Spring Clean and Detox your Body for Vibrant Health- Part 1

Springtime is not only a perfect time for home spring cleaning, but it is a perfect time to spring clean and detox your body as well. In your home, you organize and clean out the clutter and while doing this; you dust and clean every corner of your home, inside cabinets and closets that have been accumulating debris all winter. Well just as you are doing this in your home, your body needs the same attention. Every cell of your body needs a chance to detox debris that may be sitting there from exposure to heavy, high-fat foods that you consumed all winter and possibly some toxins that accumulated as well. This is such a critical and extensive topic that it couldn’t easily all be presented in one article. So be sure to check out part 2 on this subject for a continuation of the detox discussion!

Having a regular schedule of cleansing and detoxifying your body will help you not only to prevent illnesses but also will help you to ease symptoms of, and possibly even reverse, many common and serious health challenges. As spring is a time of renewal, once you have done a bit of internal spring cleaning, you will feel invigorated and inspired to lead into summer with renewed energy and vitality.

Here are some basic steps to get started:

Start by cleaning up what you feed your body. By eating a “cleaner” diet, your body will naturally begin to slowly purge and cleanse.

• Consider drinking fresh clean filtered or spring water. Being hydrated is so important to aid your body in the detox process. Always start your day with a simple glass and include several glasses mostly between meals throughout the day. After one simple glass of water in the morning, I like to suggest having a second glass with a squeeze of fresh organic lemon or lime juice to help hydrate your cells and to help detox and rejuvenate your liver. Another great alternative to using the lemon or lime is adding raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to some water. This is not only excellent for the liver and gallbladder support, but it also provides much-needed beneficial bacteria for your digestive system.
• Fresh vegetable juices with some fruit are a very important and an amazing way to detox your body while providing incredible nourishment. Since your body is not working hard to digest heavy foods and fiber, the nutrients from fresh juices are able to be absorbed immediately and directly into every cell of your body. This also allows your cells to dispose of anything unwanted while getting a boost of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Consider trying a nice delicious combination of greens, celery, and cucumber, and add carrots and beets or a green apple for flavor and sweetness. Try dandelion, the green of choice to rejuvenate the liver in the springtime. Mother Nature knows best and each spring she reminds us how important dandelion greens are by placing them everywhere for us to see! Visit the section on juicing ideas in my recipe book titled “Fabulous Recipes for Vibrant Health” for great tasting juice combinations and ideas. Wheat grass juice is also something worth trying, as it is always a fantastic choice for detoxifying and alkalizing your body. Parsley and cilantro are also beneficial in assisting the body’s natural detoxification process.
• Consider only whole plant-based foods while cleansing and detoxing. This includes a diet rich with a wide variety of fresh fruits and smoothies, fresh salads and wraps, light soups, and steamed veggies with brown rice or quinoa. Be sure to include some vegetables from the cruciferous family of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, bok choy, cabbages, etc. According to Dr. Michael Greger in our film, “Bethany’s Story”, cruciferous vegetables help to support our liver’s detoxification enzymes. By eliminating processed foods loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars and chemicals, you will dramatically improve your health and wellbeing as well as promote your body’s natural detoxification process. Always save room for some of my famous, truly healthy desserts. Be sure to refer to my book, “Fabulous Recipes for Vibrant Health” for great recipes and meal ideas.
• Consider organics where possible to avoid consuming pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The goal here is to eliminate toxins from your body, not add to them!

Keep in mind that as you purge toxins from your body, you may feel worse before you feel better. This is completely normal and nothing to become alarmed about. However, if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact me at 724-417-6695.

Be sure to check out Part 2 for more spring detox tips!