Spring Cleaning Part II- Good Gut

Oh happy third day of Spring. Well, it’s more like summer here (84F), but I am not going to complain. At least not until we hit the 100’s. haha! 

I’m glad most people are interested in Spring Cleaning “body, mind, and soul.” Either way, I think it’s a good way to just check in and evaluate our “present” being. Does that make sense? Hope so!

Moving on, shall we? I know a lot of people are always talking about detoxes, and how they’ve really benefited from them, but it’s just not my style. Maybe someday, just not today. I rather focus on foods that cleanse our organs. Foods that nourish our bodies. Foods that energize our muscles! Spring time is that perfect time to focus on those foods.

Did you know that traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes the Vernal Equinox as the most important time of the year for the health of your liver, which regulates all detoxification cleanses and may be the most important organ to maintaining optimum health over a long life. Best of all, the liver is most easily transformed during Springtime.

Also, Spring is the perfect time for cleansing and getting Qi moving.  Just as we are naturally  drawn to “spring cleaning” to get rid of unnecessary stuff around us, cleansing our bodies  helps move out junk and unwanted toxins internally. Hence our digestion is KEY!!

What are some good “Cleansing” foods for the liver and gut?

Foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that help the liver to remove unwanted baggage that slows down its performance.
source:

• oats
• leafy green vegetables
• olives and olive oil
• beans, legumes
• garlic and onions
• tomatoes
• nuts
• cayenne, turmeric, cinnamon
• flax seed and flax seed oil.

And what about digestion?
source

• Tempeh – its has high protein and fiber as well as an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and copper. Tempeh is rich in probiotics and helps the digestive tract replenish bacteria lost from taking antibiotics, drinking chlorinated water, eating foods containing pesticides, or any other toxins. source 
• Kombucha – good cleanse for the liver and gut because of its  Glucuronic acid.  Glucuronic acid binds  toxins from the liver them and flushes them out through the kidneys. Now you know what I love my Kombucha!

So what else can do with these ingredients? I know, how about a GOOD GUT BROWNIE!

Note: do not judge the ingredients until you try a bite of this brownie. Deal?

Good Gut Brownie

Random Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup or around 50-60grams on Gluten Free Brownie Mix. Pamela’s has natural ingredients which I like. Molasses and Honey; Brown Rice Flour; Natural Process Cocoa Powder; White Rice Flour; Organic Chocolate Chunks (Organic Natural Evaporated Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Paste, Organic Cocoa Butter), just to name to a few.
• 1 bag or 6oz. dried Mission Figs
• 1/3 block or close 80grams raw tempeh (original flavor is best)
• cinnamon to taste
• dash of salt
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2-3 tbsp milk (I used almond milk)
• 1 tbsp NUTTZO or other nut butter (optional)
• If you want it sweeter, add in 1 tsp sweetener of choice. (optional)

Directions:
Blend tempeh and figs together. Place in mixing bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients and spices. Pour batter into mini loaf tin or muffin tins and bake at 350F for about 25-30 minutes. Maybe be longer due to oven type. Makes for one mini cake or 3 large brownies. Just double the batter if you want more.

Now give it a whirl! Your gut will thank you!!

Cheers to Spring “Cleansing!”
LC