Spring Cleaning Part 1

With Spring in full gear and numerous holidays still lingering on our hips, I believe the time has come for some spring cleaning.  This isn't your typical cleaning regimen.  The spring cleaning that needs done starts from the inside (of your body that is) and the results will show on the outside.

I know how easy it can be to succumb to all the wonderful holiday foods and sweats.  So, I say, go for it, indulge, enjoy and savor all the amazing foods (especially when you know they've been made with love and are cruelty free).  However, once the holiday is over, it's time to whip that body back into shape.  Pull out the trusty juicer, food processor and high-speed blender, your body will thank you in the end.

First up, stock up on all the necessities such as; non-dairy milks of your choice (regular or unsweetened would be best), pure orange juice, fresh fruits and veggies (check out the EWG's list for the dirty dozen and clean 15 to see what you should buy organic or not), almond butter, agave, pure maple syrup, soy or coconut yogurt (plain or vanilla should work for most recipes, but if you must have other flavors then go right ahead) and lots of ice.  Check out your local warehouse stores like Costco's or Sam's Club to stock up on some items (almond butter, granola, oranges, bananas, agave, etc), 9 times out of 10 it will be cheaper than the smaller chain stores.

Every morning should start with a healthy all veggie and/or fruit juice made from your juicer.  Wait at least 30 minutes after drinking your juice before eating any other foods, especially starches.  Here are some recipes that should jump start your days...

Recipe 1
2-3 large navel oranges (or 7-8 clementines) peeled and halved to fit through juicer
3-4 large organic carrots

Place one orange through juicer followed by all the carrots, help to flush out all the carrot juice by sending the last of the oranges through the juicer.  Add some ice, stir and enjoy.

Recipe 2
2-3 large organic apples (I prefer gala for juicing) cored and halved to fit through juicer
1 large bunch of organic greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce) rinsed

Place one apple through juicer followed by all the greens (you may have to break the greens into smaller chunks so it doesn't jam the juicer) help flush all the green goodness out by juicing the remaining apples.   Add some ice and stir.

Recipe 3
2 small Meyer lemons, peeled
1 medium beet, rinsed and halved to fit through juicer
1 large bunch of organic greens of your choice, rinsed

Send all greens through juicer (again,  you may have to break them up) followed by the beets and all the lemons. This will be a tart drink so if you really don't like lemons, I suggest you use something else (pineapple or grapefruit).  Add some ice and stir.

Play around with the ingredients to create your own recipes.  The more you juice, you'll find the less you'll need to sweeten it with fruits and the more greens or other veggies you'll want to be adding.

Some suggestions if you are still hungry 30 minutes after juicing:

• 6 oz. non-dairy yogurt with 1 Tbsp. of granola (Nature's Path makes some pretty darn good ones) and a big bowl of your choice of fruits.  

or

• 1/4 C. organic oats with 1/2 C. water, top with your choice non-dairy milk, cinnamon, chia seeds, 1 tsp agave and/or 2 Tbsp. walnuts. 

or

• 2 slices of sprouted bread (Ezekiel brand is found in most stores, usually in the freezer section or if you live near a Trader Joe's, they have a really good flour-less sprouted bread).  Top the bread with some Earth Balance coconut butter spread and brew a cup of green tea.  

To help stave off over eating, you should have a small snack between breakfast and lunch and do the same for the time between lunch and dinner.  

Snack suggestions between meals:

• 1 banana peeled and sliced down the center.  Top with 1 Tbsp. almond butter, 2 Tbsp. granola (Nature's Path Peanut Butter Granola is amazing) and drizzle 1 tsp. agave down the center. 

or

• 1 raw chocolate energy bar (2 C. raw, unsalted cashews, 2 C. pitted dates, 1/2 C. non-dairy semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Place cashews in food processor and process into a powder, add dates and chips and process until a sticky mass forms.  Press mixture into 8x11 pan, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and cut into 12 bars).  

or

• Large bowl of fresh fruit.  

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Spring Cleaning series which will focus on lunch and dinner options, but get started tomorrow on cleaning up your morning routine, you'll be surprised by the energy you still have come mid-day.