There are many spring "cleanses" or "detox" diets. The reviews about cleansing are mixed. Some say it is healthy to give our bodies a break from the daily deluge of toxins we face, while others say that our bodies are naturally efficient detoxing machines and limiting our diets to a "detox menu" is unnecessary. I don't have the answer, but I do know that it's smart to limit the amount of toxins that we put into our bodies everyday. I call this SPRING CLEANSING! Start by focusing on what foods you eat that could be slowing down your system. Typically, these include foods containing refined sugars and refined carbohydrates, hydrogenated and trans fats, processed ingredients and additives. This included eliminating junk foods, fast foods, and fried foods. Also, reducing consumption of soda, coffee and alcohol and caffeine in your spring detox. Detoxifying your body in a way to recharge, rejuvenate and renew!
Here, I am including a healthy gentle detox menu to get you started for this spring. It's really just a way to eat sensible! As much as we'd all like to take the easy road, there are no magic pills and anyone who tells you there are, well... they are not telling the truth. This menu is a sensible light way of eating and it will just give you a jump start towards a healthier spring menu! For more information, contact me at:
Rachel@livehealthynyc.com
Breakfast:
Water with lemon. Be sure to hydrate throughout the day by drinking fresh water! You will start to flush the toxins away naturally!
If you have to have caffeine, opt for green tea which is brimming with antioxidants.
Fresh fruit (apple, pear, berries, grapefruit, banana). The naturally occurring vitamins and minerals will be absorbed much easier first thing in the morning and will also give you a natural sugar boost!
Warm quinoia porridge that is a big source of protein and will give you energy as you start the day (can be sweetened with agave, honey, or fruit sauce).
Water with lemon. Be sure to hydrate throughout the day by drinking fresh water! You will start to flush the toxins away naturally!
If you have to have caffeine, opt for green tea which is brimming with antioxidants.
Fresh fruit (apple, pear, berries, grapefruit, banana). The naturally occurring vitamins and minerals will be absorbed much easier first thing in the morning and will also give you a natural sugar boost!
Warm quinoia porridge that is a big source of protein and will give you energy as you start the day (can be sweetened with agave, honey, or fruit sauce).
Snack:
Small vegetable juice (either fresh juiced or low-sodium v-8 juice).
Small vegetable juice (either fresh juiced or low-sodium v-8 juice).
Lunch:
Crisp salad with extra veggies. Load up on anything green, crisp and crunchy! No, that doesn't mean fried green tomatoes! Cucumbers, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, carrots, beets, asparagus, edamame, avocado, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and bell peppers are all good choices. Be sure to have a protein (tofu, beans, or lean meat). Lemon and balsamic vinegar for dressing.
Crisp salad with extra veggies. Load up on anything green, crisp and crunchy! No, that doesn't mean fried green tomatoes! Cucumbers, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, carrots, beets, asparagus, edamame, avocado, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and bell peppers are all good choices. Be sure to have a protein (tofu, beans, or lean meat). Lemon and balsamic vinegar for dressing.
Snack:
Raw veggies with humus dip
Raw veggies with humus dip
Dinner:
Grilled fish or tofu or lean meat or chicken. Steamed veggies with baked sweet potatoe.
Grilled fish or tofu or lean meat or chicken. Steamed veggies with baked sweet potatoe.
Don't forget to get plenty of rest, for sure more than6 hrs! And, exercise daily! This will give you a boost of energy. Exercise will not only lower your levels of stress, but will help you fit into your jeans that you couldn't wear this past winter!
By following this plan for a day or two (maybe over the weekend), you will bring your body out of hibernation and begin to feel lighter!
