I can’t believe it’s May! Yeah! Spring is finally here! The trees are budding and the flowers are blooming and I can smell the cut of fresh grass (my seasonal allergies are killing me, but it’s a small price to pay for the beauty of this time of year!). It’s the perfect time to do a healthy detox.
What, not another “no food” or a “liquid diet”? NO- let’s take a good look at habits and set health goals!
With Spring in bloom, don’t you feel like you are filled with inspiration and have more energy to achieve your healthy goals? I know I do! I feel that overall we are more active and more creative (I recently attempted to paint a pair of old jeans, not my best job but it was a lot of fun throwing paint all over my jeans!). In addition, with the nicer weather and longer days, it is easier this season to stick to healthy routines.
So, when I say “detox” I mean a diet- a way of living- that incorporates whole foods and daily activities that support your body. You will feel increased bouts of energy, eliminate your cravings, lose weight, reduce bloating and get rid of belly fat. Your mind will be clear and focused, your mood will improve and your skin will glow!
Eat whole, real foods: Eliminate processed foods. By this I mean foods with added sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, soy, and animal protein that come in a bag or box.Stick to organic fruits and veggies for your cleanse. Lots of vegetables, fruits, greens, grains, legumes, and beans.
Go green: Spring time foods consist of dandelion greens, spinach, parsley, watercress, asparagus, peas, fennel, and mustard greens. You can also add in additional dark leafy greens such as kale, swiss chard, and collards. The chlorophyll from the leaves feed the blood, and help your body achieve balance. Therefore, ridding your body of toxins becomes easier. You feel cleaner.
Set your clock: 7-10 days is a perfect time period to feel and see changes in your body. It’s just enough time to really get the full effects of a detox. It takes time to make changes, and your body needs time to adjust to eating differently, getting rid of toxins, and establishing habits.
And don’t forget about sleep and exercise! Getting the proper rest and enough exercise is also fuel for your body during a cleanse.
I can promise you that with this “spring detox”, by flushing out all of the toxins (physical, emotional and dietary) that are left over from the long winter months, you will feel renewed and invigorated to begin the new season. Spring ahead to a new and bright you!