Natural Detoxifying Foods

Spring. It's coming. The leaves are starting to sneak out and the blossoms are beginning to burst. The temperature is starting to shift and I swear it is even starting to smell a little greener.

Naturally, many of us are ready to shake off the winter. Out with the old and in with the new. Hear, hear!

This is the very moment detox and cleansing companies are waiting for. They are rubbing their hands together, waiting for this golden moment. It is the moment you realize you have spent most of the winter eating comfort foods, you're feeling a little down about yourself, and are suddenly captivated by the hypnotizing and sexy words: Detox or Cleanse.

But wait. Pause. Don't get too ahead of yourself. Know that this feeling of getting rid of the old and bringing in the new is a NATURAL feeling. It means you are feeling like you need a shift inside and out. That's cool. It is very, very normal.

So now that we are on the same page, let's explore this a little more. I believe our bodies would rather us make lasting diet and lifestyle changes rather than be forced through a week-long juice and supplement fast once a year. Its like comparing running a marathon once a year to running two times a week for a year. The results, not to mention your health, will be dramatically different.

Remember that your body is on board with this change. It is ready to feel refreshed, light and energetic. All of your cells and organs are ready to take you on their already impeccable and perfectly organized cleansing process. It knows what to do. It is already doing it. But it does need your help.

Take ownership and true responsibility. Perhaps rather than buying a detox box on the shelf, eat foods that support your intelligent cleansing system that is already within.

The foods listed below are excellent for cleansing and detoxing. If you add more and more of these to your diet, you're body will be well on its way to clearing out the old and bringing in the new. Some of them are vague and I will clarify them below.

Berries - blueberries, blackberries, gogi berries, raspberries (go for organic if possible.

Spices - Turmeric, cumin, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon.

Leafy Greens - Swiss chard, spinach, all the different varieties of kale.

Nuts - Brazil, almonds, walnuts.

Seeds - Pumpkin, sesame, flax, chia, sunflower.

Fresh Herbs - Parsley, basil, cilantro, rosemary.

Fermented foods - Kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut.

Next week we will focus on additional things you can do or changes you can make that will help propel your healthy cleanse.