NOT READY FOR A HEAVY-DUTY DETOX?
HERE ARE GEIGER’S TIPS FOR CLEANER EATING.

– Try quinoa: A super high-protein, nutty flavored seed, quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) can be substituted for just about any grain. It’s gluten-free and packed with essential amino acids, B vitamins, potassium, riboflavin, folic acid, and vitamin E.

-Switch to mineral salt: While table salt is mined from the ground, sea salt is dried from kelp beds in the ocean. Simply put, it contains more minerals and is better for you.

Cut caffeine: According to Geiger, caffeine lowers the pH of our bodies, making us more susceptible to disease. If you don’t buy that, buy this: Caffeine raises insulin levels and can mess up blood sugar. Experiment with drinks containing guarana, a South American plant containing B vitamins and a natural caffeine that won’t touch your insulin levels.

Get chia seeds: Just 3/5 ounces of chia seeds have the same amount of omega-3 fatty acids as 28 ounces of salmon. Add these little powerhouses to protein shakes or baked goods.

Go gluten-free and see what happens. Try using gluten-free brown rice pasta or Udi’s gluten-free bread found at Whole Foods and at One Earth in Danville. Gluten-free dining options are available at Piatti and Amber, gluten-free cupcakes at Miglet’s bakery, and gluten-free pizza at Jules Thin Crust. (*Bay Area)

Replace sugar with natural substitutes like xylitol and erythritol, both available at Whole Foods. Or try a low-glycemic option like coconut sugar (also known as palm sugar) or brown rice syrup.

Add lemon to your water, tea and juice: “Lemon juice is the most alkaline-forming beverage you can drink.” Says Geiger.

Make your own salad dressing: Commercial dressings tend to be high in sugar and preservatives. Make your own, and experiment with coconut and apple cider vinegars (they have less sugar than balsamic).

Cleanest alcohol? Vodka. “Add fiber powder to martinis,” says Geiger. “It will bulk up in your system, combine with the sugars and alcohols, and slow them down into your blood stream.”

Best candy bar? Almond snickers. The nuts and fat put the brakes on the sugar.