September is a great month to……
Make an Avocado Chocolate Mousse!
My lovely friend Nicky Staples originally introduced me to a variation of this delicious recipe. We made it on one of our wholefood yoga retreats and it was an instant hit. The recipe is dairy-free, vegan and very moreish! No one will guess the main ingredient is avocado!
Have a Spring Clean – detox from the inside out
The term ‘Spring Clean’ is believed to originate from the Persian New Year (Iranian Norouz) – which falls on the first day of spring. It is at this time of year that Iranians practice ‘Khooneh Tekouni’, which translates to ‘shaking the house’ just prior to the first day of spring. Similar practices are followed around the world whereby people have renewed energy in spring and feel inspired to clear out the old, clean up their space or start a new project.
One book I love, related to clearing out the old, is a book by Karen Kingston called Clear the Clutter. According to Karen, clutter is the embodiment of trapped energy that has far-reaching effects physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The simple act of clearing clutter can transform your life by releasing negative emotions, generating energy. A great read.
In Chinese medicine, spring is a time of cleansing and rejuvenation. The organs of focus during this season are the liver and gall bladder, which explains why spring is a great time to cleanse and detox the body and give the liver a well-deserved break.
Here are 5 Simple Ways to give your Liver a Spring Cleanse
1. Start your Day with Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful detoxifier; it is full of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that the body needs. Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver’s Qi and aid in the detoxification process (lemon is another good detoxifier). Add 1 – 3 teaspoons to warm water and drink before meals (add honey if desired). We love Dr Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, which is organic and unfiltered and contains the ‘mother’ bug.
2. Juice to Detox the Liver
Freshly made raw juices are vital to repair liver degeneration, imbalance or disease. Follow the 80/20 rule whereby 80% of the juice is made from vegetables and 20% from fruit. This will ensure the juices are not too high in sugar and contain more chlorophyll (which tends to be more prevalent in vegetables rather than fruits). Here are some key fruits and vegetables to juice for a liver detox: beetroot, carrots red cabbage, dandelion, apples citrus fruits, turmeric, dark green leafy vegetables.
Tumeric is wonderful food for the liver (read below) and the colour is amazing!
3. Build the Liver with Chlorophyll Rich Foods
Chlorophyll is an excellent liver detoxifier. Chlorophyll adds oxygen to the blood, which is essential for optimal liver function and rejuvenation. As a general rule green foods tend to be high in chlorophyll, so increase your intake of green vegetables, sprouts and grasses. Chlorophyll can help the livers overall function and can aid in the movement of Qi. Recommended supplements high in chlorophyll include Broccoli Sprout Powder, Barley Grass Powder, Wheatgrass, Synergy Supergreens or Shakti’s Superfood blend.
4. Minimize Alcohol, Caffeine Processed Foods
These types of food and drinks put huge pressure on the liver. The liver must filter the impurities and toxins we eat and drink, which can begin to tax the liver over time. It is said it takes the liver one hour to process one standard alcoholic drink, an interesting thought. You can read more about tips for liver health at Love your Liver.
5. Introduce Turmeric and Dandelion Root to your diet
Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory food and is very good for fighting liver infection or liver dysfunctions. Turmeric shares similar liver protection properties to that of milk thistle and artichoke leaves. You can find turmeric root at your local farmers market.
Dandelion Root is a well-known detoxifier. It contains a bitter substance called taraxacin that helps to stimulate digestion. This bitter taste stimulates the flow of bile from the gall bladder to the liver. The increased bile production can help clean the liver and aids in flushing out the toxins. A great way to include dandelion root into your diet is through dandelion tea. New to the Nourishing Hub this month is the Love Chai Dandelion Chai, specially formulated for detoxing.
Enjoy some of the September/October Events
ASPIRER, RESPIRER (Breathe In, Breathe Out) Retreat
Shakti Grace, the holistic chef and the creator of my favourite Shakti’s Superfood Blend is holding a one of a kind retreat.
When: Sept 27 – 29th
Where: Norwa, Southern NSW
Enjoy delicious wholefood, breath work, yoga, nature and a purifying sweatlodge ceremony. Come and journey into the magic of yourself through exploration of the breath, opening of the body and the surrendering to the spirit through traditional ceremony.
http://www.theholisticchef.com.au/store/holistic-retreats
Self-Hypnosis Workshop with Richard Ede
Do you suffer from stress or anxiety? Do you find it hard to sleep at night? It doesn’t have to be that way! Learn self-hypnosis to help you relax and become more peaceful, or finally get a good night’s sleep. You will be taught techniques that will empower you to take control, so you experience freedom and peace of mind.
Date: Wednesday 2nd October 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Where: TBC – Eastern Suburbs Sydney
[email protected]
http://www.richardede.com.au/workshops/self-hypnosis
Melbourne Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo
When: 25th – 27th of October
Where: Melbourne Exhibition Center
http://www.pbcexpo.com.au/melbourne/ – Make sure you check out the wonderful Nourish Baby Stand, offering some very innovative products for pregnancy, breastfeeding and post-birth.
Body Soul Foods – Spring
When: 21st of September
Where: Brisbane
Spring Clean Your Mind, Body & Spirit!
Kick Start Your Spring by sharing an inspirational day with like-minded guests and speakers, learning more about Holistic Wellbeing, Nutrition & Spirituality.
http://earthevents.com.au/upcoming-events/body-soul-foods/
Beautiful You Weekend with Dr. Libby
When: October 26-27
Where: Sydney
This event incorporates 20 hours of Dr Libby’s tuition and guidance. The weekend will offer you insight into the make up of all things your body does to radiate beauty and the inhibitors that block it. Enjoy an introduction to the Real Food way of eating and the power of plant food.
http://www.drlibby.com/product/beautiful-you-weekend-sydney/
Bloom Health and Wellbeing Event
Where: Cairns Queensland
When: 12th of October
Featuring up to 45 exhibitors in the key areas of Food, Skincare, Environment, Wellbeing and Exercise, plus a range of informative talks, classes, workshops and forums. This one-day event will provide you with the tools so you can make informed choices on what you eat, how you live and the products you use.
http://www.balancelifeandbloom.com
Have a wonderful September
Health and Happiness,
Simone @ the Nourishing Hub X
