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With Andrea Sarjeant, CNP, NNCP, Holistic Nutritionist

Happy New Year, Innate clients! Read on to learn why you may benefit from a winter cleanse, and get a recipe for a delicious cleanse-friendly snack.

The new year is a time where we typically desire change; we set our intentions for the year ahead, make resolutions, with our health at top-of-mind. It’s the time that we desire to be healthier, and maybe drop a few of those holiday pounds.

While the new year isn’t typically a time to embark on a serious detoxification regime, it can be a great time to give your body a two-week “vacation.” What kind of vacation, you ask? A vacation from some of the typical foods that can cause disruptions to the digestive process! This will give your body the opportunity to repair itself and cleanse itself of what it no longer needs.

Why start a cleanse?

Personally I find that cleansing is the perfect way to balance the body in the new year. No diets, no drastic measures; just a nice and relaxed two week vacation for your body to let go of toxins and set you up for the year ahead.

How to tell if you would benefit from a cleanse:

If you experience common toxicity symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, cravings, digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, acid reflux, gas or nausea, aches and pains, excess mucous, allergies, skin problems, female cycle disturbances such as PMS, painful periods, irregular periods or menopausal symptoms, circles under your eyes, or sensitivity to fragrances and chemicals, a cleanse is probably right for you.

Benefits of cleansing include:

  • More energy
  • Better sleep
  • Mental alertness (bye-bye brain fog!)
  • Improved digestion (bye-bye bloat)
  • Clearer skin
  • Fewer cravings
  • And many more…

Come cleanse with me!

This cleanse is designed to feel like a two-week “body vacation” – 2 weeks of whole foods to give your digestion, liver and nervous system a much needed break and allow your body to detoxify and heal itself.

Here’s what you’ll get:

  • Two-week meal plan and recipes for three meals per day plus two snacks and optional desserts
  • Recommended supplements and herbs to facilitate cleansing and support your body through the cleanse process
  • A cleanse guide that will provide you with additional information and lifestyle tips
  • Weekly support and coaching

A Recipe for Cleansing

Beets are one of my favourite cleansing vegetables as they help to support the liver through its role in the second phase of liver detoxification. When it comes to cleansing, the liver is one of the most important organs. Beets are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as betain, which can help to support the body during a cleanse. Beets are also high in fibre and pectin, which can help to safely remove toxins from your body. This dip is a perfect afternoon snack when combined with veggie sticks or cleanse-approved crackers. Since beets are root vegetables, they can help to reduce sugar cravings – this is important whether you’re on a cleanse or not. Here’s the recipe:

Roasted Beet Dip

  • 2 medium sized organic beets
  • 1 tbsp flax oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, OR 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Wrap beets in foil and roast until tender, about 1 hour. Let cool, then peel and dice. Add to a food processor with garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper and herbs. Blitz until smooth and serve with vegetable sticks or cleanse-approved crackers.