It’s officially Spring cleaning time. Your body is ready to let go of the winter coat. In fact, it needs to release the winter fats stored up to free your body’s immune system to tackle the pollens and toxins in the spring air. Start your day off with this spring detox green smoothie recipe to kickstart your system to burn away that winter excess.

Spring is considered Kapha season. Eating Kapha soothing foods (pungent, bitter, astringent) reduces the mucus and inflammation in your body and gives you a bright, clear energy to match these beautiful spring days. In Spring, nature is becoming abundant once again with these bitter and astringent tastes; such as sprouts, leafy greens, and berries that naturally detox the excess fats and proteins.

The spring detox green smoothie, uses these early spring days to cleanse your body’s system so you won’t suffer as much from spring allergies and colds to experience better health this season overall.

Spring Detox Green Smoothie

I love this smoothie because there are so few ingredients and it tastes refreshing. This recipe originally came from Joyful Belly, one of favourite go-to sources to help navigate the seasonal changes. I've made a few changes to suit my palate and morning protein needs.

• Apple – 1 medium
• Lemon – 1
• Kale Leaves – one large handful (or other bitter green such as arugula, swiss chard, dandelion leaves or sprouts)

• Protein Powder - 1-2 scoops - I like this clean Vegan version
• Fresh Ginger – 1″ peeled, ¼ tsp dried, or 2 drops Ginger Essential Oil
• Coconut Water – 1 cup

Put all ingredients into your blender. Blend well until smooth.

Serves 1

Smoothies are pretty personal. A combination you love may not be one that someone else does. If this Spring detox green smoothie recipe and some of the ingredients are not to your liking, here’s the formula to craft your own simple detox smoothie.

Spring Detox Green Smoothie – Make Your Own Combo Guide

Keep your smoothie to a max of 6 ingredients. Fewer ingredients make it easier for your body to process which leaves extra energy for burning away fat and toxins; plus gives us a boost for everything else we want to do.

Choose 1 – 2 Astringent Fruits:

• Apples
• Apricots
• Berries
• Cherries
• Cranberries
• Figs
• Grapes
• Lemons
• Limes
• Mango
• Peaches
• Persimmon
• Pomegranate
• Prunes
• Raisins
• Strawberries

Chose 1 – 2 Bitter / Astringent or Pungent Vegetables

• Arugula
• Asparagus
• Beet Greens
• Beets
• Bell Peppers
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Leafy Greens
• Peas
• Spinach
• Sprouts
• Swiss Chard
• Tomatoes

Add a Spice or Essential Oil

• Anise
• Basil
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne
• Celery Seed
• Cilantro
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Coriander
• Fennel
• Ginger
• Mint
• Parsley
• Turmeric
• Vanilla
• Wintergreen

Caution - When you are taking an Essential Oil internally you need to make sure it's a pure essential oil that has been extracted without chemicals. If it says not for internal use on the bottle - its not!

Here's the Essential Oils I use and trust - because really... If you can't take it internally I don't want to breathe it in or apply it to my body either!

Add a Protein

Its so important to start your day with protein, especially as we get older. Maintaining muscle mass relies on this essential building block. PLUS adding protein to your smoothie helps prevent a blood sugar spike.

Even though we are adding fruits and veggies full of fibre the action of high powered blenders breaks these fibres down - so adding fats and proteins helps to prevent that sugar spike.

Favourite Protein for Green Smoothies

• doTERRA Vegan Protein Powder

• Peanut Butter

• Almond Butter

• Hemp Hearts

• Ground Flax Seeds

Need a Sweetener? (Optional)

As you get used to the taste of pure fruits and vegetables your need for an additional sweetener will diminish.

If its a choice of not liking it and not drinking it - then add the sweetener!

• Honey
• Stevia
• Pure Maple Syrup
• Apple Juice
• Pear Juice

Top off with Liquid to Blend (1 – ½ cups)

• Coconut Water
• Water
• Nut or Dairy Milks – are not as favourable in a detox smoothie

Blend well, enjoy, share your favourite combo.

Print off this tip sheet for the recipe and the template to create your own:

Have trouble digesting green smoothies?

Try these tips to make them more digestible;

1. Add warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric
2. Use fresh or thawed fruits and vegetables; don’t add ice. Cool foods and beverages are harder to digest.
3. Add extra liquid to thin the mix.

Detoxing in the Spring is important not only for our immune system and preventing disease but also for our mental clarity and getting in touch with our intuition. Notice how alive and vibrant you feel after your new morning mix.