Spring Detox Smoothie

This smoothie is perfect to consume in the spring – the natural detox season.

If you’re like me, you feel a natural urge to detox after a long winter. Consuming spicy, bitter, and astringent foods help the body shed excess fat and proteins stored during the winter months.

This recipe combines the different foods that help your body detox. Here’s a quick rundown of each.

The dark leafy greens such as kale and dandelion greens, which are bitter and astringent, support good digestion and aid the kidney and liver in removing toxins from the body. They also provide the body with fiber and chlorophyll, both of which support the body’s natural detoxification efforts, and are low in calories, but high in nutrients.

Spices aid detoxification primarily by stimulating digestion and improving circulation. This helps the body usher toxins out the door. Ginger, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon are such spices to use in your diet and smoothies.

Sweet fruits such as apple and pear are high in fiber, which aids proper digestion and toxin elimination. They also provide a sweet taste to balance things out.

Citrus fruits such as lemon and lime also stimulate digestion and help the body detox.

Besides consuming this smoothie, eat more foods that are spicy, bitter, and astringent, avoid heavier foods, and do some juicing to further your detox efforts.

Note, this can be a little strong for newbies, therefore reduce the amount of leafy greens and possibly the spices if that’s you. Enjoy!

Spring Detox Smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup juice from lemon
• 1 cup kale leaves, stems removed
• 1 cup dandelion greens
• 1 medium apple
• 1 medium pear
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)

The Add-ons

• 1/2 cup arugula
• 1/2 tablespoon maca, cacao, and/or spirulina
• 1 serving of your preferred protein or green superfood powder

Show Time

Place all of the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until nice and smooth.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 259
• Fat: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 67g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 40g
• Vitamin A: 151% RDA
• Vitamin C: 170% RDA
• Vitamin K: 691% RDA
• Calcium: 17% RDA
• Iron: 16% RDA

I’d love to know if you tried this spring detox smoothie or have your own favorite detox recipes or protocols – please do tell in the comments below. Happy Blending!