Many people cleanse to restore health, reduce symptoms, lose weight or prevent disease. Others do it to take a break from self-destructive habits, such as sugar, alcohol, caffeine or nicotine abuse. Others cleanse for spiritual enlightenment.

I personally think the most powerful effect cleansing brings is rejuvenation of the mind and spirit. Cleansing and fasting can be very inspiring- cultivating vitality, increased energy, and the desire for positive change in all aspects of life. It is motivating and causes us to confront stagnation in our lives; gaining the desire to create lasting health-giving habits and the will to let go of destructive behaviors. The relationship we have with food also changes as we feel the healing power of whole, nutrient dense foods. We start to want only good food, we eat less and cravings diminish. We become more content, productive and motivated, better inside and out.

Equally as powerful for most is the noticeable physical health benefits of cleansing. Our bodies possess the power to heal themselves, without expensive medical treatments or prescription medication. Giving our bodies a solid break from the toxic and congesting substances that most of us ingest daily allows our body’s detoxification systems to work to their full potential to clean out the stores of built-up toxicity. This can solve many chronic health issues people come to think of as just part of life, such as holding onto to extra weight, body aches and pains, skin problems, headaches, allergies, depression, fatigue, high blood pressure, frequent colds, and digestive issues. Healing occurs on many levels as our bodies start to function optimally and come into balance. Give it a try, you might really like it.

Two delicious and easy-to-prepare salads for support of your spring cleansing efforts.

Green Cabbage Salad

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable known for its anticancer properties. It is also great for weight loss and detoxifying the body, in addition to being highly nutritious! Cabbage is rich in folic acid and vitamin C, and contains selenium, an antioxidant mineral many of us are deficient in. This salad also contains cilantro, an herb that facilitates the detoxification of metals from the body. This recipe is a healthy alternative to the standard coleslaw. Vegan, raw, gluten and dairy-free.

Servings: 6   Calories: 108   Carbs: 8g   Protein: 2g   Fat: 8g   Fiber: 3g

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized head of cabbage, outer leaves and core removed, finely shredded (equal to 4 cups)
3 carrots, peeled and finely shredded
1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil (or, try 1 TBSP of toasted sesame + 1 TBSP olive oil)
1 TBSP flax oil
2 TBSP raw apple cider vinegar (try Bragg’s)
1 tsp. honey
2 TBSP sesame seeds
sea salt/pepper to taste

Instructions:

A food processor works great to shred the cabbage and carrots. Or, shred by hand with a grater. In a small jar or bowl, make the dressing by combining the olive oil, flax oil, apple cider vinegar and honey. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. Stir in the dressing and sesame seeds. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.

Red Cabbage and Apple Salad

This salad is simple to prepare and a great cleansing, low-calorie option to have in the fridge for munching whenever you are hungry. The deep red/purple/blue color of the cabbage leaves is from the powerful antioxidant anthocyanin. You cannot go wrong with eating a lot of cabbage! Vegan, gluten and dairy-free.

Servings: 6   Calories: 75   Carbs: 13g   Protein: 2g   Fat: 2g   Fiber: 3g

Ingredients:

1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 medium-sized yellow onion, sliced
1 large apple, peeled and chopped
1 small-sized head of red cabbage, outer leaves and core removed, chopped
1 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

In a medium/large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and saute the onion and apple until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the cabbage, water, apple cider vinegar and salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover and let cool. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy.

Follow Origin as we undertake a six-week cleanse and detoxification program. This marks week number one where we are easing into things with a basic elimination diet, avoiding all toxic and congesting foods. The diet is vegan (although some fish or chicken can be consumed for those with greater protein needs) and based on non-allergenic, organic whole foods. The idea is to gently cleanse your body and get prepared for a more intense cleanse, eventually taking in only vegetables, fruits and/or juices. For the more robust, a 2-3 day fast without food will follow the vegetable/fruit only portion. We will then ease out of the cleanse, again supporting our bodies with the basic elimination diet.

Week-by-Week Cleansing and Fasting Plan:

Weeks 1 and 2- Transitional stage, will focus on removing toxins and congesting foods from the diet.

Week 3- Continuation of week 1 and 2 with a focus on raw foods.

Week 4- A diet of just fruits, vegetables and various low-sugar juice; 2-3 days will be juice only without food.

Week 5- A transition back to a diet mostly of raw foods.

Final Week- A transition back to a diet like the first two weeks, eating non-toxic and non-congesting foods.

Toxic and Congesting Foods

What to avoid these first two weeks: All common allergenic foods (dairy/milk, wheat/gluten, soy, eggs, shellfish and peanuts), red meat, pork, hydrogenated fats, all toxic/refined fats, refined flours, bread, baked goods, sweets, refined sugars, soda (diet too), drugs, alcohol, and coffee or excessive caffeine. Avoid all processed foods (pretty much all pre-packaged foods) and eat only organic foods, if possible.

Cleansing Foods

What to eat: Fruits, non-starchy greens and herbs, which are the least congesting foods. Followed by all other non-starchy vegetables, and then starchy vegetables such as winter squash, beets, carrots, peas, and root vegetables (like sweet potatoes and parsnips). Next the gluten-free whole grains- rice, amaranth, buckwheat, millet and quinoa. Slightly more congesting, but definitely acceptable foods for the first two weeks are nuts (raw or soaked, almonds are the best choice), seeds, legumes (beans) and oats (look for gluten-free).

I will personally be including some fish or chicken, about twice a week (this is optional). As far as fats go, small amounts of olive and coconut oil are acceptable. The only sweets allowed are small amounts of maple syrup and honey. At this point, you can choose to drink limited amounts of black and/or green tea, although it is best to avoid caffeine all together. Unlimited quantities of herbal teas, Cleansing Lemonade, and water should be consumed frequently throughout the day.

Later This Week

Look to our blog this week for more on how and why to cleanse and detox. To support the program, we will be posting satisfying and yummy recipes so you don’t feel like you are missing a thing.

Recipe for Cleansing Lemonade:

Juice of one organic lemon

2-3 tsp of pure maple syrup

pinch of ground cayenne pepper

8-12 oz of pure spring water