After a period of indulgence, especially with refined sugars and fresh nutrients-low foods, your body needs an alkalising ingredients infusion to restore its healthy cells activity. All foods are measured on what is called a pH scale, where they are either highly acidic (0) or highly alkaline (14).
An alkaline diet strives for 80% alkaline foods, which are foods that once digested, have a high alkaline reading. Think leafy greens and avocados. This type of diet offers a lot of protection against modern-day diseases, given the high nutrient intake. Alkaline diets also evoke boundless energy throughout the day.
I am not a fan of drastic detox diets, and I advocate for including more nutrient-dense foods in your daily diet rather than stressing our your body (especially when you are not diagnosed with a chronic disease that shouts out for a strict, detoxifying diet).
For me it sounds like extreme penitence to go from sweets and holiday foods to juices or smoothies from day to day, especially when you have a demanding and stressful work. This nourishing wrap is a transition option from indulgence to a healthier diet, as its packed with alkalising foods to restore your cells pH, it’s packed with nutrients, it contains protein, healthy fats, fiber and tons of antioxidants, and it’s also filling.
Spinach is one of those high alkaline foods, that contains a mind boggling 80 nutrients, including very high levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, manganese and folate. Many modern day diseases have one thing in common, and that’s that they’re born out of an inflammatory environment.
Spinach, and many other high alkaline foods, balance out acidity in the gut and are anti-inflammatory, which helps to accomplish great gut health.
Speaking of gut health, your gut is home to millions of good and bad bacteria, all of which need to be kept in balance, to have an immune system that fires on all cylinders. That’s because 80% of your immune system is actually located in your gut. Consuming foods that contain probiotics, or live bacteria, help to maintain this healthy balance.
Sauerkraut is a simple and very affordable probiotic that helps to introduce good bacteria to your system. Again, sauerkraut contains anti-inflammatory properties and is a great source of iron, vitamin C and magnesium.
Beetroot features in many of my recipes, as the vibrant color is due to unique pigments called betalains, which serve as triggers for both the phases of natural detoxification process (toxins neutralising and eliminating too).
Beetroot has strong antioxidant properties, and contain an abundance of nutrients including folate, manganese and potassium. Being rich in fiber, this helps to move toxins through your digestive system and promotes healthy, glowing skin.
Hummus is a go-to for vegans, as it’s a good protein source, rich in iron and contains B vitamins. If you can, make your own hummus at home, as supermarket varieties contain a lot of preservatives that are harmful to your health.
Chickpeas are very high in manganese, folate, copper and fiber. Antioxidants include vitamin C and vitamin E which again, help with detoxing your body of unwanted toxins.
- 2 Handfuls fresh spinach leaves
- 4 tbsp hummus
- 1 medium beet, cooked and cut into small cubes
- 1 avocado, peeled and cut into slices
- ½ cup red cabbage sauerkraut
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- 2 Whole wheat tortilla wraps
- Add the hummus and beet cubes into the food processor and pulse to obtain a creamy mixture.
- Divide it evenly onto the tortilla wraps, and spread with a spoon.
- Divide the rest of the ingredients on each wrap, roll the tortillas, pack to go, or serve immediately.