Here is the recap from the segment I did on CP24 this morning where we talked about why it’s beneficial to Spring Clean our bodies, basically after a long winter we’ve built up toxins in our body that has left us feeling lethargic, with a sluggish digestive system, and not-so-glowy skin, all signs that our diet needs an adjustment as we transition into the warmer months and give our liver (the detoxification powerhouse!) a lot of love this Spring.

What you need to focus on are foods rich in antioxidants, protein and fibre. Not to mention constantly staying hydrated to help flush out toxins and get your digestion, liver and skin feeling brand new again!

Top foods I spoke about:

Cruciferous vegetables: these vegetables contain sulfur, a molecule that transports toxins out of the body! Enjoy 1-2 cups a day.

popular picks: Kale, arugula, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli.

Citrus fruits: high in antioxidants such as vitamin C, which is needed in the detoxification process in the liver. Antioxidants are like our body guards, protecting us against the bad guys, otherwise known as free radicals. Enjoy 1 serving a day.

popular picks: lemon, grapefruit, limes, oranges.

Avocados and walnuts: these healthy fat sources are particularly high in glutathione, AKA: the Master of all antioxidants! Enjoy 1 serving a day of avocado, or a handful of walnuts.

Fibrous foods: we need fibre because it acts like a broom, sweeping our intestines from impurities and eliminating them via our bowels, and we can’t cleanse successfully if the “doors aren’t open”. Aim between 25-30 g of fibre per day.

popular picks: apples, beans, freshly ground flax seeds.

Bitter foods: We didn’t have enough time to fit this into the segment but I want you to always remember that “the liver loves bitter!”. Bitter foods stimulate the production of bile in the liver, which is necessary to get rid of all kinds of waste products to help your liver cleanse effectively. Enjoy 1-2 cups a day.

popular picks: arugula, radicchio, dandelion leaves, endive, cauliflower, artichokes, broccoli

Below are the recipes I shared on the segment:

1. Warm lemon water (serves 1)

8 oz of warm or room temperature water with a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy first thing in the morning on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before eating breakfast to help gently cleanse your body and prepare your digestive system for breakfast.

2. Green Machine Smoothie (serves 1)

• 4oz coconut water
• 4oz water (or a few ice cubes)
• Juice from ½ lemon
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• ½ frozen banana  
• 1 cup kale
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 TB flax seeds

Place all ingredients in the order it appears, and blend until smooth. Enjoy fresh!

3. Red Crusher (serves 1)

• 1/2 cup almond milk
• ½ cup orange juice
• Juice from ½ lemon
• ½ frozen banana
• small handful peeled and chopped beets
• ½ cup cranberries
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds

Place all ingredients in the order it appears, and blend until smooth. Enjoy fresh!

4. Fiesta Citrus Salad (serves 2)

• 3 large handfuls of arugula
• 1 grapefruit, cut into chunks
• 1 avocado, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• handful of chopped cilantro or mint
• 5 walnuts, chopped
• juice of 2 limes
• 1.5 tb olive oil
• salt to taste

assemble everything into the bowl, gently mix in olive oil, lime and salt and you’re ready to enjoy!

5. Chicken Cabbage Tacos (serves 2)

• 6 red cabbage leaves to use as a taco shell (or use romaine leaves or collard greens)
• 2 pieces of chicken breast (about 4-6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup of black beans
• 1/2 cup chopped apples (I used gala)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 avocado, smashed into a paste
• sprouts
• juice of 2 limes

Assemble everything into the cabbage leaf and top with smashed avocado, sprouts and a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of salt.

RSVP here for my Free Workshop Next Sunday on How to Kickstart Your Body For Spring!