By Jessi McLennan
Published: May 25, 2013
Spring is finally here, and many of us find ourselves cleaning up the house and getting rid of the clutter.
But spring is also a perfect time to do a little internal cleaning, otherwise known as a cleanse or a detox.
Spring is the perfect time to do a detox, to rejuvenate and nourish the body in preparation for the year ahead.
The benefits of following a detox plan can include reduced inflammation, increased metabolism, improved digestion, reduction in cravings, higher energy levels and an overall improvement of health and wellbeing.
It can also provide the body with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes which rejuvenate and improve the function of your digestive organs.
Although there are many choices out there when it comes to detox kits, teas and elixirs, you can safely and effectively detox at home by using simple, seasonal ingredients that are now abundant at the local farmers market or grocery store.
One of the most important detox foods is leafy green vegetables such as kale, baby spinach, collard greens, bok choy, dandelion greens (yes, there not just a weed, you can eat them too), Swiss Chard and the cabbage family, just to name a few.
Greens are the most nutrient dense food available (meaning they contain more vitamin and minerals per gram than any other food), they support detoxification of the liver and kidneys and are incredibly alkalizing, meaning they help to counteract acidity within the body.
When most people thing of greens they automatically think of a salad, but did you know you can drink your greens too?
Before you put the paper down in disgust, trust me, this green drink is delicious and you will hardly know there are greens in it!
You can gently detox your system everyday by making yourself a large Spring Green Smoothie in the morning and having it alongside you healthy granola and yogurt breakfast (check out last month’s edition for the recipe).
Spring Green Smoothie
- ½ cup fresh, organic orange juice
- ¾ cup cold water
- ½ tsp fresh grated ginger
- ¼ cup frozen, organic blueberries
- 1 handful of mixed baby greens, or baby spinach
- ½ banana
- 1-2 tsp flax seed oil*
Place all ingredients into a blender and mix on high for 30-60 seconds.
* The addition of a little healthy fat will improve the absorption of the vitamins and minerals found in the greens.
Jessi McLennan is a registered nutritional therapist amd owner of Origins Nutirtion.
