Joy McCarthy, a Canadian certified holistic nutritionist, is behind one of my favourite blogs and Instagram accounts. She shares her love of healthy living without shaming people and her "dieting" is just so sinfully delicious that it doesn't feel like deprivation at all. When I had the opportunity to get some tips from Joy ( who also just launched her awesome new book) I jumped at the chance to get the dirt on her healthy diet and lifestyle. Read on for her fabulous suggestions for getting healthy this year. Canadian Living: Everyone's on a detox in the new year. Do you need to detox and if so, why? When you're doing a detox, how can you do it in a healthy way? Joy McCarthy: I recommend following a detox at least once or twice a year because it’s like hitting the reset button. It’s a great opportunity to re-affirm your health goals, give your diet a makeover and support your body’s detoxification organs. Doing a healthy detox means not depriving yourself or eating too few calories. Deprivation and calorie restriction can really backfire by increasing your appetite hormones. Doing it healthfully means eating foods that stimulate detoxification such as cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, kale and arugula, plenty of water, especially freshly squeezed lemon and water. I also suggest taking a break from foods that can be inflammatory such as gluten, dairy, sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Many people also have the misconception that in order to effectively detox they need to cut out all forms of protein. This is a myth. Protein is necessary for your liver to function and detox. However, taking a break from animal proteins and focusing on plant-based protein can ease the burden of digestion and allow your body to more easily digest food. Good plant based sources of protein are almonds, beans and lentils, chia seeds, quinoa and even green leafy vegetables. CL:What is your New Year's resolution?  JM: Do yoga every single day. Even if it’s just a 20 minute self-practice in my living room, the quiet time is incredibly beneficial to my overall well-being. CL: Do you have any tips on boosting your energy naturally? (Especially during this cold, dark winter!) JM: I have two suggestions: 1) Get outside for a walk on your lunch break. Fresh air is immediately energy boosting. If it’s chilly, dress warm — perfect time to bust out that cute toque! 2) Avoid refined carbohydrate snacks such as cookies, muffins, chips and crackers. When the 3 p.m. lull hits and you are feeling tired choose energizing snacks such as sliced apple with crunchy almond butter, hummus and veggies or almond milk with your favourite plant-based protein powder. Snacks such as this contain protein and good fat, which keep you focused and energized.

CL: What are your weight loss tips?  JM: I always tell my clients to listen to their body and eat when you feel hungry, rather than eating by the clock. Snacking is also a fantastic way to keep your blood sugar balanced, cravings in check and metabolism working as efficiently as possible.  Some of my favourite snacks are a handful of almonds and dried cranberries, chopped celery, goat cheese or a smoothie.

CL: What does your typical diet look like? Are there any foods you make sure to eat regularly? JM: I choose detoxifying foods every single day. I always like to start my day with a huge glass of water and freshly squeezed lemon. At lunch and dinner I always make sure I fill my plate with at least 50% veggies. And I choose my indulgences wisely. If I feel like a glass of red wine, I will have it or some chocolate. In fact, I love dark chocolate! Beyond these foods I make sure to have plenty of variety to avoid developing any food sensitivities. I have an organic food delivery every week and this inspires me to create new recipes and have plenty of variety at meal time. Thanks Joy!