enjoy gentle exercise during a gentle cleanse like this one. In particular, the twisting poses in yoga (as well as certain detoxifying pranayams) can be beneficial for “wringing out” your organs and detoxifying the body.

8. For deeper detoxification, consider Chlorella.

While a dietary cleanse like this one is enough for most people recovering from a season of over-indulgence, you could consider adding the supplement Chlorella, which helps purify blood, clean away toxins, and cleanse your body’s elimination systems such as the bowel and liver. Try “Broken Cell Wall” chlorella, or taking it with cilantro, as some say this makes it easier for the body to absorb.

9. Get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep is an essential part of your detox. Your body goes through a natural detoxification process while you are sleeping. Make sure you get to sleep early during the cleanse.

10. Gradually reintroduce foods.

At the end of the 7-10 day detox, gently and gradually reintroduce foods and drinks you have been avoiding, if necessary. But don’t overindulge! You’ll feel awful, and you’ll undo all the good you have done.

Beth Landau-Halpern is a Toronto-based homeopath who trained in homeopathy in London UK. Beth treats patients of all ages for many sorts of disorders, but has a special interest in treating children with emotional, behavioural, and learning issues, as well as ADHD. In addition to her private practice, Beth teaches classes in homeopathy geared towards family health and wellness. She is also a sessional lecturer in Health Studies at University of Toronto Scarborough. To learn more visit her website.