Spring Detox Salad

I have been getting lots of questions about detoxification lately. Technically our bodies are always detoxing but spring is a time when our we are naturally more inclined towards doing it consciously, so if you are feeling this urge you are probably very in touch with what your body needs, which is a great sign! There are countless trendy cleanses and detox programs out there but it does not have to be complicated or overly expensive. While many people reportedly feel light and energized during strict cleansing periods, it can be dangerous if they are not properly monitored. A hardcore cleanse or detox program can be very extreme for anyone, especially someone who regularly eats a standard American diet, so I always recommend starting small. Many of the symptoms purported as symptoms of a toxic body are in fact tied in to deficiencies that are only increased on rigid programs.

A great first step is adding in more fresh, nourishing produce like kale, cucumbers, cilantro and bean sprouts- all of which are featured in this salad. One caveat is that raw vegetables can be hard for the body to digest, and if they are not broken down fully their nutrients do not get absorbed as much, but this can be avoided by chewing really well. If detoxification is a goal, I do recommend choosing as much organic produce as possible. Not only will it be free of pesticides but it is generally grown on smaller scales in more nutrient dense soil, which results in an end product with more health supporting vitamins and minerals. I put some brown rice in to make it more grounding but it can be left out for a raw meal.