Spring Detox - foods to include and avoid

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Spring is the perfect time of year to treat your body to a cleanse and, be ready for a season full of energy and vitality!  As we are constantly advised, a body overloaded with toxins can result in a number of very unhealthy symptoms.  Bloated stomach, poor digestion, fatigue, poor concentration, headaches and blotchy skin; to name a few.   A few simple adjustments to your normal food plan will produce wonderful results.  Let your Spring Vitality Detox begin in your own kitchen.

Foods to include in a detox plan:

Fruit - include any fruit that is fresh, frozen, dried or canned in natural fruit juice.  This may include apples, bananas, pears, oranges, grapefruit, pineapple,  strawberries, raspberries, nectarines, peaches and melons etc.

Fruit Juice - either make your own homemade fruit juices or smoothies from fresh juice, or drink store bought pure or unsweetened juices.

Vegetables - eat all veggies including fresh, frozen or canned in water - without added salt.  Include in this list carrots, onions, turnip, sprouts, cabbage, peppers, watercress, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, spring onions etc.

Beans and lentils - eat beans, including dried or canned in unsalted water.  From this list you may choose red kidney beans, haricot beans, black eyed beans, green and brown lentils, etc.

Oats - sprinkle oats over fresh fruit or make porridge, sweetened with honey or fresh seasonal fruit.

Potatoes - all types baked.

Brown rice and rice noodles streamed.

Rye crackers, rice cakes and oatcakes.

Fresh Fish - eat any fresh fish including cod, mackerel, salmon, crab, trout, tuna, haddock, prawns, halibut, etc.  Canned fish in water - tuna and salmon.

Unsalted nuts- eat any including sunflower and pumpkin.

Plain popcorn - without butter sugar or salt.

Yogurt - Natural with fresh fruit added.

Olive Oil - extra virgin and balsamic vinegar

Garlic, ginger and fresh herbs

Pepper - ground black

Honey - the natural sweetener

Water - at least 2 liters per day

Herbal or fruit teas are a delicious alternative to other beverages

Foods to avoid when on a detox plan:      

Red meat, chicken, turkey and any meat products such as sausages, burgers and pate.

Milk, cheese, eggs and cream

Butter and margarine

Any food that contains, wheat including bread, croissants, cereals, cakes, pies, pastry, battered or breadcrumbs foods etc.

Chips and savory snacks including salted nuts

Chocolate, sweets, jam, cookies and sugar

Processed foods, store ready-made meals and sauces and all fast food

Alcohol, coffee and tea

Ready-made salad dressing and mayonnaise

Salt

Carbonated drinks including diet versions