Spring might be the time that most
of us feel inspired to do a cleanse or detox, but Summer is when eating healthy is the easiest and yummiest with tons of fresh organic seasonal fruits and veggies
available! There’s just more variety in the summer! ...And who can resist a juicy
watermelon? Forget the detox pills and crash diets, all we need is to do is increase our intake of fresh fruits, veggies and greens. Our bodies are intelligent and constantly in a state of detoxing so
the best thing we can do is add the foods that help this process along while
slowly reducing the one that are straining to the body’s detox systems. I prefer to focus on adding in the good stuff!
Our bodies eliminate toxins through
the bowels, through the lymphatic system and through our skin. The kidneys and liver play an important role too. Now that it’s
summer we can get outside to run, walk, swim and play - getting your heart pumping and sweating out those toxins through your skin. You can detox by getting your lymphatic system moving by jumping on a trampoline, or rebounder, or
jumping into a cold lake on a hot day. To help your bowels and organs with detoxification
we need to increase the amount of fresh, organic fruits and veggies and
decrease processed foods, processed sugars, gluten, dairy, meat, coffee and
alcohol. Go at your own pace, and focus on adding in the fruits and veggies you
love the most. Also don’t forget to relax, breathe, and sleep well when stepping
up your detox game. Sleep is an important part of the detox process and so is
relaxation time for your body and mind. Try taking Epsom salt baths while
detoxing to aid in the process and spend a little quality time with you!
Here are the three Summer Detox Tips and Recipes to step up your toxin elimination game:
1. Drink More Water - Lemon Water!
750ml-1L of water
1/2 lemon - squeezed or in slices
There is nothing easier or more detoxing for our bodies than drinking a big glass of water first thing in the morning. Our bodies have worked hard overnight to filter out toxins and repair as we sleep and that glass of water in the morning helps flush all the toxins out. Lemon adds extra vitamin C, helps flush out toxins and adds flavor!
It's important to choose the best quality filtered water available to you. In my hometown, we can get filtered spring water from Prairie Spring, or you can hook up an amazing water filtration system to your home with Northern Water Cleaners.
2. Add More Fresh Fruit!
Watermelon Orange Juice
Watermelon Orange Juice
High in water content, Vitamin C, fibre and other amazing nutrients, this juice is great for flushing out unwanted toxins and is so tasty, it will be your new favorite summer drink!
One of the most important detox nutrients is
vitamin C, a major antioxidant in the body.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
-3 cups of watermelon cubes
-2 peeled oranges
Directions:
-Blend the orange juice and watermelon in a blender.
-Strain with a fine mesh strainer or nut-milk bag.
-Or serve as is, with the pulp, for extra fibre.
3. Eat Your Greens!
Apple Beet Summer Salad
Apple Beet Summer Salad
Leafy greens and fresh herbs enable the body to cleanse and detox more efficiently. They contain Chlorophyll, which helps the body get rid of environmental toxins like heavy metals and pesticides. *It's important to try and buy organic if your goal is to detox, as not to be adding in more toxic substances with pesticides and other chemicals that are sprayed on conventional foods.
This salad contains mixed greens and fresh herbs to boost your summer detox. I also include beets, which aid in digestion, detoxing the liver and stimulating the kidneys and lymphatic system while apples contain pectin, a plant fibre that helps prevent the absorption of toxic heavy metals into the intestinal tract. Apples also detox the blood and support the lymphatic system.
Recipe Ingredients:
-2 heads organic romaine lettuce, or mixed greens
-1 organic apple, chopped
-1 large red beet, spiralized with a spiralizer (or peeled and chopped into matchsticks)
-2 organic carrots, peeled and chopped into matchsticks
-2 tbsp raw organic pumpkin seeds
Toss all ingredients in a bowl.
Dressing
-6-8 tbsp fresh lemon juice
-2 cloves garlic
-2 medjool dates (pitted and soaked in water 1/2 hour)
-2 tbsp fresh chopped basil
-2 tbsp fresh chopped dill
Directions
-Blend the first three ingredients together in a blender.
-Add the fresh herbs and pulse blend a few times to mix in.
-Pour on your fabulous dressing on your salad and enjoy!!!
Thanks again to the lovely ladies on the Global Regina Morning New Show. I can't wait to do this again!
Lots of Love and Fresh Squeezed Hugs!
xo
Ashley Clark
Holistic Health Coach
Naturally Ashley Nutrition
Ashley Clark is a Health Coach, Artist, Photographer and the owner/operator of Naturally Ashley Nutrition.
"I am bananas about holistic health and nutrition!" I want to help you create a happy, healthy lifestyle in way that is flexible, fun and lasting. Healthy living isn’t just about the food you eat – Primary ‘Food’ is important too, like finding a career you love, relationships, and connecting to your spirituality. Love your Life, Love your Food, Love YOU!
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