Time for spring cleaning

As we have passed the spring equinox with the days lengthening, the snow melting, the mud burgeoning, and the plants quickening many people start to think about SPRING CLEANING.

Cleaning the house
This can look like opening the windows, scrubbing down the kitchen, washing and storing winter clothes, eating more greens, or giving away possessions you are no longer using. Sometimes in the health community we hear advice to fast or do a cleanse. 
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Supporting digestion
In the winter months our bodies tend to slow down, including our digestion, which is happening for all mammals this time of year. We are eating heavier, more calorically dense foods, as is natural during these colder, darker months. As the light begins to increase our liver may start to crave more greens and lighter fare to be able to take a little rest of its own. 

Kitchari cleanse
Keeping in mind that we can offer this relief and also still be kind to ourselves and you are feeling the urge to do something more than adding fresh spring greens to your plate you could consider a gentle, short cleanse to give our digestive system a break without also overtaxing the body in other ways. Kitchari cleanses can do the trick. Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic 3 to 7 day mono-diet* detox. Kitchari is a nourishing, easy to digest stew containing mung beans, basmati rice, ghee and spices. It is a complete protein and easy to digest, making it nourishing and supportive instead of harsh and depleting. 

De-cluttering your life
Also if you are feeling the urge to cleanse, think about non-food related options. You could take a break from social media, de-clutter a space in your home that you’ve been putting off, or let go of a commitment or relationship that is no longer in line with your values. As we approach a livelier time of year, filling our calendars with outdoor activities, making travel plans, or planning a garden, it is good to take a look at our existing routines and dropping or letting go of things to make room for the new. In the same way the winter helps break down last seasons vegetation into compost for the new growth, we can do the same, releasing old ways to make way for new. 

Connecting with nature
As we wait for the plants to wake up again, some of us are starting seeds and planning our gardens.  It’s an exciting time of year as we start to shake off the cold of winter and come out of hibernation.  Spring brings hope and the first greens to reinvigorate us.  Take the time to get outside, see what is changing and reconnect with the outdoors to help stay grounded.

Traditionally by the end of winter many cultures had run low on food stores and our bodies were craving nutrients.  The first spring greens were a welcome source of nutrients for our bodies.  These days we have access to good nutrition year round but there is still something special about eating spring greens and nourishing our bodies with them.  Add some baby dandelion leaves and fresh violets to your spring salads!

 *Mono-diets are short periods of time exclusively eating only a specific food or type of food for all your meals. This can be helpful to clear out your digestive system when you are feeling heavy or sluggish. It should only be used for short courses (2-7 days) as long term this can be dangerous to your health as you can miss essential nutrients in your diet.

Written by Jessica Churchill and Sachi Hergesheimer

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