Spring marks a time of metamorphosis and enlightenment. During this time, we make several changes to our lifestyle to help us transition from the heavy winter to the light, airy spring. Normally, people think about ‘spring cleaning’ to prepare for the change in season, but one of the areas in which we should think about change is our diet. Winter weather causes us to gravitate toward heavy, building foods (meats and cheeses) because the fatty, protein-based foods help us regulate our body temperature. Spring weather, on the other hand, does not take the same toll on our bodies, so it requires us to move away from such heavier foods and to develop a mind-body connection through food cleansing.

Food consumption should be reduced to the simplest foods that are in season. Bitter greens, such as kale, swiss chard, and dandelion, can help cleanse the body for spring. Fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and whole grains provide a milder cleanse for those who are not accustomed to a such light fare.

If you live in the South, you can begin cleansing early on in the season. Those who live in the North, might want to wait until the warmer weather of May. Please, however, consult a professional before beginning a cleanse and be careful not to cleanse too aggressively if you are not accustomed to it.

For more information on cleansing, please read Staying Healthy With the Seasons by Elson M. Haas, MD.