Spring Forward! Make these simple changes and feel better!

Let's start at the very beginning. As the song says "it's a very good place to start" Spring forward and leave winter behind! How are you feeling? When you awaken in the morning, do you wish you could indulge in another 20 minutes of restful sleep? Shall we 'SPRING FORWARD' ?
Let's repeat together:  Today is the day that I'm going to take better care of ME!

SPRING is THE ideal time to make a few simple changes to throw off that sleepy winter self; to step forward into a better lightness of being. New choices, specific foods and herbs, our green allies, can assist us in our quest for increased energy and vitality.

 Do you have any of the following 24 symptoms? Be honest. Take a moment to check out this list.

Signs of Toxic Overload

In working with clients over the years, I've noticed that each has toxicity issues of some sort! Some had numerous issues and were struggling to just 'cope' with everyday life. Is this you?
Mostly people move along, day after day and month after month, never stopping to realize that LIFE these days does...without any doubt, provide us with hundreds of toxicity challenges.

Herbalists work with clients, sharing lifestyle ideas and creating herbal formulas to address specific issues. We act as a sort of health coach, to offer a programme to SPRING FORWARD down that winding road towards better health.

We are exposed to thousands of chemical substances that didn’t exist even 100 years ago: insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, air pollution, preservatives, artificial colours, artificial flavours and sweeteners, automobile exhaust, electromagnetic radiation fields, radioactivity, water pollution, toxic materials in the home and at work, alcohol and drug toxicity as well as cigarette or cigar smoke.

Sorry  for the gloom and doom ~ truly ~ I guess my point is this -- We can make choices which are helpful and life-enhancing OR we can remain somewhat 'clouded' by busy lives, and continue along the same path. Would you let your car go for 5 years without some sort of check up? Our bodies can benefit greatly from 'a shift in the toxic load'. SPRING is the PERFECT TIME for "lightening up"
SO ?? What to do?

SPRING FORWARD Basics:
1. Buy ORGANIC food when possible or shop local and get to know farmers.
Learn about your food's sources. Limit 'packaged' foods. Choose REAL food. Eat seasonally.

2. Drink a minimum of 1 liter of good quality water, daily.
Infuse water with fruit or veggies. Drink herbal teas. Stay tuned for some ideas below!

3. Toss the chemicals! Choose other ways to clean your body, your dishes, your clothes, your
home. Lighten the toxic load in your home.

4. Take some time for yourself self-care. Create the ritual of 'detox bathing'. Here's a post with ideas.

There are so many more ideas to share but these 4 will keep most people busy and are the basic

Today, I'd like so share some  recipes  which I hope you'll enjoy with a focus on SPRING plants -- firing up our digestion and supporting our beloved LIVER!

BONUS TIP!

Sometimes, we feel better with a little stimulation for our metabolism, an inner "kick start"  that can clear out those residues.
Have you tried Apple Cider Vinegar?

Rich in minerals and, of note potassium, it can be used to "flush out" uric acid crystals, the most prevalent metabolic waste substances with a tendency to accumulate in the joints. Made famous by Dr. D.C. Jarvis, apple cider vinegar has been used for a very long time for everything from weight loss to detoxification to chronic headaches, foot calluses (and athlete's foot)!

USE 2 teaspoon of ACV with 2 teaspoon of local raw honey dissolved in a glass of good water every morning before eating your breakfast OR
Upon rising and prior to meals, drink the juice of half of a lemon in water. Lemon is naturally alkalizing. (a good thing!)

Learn about the "spring" plants in your area.

Dandelion is one of my own favourites. Dandelion grows all over the world. I'm hoping you have some growing near you! I have been on a crusade for years to educate people about the amazing power of dandelion medicine!!
I love to sauté Dandelion which is THE most fabulous veggie 'side' imaginable. Check out this post for the 'how to' info. For more, ideas re using dandelion click here.
I have special place in my heart for culinary Spring superstars Fiddleheads and Garlic Scapes too..

Choose WILD Food for Increased Vitality!

There are so many wonderful Spring greens ~ many are bitter and SO good for digestive system support! Here's a post featuring bitter greens for your menu and some more ideas.
Do you know Radicchio? Another fabulous detoxifying vegetable. NOT green in this case. Here's a wonderful way to prepare this very delicious bitter digestive supporter!

In fact there are so many delicious ways to incorporate bitter foods into our meals, and in so doing, improve our digestion, which includes 'elimination' and is a super way to help with Spring detoxification. Here's a list for you in this "how to improve your digestion"  post.

I make soups all winter long and do continue into the spring season, incorporating more bitters and lighter ingredients. Here's one of my favourite Spring soup recipes.

For some "rise n' shine"  Spring ritual Detox ideas, check out this post. 
HERBS can help us to 'rev' up our digestion ability. Check out these ideas.   

Include some delicious herbal teas in your day to help stimulate better food assimilation and elimination! This post shares herbal teas which can help with the above and better digestion too!

"Good Vibration"  Muffins to promote healthy digestion

This recipe is extremely versatile. Try substituting applesauce or pumpkin purée for the mashed banana and carrots for the zucchini. Raisins and walnuts can be used instead of dates and pecans - it’s all up to you! I've made it into mini-loaves too for a change. They are delicious!

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"Good Vibration" Muffins

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups 500 mL spelt flour (or gluten free or your choice)
• 1 cup 250 mL ground flaxseed, sunflower seed or hulled pumpkin seed.
• 2 teaspoon 10 mL baking powder
• ½ teaspoon 2.5 mL baking soda
• 2 teaspoon 10 mL cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon 5 mL allspice
• ½ teaspoon 2.5 mL nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup 125 mL mashed banana
• ½ cup 125 mL grated zucchini
• ⅓ cup 75 mL coconut oil (or avocado, light olive)
• 1 cup 250 mL organic milk or non-dairy substitute
• ¼ cup 60 mL blackstrap molasses
• ¼ cup 60 mL maple syrup or honey
• ½ cup 125 mL dates, finely chopped
• 1 cup 250 mL pecans, finely chopped or your fave nut!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a 12-muffin pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together wet ingredients.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir lightly until just blended. Do not over mix. Add dates and pecans, reserving some pecans for garnish. Pour batter into muffin pan, garnish with reserved pecans, and bake 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Allow to cool before removing from pan. Makes 12 muffins.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from from Alive Magazine #269 March 2005

I realize that there are lots of ideas shared here. Just start where you are. Pick ONE new habit. See how it fits into your life. Try a tea. Try a new veggie ~ experiment with one of these recipes!

Maybe you already practice a lot of these super healthy habits. BRAVO!! I know I've left out some, and will add as I remember -- but please share with your community --
What are your favourite ideas  for better days ahead?
Spring Forward !!
Here's to your health  xo   Carol