Spring is just around the corner and there is no better time to let go of heavy winter foods, give your body a chance to rest and recover, and get yourself ready for the warmer months ahead.

Whether you choose to follow a cleansing program or just lighten up your diet for a few weeks, here are some of the amazing benefits of Spring Cleanses.

1.  Whether you realize it or not, you likely alter your eating habits based on the season. In the cold winter months, we are more likely to make warm, heavy meals and in the spring and summer we start craving cooling foods like fresh fruit and vegetables. It can be hard to break these eating habits without a little encouragement. A spring cleanse gives you the push to swap the stews and roasts for lighter salads and smoothies.

2.  When we do a spring cleanse, especially one that includes a few days of mainly liquid meals, we ease the stress on our digestive system. Giving your body a chance to rest and recharge every once in awhile allows it to function more optimally.  During the cleansing period you let your digestive system take a break, remove any built-up waste products, reduce inflammation, replenish the healthy bacteria that live in our gut, and reduce digestive symptoms like gas and bloating.

3.  Not only will digestion get a break but also your detoxifying organs, primarily the liver and kidneys.  These organs have been working on overdrive to deal with your heavy meals, holiday treats, Valentine’s Day chocolate and extra beer and wine over the last few months and its time that they get a well-deserved vacation. Removing any toxic foods that stress your body (chemicals, preservatives, sugar, alcohol, etc.) and replacing them with whole, live, fresh foods helps to remove any lingering toxins from the body and recharge these detoxifying organs so they can work better for you in the future.

4.  Anytime that you lighten up your meals, remove the “junk”, increase water, and eat whole, live, fresh foods, you are likely to notice some weight loss. What better time to shed a bit of your winter weight than right before shorts and tank top season. While the health benefits of a spring cleanse should be your main concern, losing a few extra pounds is rarely a bad thing.

5.  Cleansing has a long list of other amazing benefits, including but not limited to:

• Clearer skin
• Better, more consistent bowel movements
• More energy
• Better sleep
• Clearer mind