What to Eat: Based on Clean Diet and Naturopathic Principles
- Fruits: Preferably fresh whole fruit, or frozen. Avoid everything else and be aware of low glycemic index choices. Some dried fruit is allowed. The best fruits include fresh berries, apples, pears, melons, grapefruit, oranges, and grapes. Choose seasonal fruits. Optimal is 3-4 servings a day.
- Vegetables: Preferably fresh, raw, steamed, sautéed, roasted, juiced-include non-starchy and starchy (*especially dark green leafy vegetables- cabbage family veggies). Cook with onions, scallions, and garlic; these are sulphur foods that aid in detox. Other spices include ginger and especially cumin and turmeric. Optimal is 5-6 servings a day.
- Dairy Substitutes: Oat milk, rice milk, almond milk, cashew, and coconut milk. (any unsweetened nut or seed milk is fine). Some people do OK with occasional plain yogurt. Generally, my initial cleanse should be dairy free.
- Non- Gluten grains: Brown rice, buckwheat (not a wheat) basmati rice, millet, oats, buckwheat, and quinoa are acceptable. One serving a day. Avoid wheat, barley, rye for this cleanse. Flax type crackers are a nice option for a snack.
- Vegetable proteins: Beans, split peas, lentils, chickpeas, and all other beans and legumes. I believe a vegan-based cleanse to be the most beneficial. Spinach is a great source of protein. Moderate amount of tofu is acceptable. If you have a thyroid issue avoid soy.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans (RAW). Aim for a handful or two a day.
- Fats: Cold pressed olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and flax oil.
- Drinks: Filtered water, green tea, herbal tea, licorice root, chamomile, chai yerba mate, rooibos, nettles, etc. I believe teas can offer great assistance to achieving your goals. Aim for 8 glasses of water a day (including teas). Iced herbal tea is a great option for variety.
- Sweeteners: Raw honey, real maple syrup and stevia are allowed. My personal preference is honey, especially raw and local honey. In moderation.If you are doing a sugar detox, or are carbohydrate sensitive avoid all of these. You can sweeten food with dates, pumpkin puree, applesauce, apple cider, and cinnamon. All spices and herbs, ginger and garlic (fresh), are fine. Tamari (wheat free) and miso are best. Vinegars are also fine. Apple cider vinegar alkalizes, along with lemons.
- Herbs and Spices: All Seasonings and spices are wonderful. They all have healing qualities. Experiment to find your favorite tastes. Learn more about my comprehensive Nutritional Cleanse Program by arranging a complementary introductory session. Just email me!