Give your diet a overhaul for spring with plenty of colour
After a long winter of indulging in heavy, comfort foods and endless days of hibernating, you may feel like you need to press restart for spring.
â¨â¨Sometimes the best way to begin a new season is to give the body an overhaul and embrace a renewal process. Through focusing on particular ways to detoxify, hydrate and recharge your body naturally, this will help rid your body of toxins and rejuvenate yourself in time for Spring.
â¨â¨As with all things in life, it makes sense to go with what nature intended, rather than go against it. Skip the juice-only cleanses and invasive colonics, and instead opt for naturally detoxing the body to help you feel lighter and more energised as you ease into the new season.
Here are some top tips for how you can get ready for Spring the natural way from The Detox Kitchen.
1) Green Goodness - Load up on fresh, green vegetables that are in season for natural detoxing properties. Fresh greens such as watercress, baby spinach, kale, brussel sprouts and spring greens contain crucial nutrietnts and minerals like folic acid, riboflavin and digestive enzymes to help the body absorb nutrients during digestion. The vitamin K in spinach may contribute to a healthy nervous system and brain function too so eat your greens!
2) Anti-oxidant rich teas – Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint and nettle are a good caffeine-free tea alternative with naturally cleansing properties, however green tea is one caffeine containing tea that should be on your list. The antioxidant-rich phytochemicals found in green tea leaves help to detoxify the body by eliminating harmful free radicals. Research has also linked drinking green tea to improving memory and maintaining a slim waistline when combined with exercise, thanks to the catechin EGCG - a powerful antioxidant.
3) Morning liver tonic – start the morning on a healthy note with a morning liver tonic to kick start your digestion. Drinking a glass of warm water infused with lemon is a proven way to help cleanse your body. Lemons contain antibacterial properties that help purify the blood and balance the pH level of your colon. The citrus fruit's vitamin C will also help boost your immunity.
4) Take 10 minutes - by taking just 10 minutes each day to do nothing, but sit and breathe deeply or meditate, this can aid digestion. Be still and maximise this time to yourself. Stress is the number one cause of inflammation so quieten your mind to soothe your mind, body and soul.
5) Move your body - Eating foods that nourish and detoxify the body are integral for a Spring cleanse, but by incorporating exercise on top, you’ll reap added benefits. Gentle exercise such as yoga, pilates or simply taking a walk in nature and stretching helps strengthen your body for the season. Keep things simple. You don’t need to undergo a rigorous workout regime like running excessive miles or doing a long bike ride to feel the positive effects. Don’t forget that restoring your body through rest periods is just as important in detoxifying the body.
By turning to seasonal greens, wholefoods and daily activities that support your body, nothing can compare to the feeling you get after a healthy detox. You may feel increased bouts of energy, curb your cravings and your mind will be clear and focused, having a positive effect on your mood.
Why not try this healthy and delicious recipe from The Detox Kitchen.
Quinoa, kale and walnut burgers
Preheat your oven to 180°c. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
Place the quinoa in a saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring to the boil, simmer for 6 minutes, then rinse under cold water and leave to drain.
Place a drop of oil in a non-stick pan and gently sauté the kale and spring greens for a mixture or two until it has slightly wilted.
Crack two eggs into the food processor and add the cooked quinoa, walnuts, lemon zest and juice and rapeseed oil. Blitz for 30 seconds. The mixture should be fairly dry and should hold together when you pat it in your hands.
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and add in the chives, kale, spring greens, spring onion, garlic and the salt and pepper. Combine well and then divide the mixture into 8 and mould them into small patties.
Add a drop of oil to a non-stick pan and place the patties in the pan, cook on each side for one minutes until golden. Transfer them to the baking tray and cook in the oven for 10 minutes until hot throughout.
Serve with the pear salad and tomato and pomegranate sauce below.
Ingredients
• For the Quinoa, kale and walnut burgers
• 250g Quinoa
• 1 handful kale, stalk removed and roughly chopped
• 1 handful spring greens, roughly chopped
• 2 organic eggs
• 1 handful walnuts
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 handful chives, finely chopped
• 1 spring onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• For the Pear, walnut, mixed sprouts and sweet potato salad
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 handful walnuts
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch cracked black pepper
• 2 pears, remove core and slice thinly
• 100g mange tout, sliced lengthways into strips
• 100g mixed sprouts
• Juice ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 handful chives
• For the Tomato and pomegranate sauce
• 100g cherry tomatoes
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 handful coriander, finely chopped
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• ½ pomegranate, remove seeds to use
Tagged in Nutrition Diet Healthy eating Diet tips Healthy Diet Plan