Green Cleaning
I’m not a big fan of the Master Cleanse (Lemonade Diet), although I have been using that recipe as a liver cleanse and sinus infection fighter long before I even knew it had a name and got co-opted by the Hollywood Skinny.
What’s my problem with the Master Cleanse? First, most people don’t begin and break water fasts properly, which can be very dangerous if there are underlying medical conditions. Second, there’s a perception that everyone needs to detox in order to get healthy. But for some people, they would benefit more by adding specific things to their diet – like fresh, clean water, leafy greens, whole grains, and sunlight.
Third, a lot of people become violently ill during a water fast because of a limited understanding of how the body releases toxins, and then they have to come off the fast and start eating solid foods in order to feel better. Lastly, a water fast might help one to lose weight, but it does not address the behaviors and lifestyle choices that encourage unnecessary weight gain in the first place.
Eating foods that are in season, along with gentle cleansing as the seasons transition can be a more effective way to release toxins from the body while also providing the body with the nutrients it needs to function at healthy levels.
Here is a Green Juice that can help the body remove unwanted toxins, and is okay to drink every day, even if you’re eating the foods you regularly consume.
This is best to drink first thing in the morning.
Ingredients
½ cup packed cilantro
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons) OR 3tbs apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
Add all ingredients to the Vita-Mix container and process until well blended.
Add more water if you want a thinner juice.
Optional: If you have problems with too much mucus in your body, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to this recipe.
