Best Detox Foods: 19 Recipes for a New Year’s Refresh
It’s time to ditch bad diet trends and start fresh. If you want to set your digestive system up for success, your journey should begin with eliminating processed foods and replacing them with ones that’ll help detox your body.
From keto-friendly sushi that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare to a delectable dessert that features one of the best detox foods, here are 19 tasty recipes for a new year’s refresh.
1. Keto Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Looking for a light dinner option that’ll assist with the detoxification process? These keto stuffed cabbage rolls will leave you feeling satisfied without the bloating and sluggishness associated with high-carb meals. Not only do they provide quality fats from Bulletproof Grass-Fed Ghee, but they feature a detoxifying superfood: cabbage.
This humble cruciferous vegetable may not boast a ton of flavor on its own, but it’s the perfect vessel for all that ground-lamb goodness. Cabbage contains glucosinolates, compounds that break down into products that help the liver’s detoxification enzymes.[1] Plus, it’s rich in both insoluble and soluble fiber, making it ultra-valuable for your digestive system.
With inviting macros and robust flavors, this dish belongs on the top of your detox diet menu.
2. Keto Spicy Tuna Sushi Burrito
Sushi from home? Yes, please! It’s not only possible but also surprisingly easy to enjoy fresh sushi without going to a Japanese restaurant. In fact, this keto spicy tuna sushi burrito will make everyone believe you’re a pro.
Of course, we keep things keto-friendly by swapping out rice for the cauliflower version. Moreover, this 25-minute dish is gut-friendly thanks to the nori sheets that keep everything wrapped up in a tidy little package.
So, what makes seaweed one of the best detox foods? It contains sulfated polysaccharides, which have been shown to increase the growth of good gut bacteria.[2] Gut bacteria can have a tremendous impact on how toxins are handled. In addition, these sugars can increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, which support the cells that line your gut with nourishment. [3] A strong gut lining is the first line of defense against toxins getting into the body.
Needless to say, the seaweed in this sushi burrito does much more than hold all the ingredients together.
3. Gut-Friendly Collagen Smoothie Recipe
Searching for something sippable that stars some detoxifying foods? This gut-friendly collagen smoothie certainly checks all the boxes. Gluten-free, low-carb and ready to drink in a matter of minutes, it contains quality fats from Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil and both prebiotics and probiotics from Bulletproof Unflavored Gut Health Collagen Protein.
Plus, this recipe includes two ingredients that have natural detoxification properties: coconut yogurt and ginger. The former is a fermented milk drink that provides probiotic support. The latter has antioxidants and properties that support health, which will come in handy for that new year revamp.
4. Collagen-Boosted Green Juice
Throwing a bunch of fresh fruits in your blender isn’t necessarily the best detoxification strategy. If you want to go the juicing route, this collagen-boosted green juice is a great way to enhance your body’s ability to clear toxins from your liver and intestinal tract, which will get you on a positive path.
Although Bulletproof Unflavored Collagen Protein has no impact on the taste, it does provide the building blocks for healthy skin, bones, muscles and joints.† And since it mixes easily into any hot or cold drink, it’s the perfect addition to the celery juice base.
Speaking of this crunchy veggie, it provides support for digestion and occasional bloating. For a quick and easy way to quench your thirst for a detox-oriented drink, give this recipe a go.
Related: Keto Green Smoothie and Juice Recipes to Support Detox and Glowing Skin
5. Keto Orange Cranberry Muffins
A tasty treat that will remind you of the holidays, these orange cranberry muffins will actually help you move forward in the new year. In addition to having solid macros, they star one of the best detox foods around.
Unlike the sugary, dried varietal, fresh cranberries are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which is why many people turn to cranberry juice as a “cleansing” option. However, it’s better to enjoy your berries whole since many of the compounds are concentrated in the skin, which makes this recipe the perfect choice for home bakers who need some detox assistance. [4] [5]
6. Adaptogenic Turmeric Latte
Whether you drink it hot or poured over ice, this turmeric latte will leave you feeling ultra-refreshed. Although the recipe requires only six ingredients, each one brings something special to the table.
Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil and canned coconut milk (BPA-free, of course!) not only provide quality fats, but they also combine to create a gorgeously creamy mouthfeel. Ashwagandha turns this latte into an adaptogenic powerhouse, helping your body cope with occasional stress.
While cinnamon and black pepper add just the right amount of spice, turmeric takes the drink to another level from a liver support and detox perspective. Curcumin, the compound responsible for turmeric’s bright color, has been shown to significantly increase total antioxidant capacity when taken daily, which can lead to lower levels of a compound that is overproduced by free radicals.[6]
Related: It’s Always Golden Hour With These 7 Turmeric Benefits
More Recipes From Bulletproof
7. Salmon Protein Bowl with Broccoli and Leeks
Healthy eating doesn’t get much simpler than this quick-and-easy salmon bowl with broccoli and leeks. In just 20 minutes, you can sit down and enjoy a delicious, balanced dish that features quality fats and protein from wild-caught salmon and fiber and phytonutrients from the various veggies.
Specifically, broccoli’s antioxidant properties make it one of the best detox foods. It contains high levels of glucoraphanin, a compound that’s converted into a powerful antioxidant called sulforaphane, during digestion. [7]
8. Green Shakshuka
A visually impressive dish that doesn’t take nearly as much prep time as you’d expect, this green shakshuka recipe will transport your taste buds to the Middle East and help your digestive system get back on track.
In fact, this recipe has three ingredients that make it ideal for that new year new you feel. Kale isn’t just a great source of vitamins C and K; it can also help counteract oxidative stress thanks to its antioxidant properties. [8]
Plus, garlic doesn’t just add flavor; it also can support heavy metal detoxification and your natural protective mechanisms against oxidative stressors. [9] [10]
Finally, you can’t forget about avocado—an excellent source of fiber, as well as it provides antioxidant supporting compounds. [11] Overall, this dish is a shining star when it comes to the detoxification game.
9. Lemon Drizzle Cake
It may seem counterintuitive to eat cake for its health benefits, but this lemon drizzle cake recipe actually allows you to do just that. Made with zero grains, gluten or artificial sweeteners, the base includes Unflavored Collagen Protein and a useful detox ingredient that provides the perfect punch of lip-puckering goodness: lemon.
Not only does the citrus fruit add some serious zing, but it also adds fiber, vitamin C and phytonutrients.[12] So, if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth and set your body up for success in the new year, dig into a slice of this sin-free cake.
10. Keto Activated Charcoal Smoothie
One of the best detox foods is one that doesn’t exactly look appetizing. However, don’t underestimate the refreshing power of this activated charcoal-based smoothie. A fantastic way to support your gut health and assist with occasional gas and bloating, activated charcoal has millions of pores to bind and remove toxins from your body. [13]
Between Bulletproof Coconut Charcoal, Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil and Unflavored Collagen Protein, this keto-friendly smoothie contains three ingredients that will help you achieve the fresh start you’re searching for.
11. Prosciutto-Wrapped Baked Eggs With Asparagus
Tired of the same-old bacon and eggs every morning? Start your day off on the right foot with prosciutto-wrapped baked eggs with asparagus. Salty, crispy prosciutto serves as an edible vessel for perfectly baked eggs, both of which provide quality fats and protein.
Most importantly, this super-simple breakfast features one of the best detox foods in the form of steamed asparagus. Rich in insoluble fiber and high in antioxidants like vitamins E, C and glutathione, this versatile veggie is a nutritional rock star that turns this dish from good to great.[14]
Related: What the Heck is Glutathione? Your Guide to This Immunity and Detox Powerhouse
12. Southern-Style Collard Greens
Eating comfort food doesn’t seem like a logical route to improve your overall health and wellness. In this case, though, you can enjoy an all-time classic side dish without having to worry about ruining your macros or inhibiting your progress.
Paired with your protein of choice, these Southern-style collard greens are ideal for rounding out a weeknight dinner. And, as a cruciferous vegetable, collard greens contain sulforaphane and fiber to keep your gut happy and thriving.
13. Paleo Flatbread With Artichoke Dip
This isn’t anything like the artichoke dip you’d find on your favorite pub menu. In fact, our paleo flatbread with artichoke dip has a much better macro and micronutrient profile thanks to low-carb flours and a few other key ingredients.
While the paleo-friendly flatbread stands out on its own, this dish is all about the supremely underrated veggie that makes up the delicious dip. Artichokes are one of the best foods for your gut health, as they’re rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium and iron. They also contain inulin, a fiber that acts as a prebiotic. [15] [16]
14. Berry Matcha Smoothie
A refreshing way to begin your day, this berry matcha smoothie supports healthy skin, bones, muscles and joints via Bulletproof Vanilla Bean Energy Collagen Protein, one of the many new products that made our 2021 so special.† However, that’s not the only reason this super-sippable smoothie makes the cut…
Bulletproof InnerFuel Prebiotic feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut to keep your microbiome thriving. Matcha, which comes from the same plant as green tea, is rich in catechins, a class of compounds that act as natural antioxidants.† How powerful are catechins? One study showed the concentration of epigallocatechin gallate in matcha is 137 times greater than a low-quality green tea, and at least three times higher than other common varieties.[17]
Needless to say, this smoothie is optimally designed for your glow-up!
15. Smoked Salmon and Garlic Spinach Breakfast Sandwich
A fancier way to start the day, this smoked salmon and garlic spinach breakfast sandwich isn’t just a tasty way to consume much-needed calories when you’re on the trails. Even if you’re not on an outdoor adventure, this recipe belongs in your new year, new you menu.
Garlic’s cleansing properties assist with your body’s detoxification system. Meanwhile, spinach is also a gut-friendly food that has valuable phytonutrients like quercetin, lutein and kaempferol, as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals.[18] Keep in mind, however, that spinach is high in oxalates, which can be problematic in terms of mineral absorption.
Ultimately, this campfire-inspired breakfast sandwich is a classy, refresh-focused way to start your morning.
Related: Spoiler Alert: Despite Popular Opinion, Plant-Based Salmon Isn’t the Solution
16. Cleansing Carrot Ginger Soup
It’s cool out, so why not warm your body and soothe your soul with something that also supports your gut health? A bowl of this cleansing carrot ginger soup will certainly do just that.
This five-step recipe yields a flavorful, creamy soup that is easy to digest and beneficial for your overall health. First, ginger provides antioxidant support, and offers many other health benefits. Next, carrots deliver high levels of beta-carotene, which helps fight the effects of free radicals while supporting and protecting your skin and vision. [19]
So, gather your ingredients, crank up your stovetop and pick out a comfy spot on the couch so you’ll be ready to savor every sip (or slurp!) once it’s simmered.
17. Orange Dill Compound Butter
Level up from regular butter and try something new! In terms of flavor and benefits, you won’t find a better recipe than this orange dill compound butter.
Fresh orange zest and some sea salt add another dimension to the butter (or you can formulate with Grass-Fed Ghee). But what makes this butter even better is an aromatic herb with big-time benefits: dill. In addition to being a good source of vitamin C, it is rich in tannins—polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties. [20]
Use this ridiculously easy compound butter recipe to transform an ordinary piece of protein or a serving of veggies into something out of this world.
18. Maple-Roasted Nut Mix With Turmeric and Black Pepper
Need simple snack ideas for your meal plan? Look no further than this maple-roasted nut mix. Although it takes 45 minutes from start to finish, most of that time will be spent waiting on your oven to bring out the deep flavors from everything on the baking tray.
Tossed and roasted in Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil with turmeric, the various nuts used in this recipe all bring something to the table.† However, Brazil nuts are particularly valuable because they’re rich in selenium,[21] a trace element that’s essential for your thyroid, immune system and cell growth. [22] Selenium also increases levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), an enzyme that helps bolster a healthy immune response and protect your body from oxidative stress. [23]
19. Paleo Sweet Potato Noodles With Thai Meatballs
This nutrient-dense take on pasta transforms the humble sweet potato into tender, grain-free noodles that pair perfectly with meatballs made of your pasture-raised protein of choice. Our paleo sweet potato noodles recipe should become a weekly favorite not only for creativity but also thanks to its health benefits.
By swapping out traditional noodles for spiralized sweet potato, this dish works to bolster your gut health. Sweet potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, as well as antioxidants. When you use them as a bed for some juicy and flavorful meatballs, you simply can’t go wrong.
How to get additional detox support through supplements
Eating the best detox foods on a consistent basis will help put you on the right path. However, supplements can fill in any gaps and provide additional support. So, if you’re wondering which ones to add to your stack, here are a few to consider:
- Liposomal Glutathione: This supplement supports immunity working to protect your cells to help combat the free-radical chain reactions brought upon by diet and stress. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant used by the liver to detoxify, so supplementing is a smart way to support your body’s glutathione level.†
- Bulletproof Superfood Antioxidants: Looking for daily antioxidant support? This plant-based, supplement will help defend against free radicals, combat oxidative stress and promote a healthy immune function.†
- Bulletproof Coconut Charcoal: If you’ve splurged a little too much, this is a great way to give your detoxification system some assistance. Sourced from 100% coconut shells, Coconut Charcoal helps neutralize everyday toxins and occasional gas and bloating in two easy-to-swallow capsules.†
Not sure how to transition into a new wellness journey? These easy-to-follow new year new you tips will help you kick-start your goals!
Subscribe to our Recipe Lab newsletter for delicious recipes delivered to your inbox weekly!