Spring is nature’s time of rebirth and renewal, a natural period for us to also do some renewal and internal spring cleaning.

Between March and May is the perfect time to detox or do a cleanse for the body. Yes, we are still in the firm grasp of winter until about mid-March, but now is the best time to start preparing for a cleanse, especially if you have never done one before.

What are cleanses, or detox?

We all know the term, we are what we eat. Well, looking back, especially to the holidays, sometimes it is not a pretty sight. But indulgence is ok once and a while and the holidays is a reason to celebrate, right? But just as studies have told us, and we have experienced, food can have a powerful effect on our bodies. In a bad way, through the ingesting of chemicals put in the food we buy, but more importantly in a good way. Food can also be a healing tool for the body and a cleansing can act as rehabilitation for the body and our diets.

But cleansing doesn’t have to mean fasting or only drinking hot water and spices. There are a lot of types of detoxes and cleanses that do plenty for the body and recipes that showcase foods natural flavors and emphasis the importance of eating whole foods, which are foods that are unprocessed or unrefined, or only minimally so.

One of the books we recommend if you are ready for this endeavor is “Super Cleanse: Detox Your Body for Long-Lasting Health and Beauty,” by Adina Niemerow, who is a nationally renowned personal and commercial chef with a deep rooted education in holistic cooking and nutrition from schools across the world. 

Niemerow not only gives you step-by-step instructions with a variety of recipes to use during your cleanse, but also different kinds of cleanses to fit your needs and experience in cleansing. She even has a one day cleanse for very beginners or those who want to do a smaller cleanse in between full ones.

Another great part of her book is her section on getting ready for a cleanse, tips and dos and don’ts to prepare the body and mind for a big transition. Through out the book, she also offers other things to do, including breath work and yoga to do during the different cleanses to take your detox to another level.

However, she also starts her book with balancing the body’s chemical reaction and transition of foods and the right pH balance. Her explanation of the science behind cleansing is easy to follow and understand. Niemerow also includes excerpts from her clients who have taken the cleanses and their bodies reactions and personal experience.

But, our favorite part is of course the recipes. They have everything from smoothies to salads and even sushi. Below are two of Shirley’s personal favorite recipes from the book. If you enjoy these, pick up a copy of “Super Cleanse” and get your body ready for a rebirth.

Please note that the recommended places to purchase items do not reflect an affiliation or preference for these stores, it is where we were able to find the ingredients.

Beauty Smoothie 

Makes 1 serving

This smoothie not only tastes delicious- it also makes you look delicious! MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a sulfate that has been shown to improve flexibility, reduce inflammation and increase elasticity of the skin. Tocotrienols, part of the vitamin E family, have antioxidant properties that reduce free radicals in the blood stream, which may aid in blocking skin and breast cancer. Unlike vegetable juices, which must be consumed the day they’re made, this smoothie can be made the evening before you drink it to save time the following morning. Note: If you are allergic to bee stings, omit the raw honey and bee pollen.

2 cups Brazil-nut or almond milk (there is a recipe in the book, but you can purchase almond milk at your local grocery store.)

1-teaspoon tocotrienols (can purchase at vitamin stores, such as Vitamin World or the Vitamin Shoppe, sometimes HEB on the health food isle.)

1 teaspoon of Udo’s 3-6-9- or flax oil (flax oil can be found at the health food aisle of local HEB)

1 teaspoon lecithin granules (can be found at health food aisle of HEB)

1 teaspoon of green powder (can be found at health food aisle of HEB)

1 pinch of Himalayan salt or Celtic sea salt (purchase at vitamin store)

1/8 teaspoon of MSM, or one capsule opened (can be purchased at vitamin aisle of grocery store)

1 cup of your favorite berry (fresh is preferable, but frozen can work is the season isn’t right; acai berries are recommended by author)

Pinch of stevia or 2 teaspoons of raw honey

½ teaspoon of bee pollen (purchased in honey section of HEB)

Directions: Add all ingredients to your blender and mix until smooth. Enjoy!