Spring Cleaning

The first day of spring is only 8 days away. This is a great time to reawaken your body and get ready for the wonderful fruits and vegetables of spring and summer, not to mention..bathing suit season!

Many people choose to go on a Cleanse this time of year. Its a great way to give your digestion system a break, detoxify your system, and most importantly a jump start for your body. A cleanse is a great way to figure out which foods you are eating that may not be healthy for you!

Here is a simple cleanse you could do for 1-3 days. 
No caffeine, animal products, dairy, or processed foods:
**Remember to drink LOTS of water!
Wake up: A glass of water with lemon and/or Herbal Teas

Breakfast: Smoothie (1 banana, 1 cup fruit (strawberries is my favorite), 1/2 cup of almond milk or water and then blend. You can add a tablespoon of all natural peanut butter for some protein or some flax seed.

Snack in the AM: any and all fruit, as much as you want!!!

Lunch: A salad with any vegetables you can think to add topped with balsamic vinegar (as much as you want) and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Another option is homemade soup of any kind that uses vegetable broth and lots of veggies or a gazpacho soup.

Snack in PM: Fruit or veggies of any kind.

Dinner: Any steamed veggies, a baked yam or sweet potato, a veggie salad or soup (see lunch)

A few simple tips for day to day healthiness:

Eat Organically Grown Foods whenever possible.
Drink Water. Half of your body weight in ounces.
Have your family help prepare meals whenever possible.
Meals should contain a protein (meat, fish, tofu,beans etc...), a whole grain carb (the first ingredient listed should say 100% whole wheat, or brown rice, quinoa, etc), and a vegetable. Make the vegetable portion the main part of the meal. It should take up half your plate. The protein should take up a quarter and the the carb the other quarter.
Plan your meals. Before you go to the grocery store write down your meals for each night of the week. Make them healthy.
When eating animal product, choose organic and local as much as possible.
Minimize red meats, sugar, coffee, processed foods and alcohol.
Meatless Mondays!
Get some exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes.
Fruits, Vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish 2 times per week, fiber rich foods, spices... Eat slowly and allow your body to digest the food you eat.