1. <b>1. Sip something spicy</b>
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Rev your <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/ways-to-boost-your-metabolism-in-2013/" target="_blank">metabolism</a> with a dash or two of cayenne pepper. "The active ingredient, capsaicin, <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/six-healthiest-spices-to-add-to-your-recipes/" target="_blank">improves digestion</a> and speeds up metabolism by stimulating proteins that break down fat," says <a href="https://twitter.com/rebeccapreszler" target="_blank">Rebecca Preszler</a>, creator of the <a href="http://www.totalcleanse.ca/" target="_blank">Total Cleanse</a>. Add a pinch to hot cocoa, savoury cocktails, veggie juice or bloat-busting hot water with lemon.
2. <b>2. Get more greens in the a.m.</b>
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Re-energize first thing with a nutrient-rich and naturally <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/five-detoxifying-benefits-of-arugula-and-a-rejuvenating-salad-recipe/" target="_blank">detoxifying</a> brekkie. "A juice or <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/five-quick-smoothie-recipes-for-happy-healthy-and-efficient-mornings/" target="_blank">smoothie</a> is a great way to fill up on fruits and veggies — even the more bitter ones like kale and <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/five-reasons-why-detoxifying-swiss-chard-is-one-of-the-healthiest-greens/" target="_blank">Swiss chard</a>," says Preszler. Try this refreshing combo: celery, cucumber, kale, lettuce, lemon and apple for a healthy dose of low-cal antioxidants.
3. <b>3. Warm up with chocolate</b>
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<p>As if we needed an extra reason to love hot chocolate! Research shows antioxidant-rich dark cocoa helps ward off the winter blues by increasing serotonin levels — and happy people have an easier time sticking to weight-loss goals. In your next steaming mug of chocolatey goodness, try substituting water and a mint tea bag for milk to reduce calories, improve digestion and soothe your mind and muscles.</p><p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/five-reasons-to-eat-more-chocolate/" target="_blank">5 healthy reasons to eat more chocolate</a></strong></p>
4. <b>4. Have a hot milk before bed</b>
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<p>Studies show restful nights lead to healthier choices during the day. So make sleep priority number one! Before hitting the hay, pour yourself a soothing cup of warm milk. Research shows milk helps the body wind down at bedtime, because it contains melatonin and tryptophan, two of nature's favourite sleep aids.</p><p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/wellness/eight-health-benefits-of-a-good-nights-sleep/" target="_blank">8 health benefits of a good night's sleep</a></strong></p>
5. <b>5. Crush up some cranberries</b>
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<p>A recent U.S. study found regularly sipping on low-cal cranberry juice may decrease your blood pressure because it contains high levels of antioxidants, which are also key for a healthy digestive tract. (That means keeping regular and banishing bloat!) If cranberries are too tart for your taste, try one of these other antioxidant-rich drink choices: acai juice, green tea, coffee or red wine (in moderation, of course).</p><p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/a-homemade-cranberry-sauce-and-five-health-reasons-to-eat-more-cranberries/" target="_blank">5 reasons you should add more cranberries to your diet</a></strong></p>
6. <b>6. Drink all day</b>
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<p>Extra H2O keeps fluids moving through your body, helping to minimize bloating and regulate your weight. And it's good for your mind, too! Busy schedules make for high stress levels, but some of those anxious feelings may be a sign of dehydration.<br /><br /><strong>Bonus:</strong> A few tall glasses of water right before a meal helps you eat less.</p>
7. <b>7. Invest in a juicer</b>
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<p>Is stressing less at the top of your New Year's resolution list this year? Pick up a blender or juicer (maybe at a Boxing Day sale!) and you're already halfway there. For one thing, you'll simplify your diet: "<a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/10-ways-fresh-juice-cleanses-the-body-of-toxins/" target="_blank">Juicing</a> helps you consume the optimal amount of veggies in a super efficient manner," says Preszler, and it takes way less prep than most dishes.</p><p><strong>Bonus:</strong> By skipping the store-bought, often processed options you'll save big on calories <em>and</em> cash. </p><p><strong>… or have fresh juice delivered<br /></strong>More and more home-delivery juice services are popping up across the country, offering a variety of detoxifying blends. Canada-wide options like <a href="http://www.totalcleanse.ca/" target="_blank">Total Cleanse</a>, <a href="http://www.rawrawcleanse.com/" target="_blank">Raw Raw Cleanse</a> or <a href="https://www.otg3.com/" target="_blank">OTG3</a> allow you to choose from customized programs that work for you, based on your health goals. If you're new to juicing, a two- or three-day juice cleanse is a great way to test the waters.</p>
8. <b>8. Eat soup for supper</b>
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<p>Satisfy your hunger and your waistline by lightening up the dinner hour with a filling serving of soup. For the most complete meal in a bowl, choose a broth-based option loaded with protein.</p><p><strong>Bonus:</strong> Soup helps you feel full faster!</p><p>Try our <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/recipe/vegetables/turkey-and-white-bean-soup-recipe/">turkey and white-bean soup recipe</a> for a great place to start!<strong> <br /></strong></p>
