It’s been a long winter. Depending on what stage you’re in - new born, 1st, second or third child! winter’s can be long as we are often stuck at home. With the official start of spring last week and the warmer weather it’s time to enjoy more of the outdoors again. This is the season for all things green. The first shoots of leafy green vegetables, which grow fast, are traditionally what are eaten at this time of year. It is also traditionally a great time of year, because of the warmer weather and abundance of green leafy vegetables, for cleansing. But remember if you are nursing or pregnant you should not do a cleanse. If you have just stopped nursing however, cleansing can be extremely revitalizing now.

Cleansing doesn’t have to be the elimination of food entirely. In fact this is not recommended. Cleansing usually involves using special detoxification products as well as eating only broths, vegetables and brown rice. Alternatively one can also avoid certain foods for a time being, such as sugar, alcohol, dairy and wheat products and replacing them with such things as more fruits and vegetables, soy products, and alternative grain products. Even just taking this step can make a huge difference to your health.

Here are some healthy menu ideas that can be shared with the whole family and will help contribute to a cleansing diet!

Breakfast
Oatmeal is a great way to start the day - a very low glycemic food it keeps you going for a long time. Add some soy or rice milk, cinnamon and raisins for sweetness and slivered almonds for that extra crunch!
If you don’t have time for oatmeal, try making muffins, which you can then defrost in the morning or just throw in a bag to take with you. Use alternate flours like spelt or quinoa and substitute the sugar in the recipe with either mashed bananas or apple sauce. Throw in walnuts, flax seeds, or almonds for added essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Lunch & Dinner
Grilled or broiled chicken, or fish with toppings like spices, soy sauce, mustard, orange and lemon juice add a lot of flavor. Salmon patties, using canned salmon, egg, potato and chopped green onion can turn fish into something tasty! Mix these proteins with greens like; kale, swiss chard, bok choi, spinach, or rappini sautéed with garlic in olive oil and you have a winning combination that can be made in 20 minutes!
Alternatively soups made ahead and frozen in portions with organic broth using all kinds of vegetables and beans are not only soothing and highly nutritious but also very easy to prepare and feed children. Mini Braun mixers are excellent to puree soups for the littlest members of the family!

Treats
One of the easiest and healthiest things you can make for a treat are smoothies. Mix frozen berries, 1 banana and soy or rice milk in a blender.
Depending on the amount of milk you add the consistency can be anywhere from frozen yogurt to liquid. The kids will love it!

If you have any questions concerning cleansing or other recipe ideas please don’t hesitate to contact Vanessa through the web site with your questions. She can also be reached at her office in downtown Ottawa at (613) 866-6604.