When you hear the word DETOX you probably cringe a bit, YES?

I do.

“If you don’t address inflammation by eating an anti-inflammatory diet, you will never succeed at effective and permanent weight loss” – Mark Hyman

DETOX is usually synonymous with struggling through a near impossible diet regimen and feeling generally awful while you’re doing it. When in fact, our bodies work hard to detox every single day, and it doesn’t have to be miserable or painful to aid your body in the hard work of detoxifying.

Here are my top 5 tips for a Gentle Detox this Spring:

1. Eat local. Eating from your local farmer sources ensures you’re eating what’s in season where you live. Head to your nearby Farmer’s Market and load up on fresh veggies. You can also research joining a CSA (community supported agriculture) to support local farmers AND get in season, local, fresh produce regularly.

2. Eat In Season. Spring is a natural time to detox. Mother nature has it perfectly planned for you to enjoy baby spring veggies that are still nutrient dense, but not as difficult as the Fall harvest to digest. These lighter veggies help you transition from winter hibernating to an active lifestyle. Fruits and berries are light and filled with water and antioxidants, which are an essential part of cleansing.

3. Think Water, Fresh, Raw. Sometimes getting out of the winter rut can be tough, but if you keep these 3 things in mind when grocery shopping, meal planning, and dining out, you’ll be set! Water – drink lots of water. Water helps flush toxins, revitalize your skin, brain, and metabolism. Fresh – eat fresh foods. Not baked, fried, or foods that are heavy and weigh you down. Raw – try to add more raw foods into your diet as they are nutrient dense and aid in detoxification and elimination.

4. Sweat + Move. Sweating is essential to detoxifying your body. When the weather starts to get warmer, your body craves a good sweat and movement. Be sure to plan your workouts and follow the Inner Athlete formula of 3-2-1-1. It’s 3 days of strength training, 2 days of cardio, 1 day of mind-body movement, and 1 day off. Please note that strength and cardio can be combined, and your choice of mind-body movement may include these elements as well. This is meant to guide you, it isn’t a strict formula. Start where you are! 

5. Exfoliate Your Skin. Your skin is a major vehicle for detoxification, and is the gateway to your lymphatic system (another huge player in detox). Use a dry brush before hopping in the shower to help increase circulation, wake up your lymphatic system, and remove old skin cells. It not only feels amazing, but is so good for your entire body.

What’s your favorite way to prep for Spring? Leave a comment below!

Kale Lemon Detox Soup

1/2 lb. fresh kale
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
2 cups water
2 tsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
Juice from 1 fresh lemon
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Coarsely chop kale, discarding thick stems. In a large saucepan or soup pot, heat oil over medium heat and add onion, cooking until translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add broth, kale, quinoa, lemon juice and zest to onions in pan. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer 30 minutes. (Add more water or broth if needed during cooking.) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Recipe By: Tara Hantske