Detox-Friendly Lunch Recipes

Aim for variety, and take care not to supersize your portions. A lunch salad might include 4 ounces of protein, 1/2 cup of grains, greens, a cup or two of vegetables, a tablespoon of oil, and several herbs and spices.

Our detox guidelines, including which foods to include and exclude, were developed by Alejandro Junger, M.D., author of "Clean: The Revolutionary Program To Restore the Body's Natural Ability To Heal Itself"(HarperOne; 2009).

See the Detox Foods to Include list for more info.

This recipe was adapted from "Clean" and makes two servings -- you can share with a friend, keep one portion for the next day, or halve the recipe. If desired, you can serve one cup of steamed brown rice per person on the side.

This recipe was also adapted from"Clean" and makes two servings. Look for noodles made from 100 percent buckwheat, which are gluten-free. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add more vegetables.

This veggie and bean medley is delicious with grilled fish, but it can also be prepared with canned tuna for a quick lunch (look for low-salt brands with no soy fillers), or topped with avocado or grilled vegetables to make a meatless meal.

Dairy substitutes: Rice, oat, and nut milks such as almond milk and coconut milk

Non-gluten grains: brown rice, oats, millet, amaranth, teff, tapioca, buckwheat, potato flour, quinoa

Fruits and vegetables: whole fruits, unsweetened, frozen or water-packed, canned fruits, and diluted juices, all raw vegetables, steamed, sauteed, juiced, or roasted vegetables

Animal protein: fresh or water-packed fish, wild game, lamb, duck, organic chicken, and turkey

Vegetable protein: split peas, lentils, and legumes

Nuts and seeds: walnuts, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, nut butters such as almond or tahini

Oils: cold-pressed olive, flax, safflower, sesame, almond, sunflower, walnut, canola, pumpkin

Drinks: filtered or distilled water, decaffeinated herbal teas, seltzer or mineral water

Sweeteners: brown rice syrup, agave nectar, stevia, fruit sweetener, blackstrap molasses

Condiments: vinegar, all spices, including salt, pepper, basil, carob, cinnamon, cumin, dill, garlic, ginger, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, turmeric

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