Many people think of weight loss in the spring because of the imminent change in wardrobe. We all want to look our best when the weather gets warmer, but I’m more concerned about how we FEEL and how our bodies are working.

During the winter months, many people tend to eat heavier foods containing poor quality fats or refined carbohydrates and attempt to boost their mood or energy levels using caffeine, sugar or alcohol. To make matters worse, it may be more challenging to exercise if there is severe winter weather or when daylight hours are compressed. These things lead to toxic build-up in your body, which can actually prevent weight loss and increase your risk for chronic disease. Spring is a great time to allow your body the chance to release those toxins and excess fat, while cleansing and renewing so that you can be energetic and radiant from the inside out.

The best detox plan is the simplest. Choosing local, farm-fresh organic produce makes shopping easy and yields the best results for your body. These foods are more flavor-filled and less expensive than

produce that has been flown around the world to land on your plate. There are plenty of delicious foods you can include in your spring detox that are in season here, in New York City early in the growing season (March -May). Read on for several of my favorites and why I recommend them.

 

Artichokes contain antioxidants that support your liver, one of the main detox organs. Some studies say that artichokes also help stabilize blood sugar and regulate the digestive tract.

 

Asparagus supports the kidneys - important detox organs - as well as the adrenal glands, which help your metabolism for detox and weight loss. Asparagus regulates blood circulation and encourages liver drainage. If you’re a fan of the superstar antioxidant glutathione, you’ll find asparagus has it in spades!

 

Dandelion Greens get a bad rap as a weed that should be thrown out of your garden, but it is healthier to save and eat the greens! Incorporate these for their diuretic and laxative properties, which support elimination of toxins from your body.

 

Garlic Scapes. Here’s your chance to try these early spring farmers’ market favorites. They have a strong flavor like garlic or onions and boast some of the same health benefits, including being antioxidants and detoxifying agents.

 

Parsley is a powerful diuretic that also contains volatile oils and flavonoids which boost the immune system and promote the elimination of and exposure to toxins.

 

Radishes have been used for centuries for their cleansing properties. These spicy veggies can help clear mucus, enhance digestion and fortify the liver while supporting the entire digestive tract.

 

Rhubarb. If you have ever overindulged on this spring treat, you may already know that this plant has a laxative effect. It improves the tone of the bowel and can help relieve a variety of digestive problems.

 

Your spring detox doesn’t have to be an arduous or expensive process. You can find these foods conveniently at your local farmers’ market or farm stand in or around New York City. Simply add one or more of these delicious detox foods to each meal and feel the positive effects. Or, if you are looking for a more stringent detox plan, partner with a holistic medical doctor who can assist you in putting together a protocol that includes dietary recommendations, as well as herbs and nutritional supplements that will help support your body naturally.

 

Rashmi Gulati, MD, provides innovative, individualized health care that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. Since 2004 she has been the medical director at Patients Medical, where she delivers comprehensive personalized health care, treating each patient as a respected, unique individual. Through their integrative health care center in the heart of Manhattan, Dr. Gulati and her colleagues have become premier care providers serving patients locally and throughout the world. For more information about Patients Medical call 347-269-4762 or visit www.patientsmedical.com

 

Get $50 off your initial consultation fee when you visit Patients Medical for your spring detox evaluation with one of their integrative medical doctors before March 31, 2012