Look outside your window and you will see nature getting ready for fall and winter. The squirrels are busy gathering food and building their winter abodes and the trees are shedding their leaves to save energy to accommodate the spring rejuvenation. Just as the natural world around us prepares in many way for the changing of the season, we too need to think of how to prepare.
Perhaps you clean your windows, trim your bushes, top your gardens up with rich compost, have your furnace serviced and overseed your lawn. You do all of these things to prepare for a seasonal change. Giving the same attention to your body as the season changes will not only leave you feeling energized and fresh but also boost your immune system and promote detoxification.
When you think of detoxification do you think of some sour tasting pill or potion? In reality, the best way to detox is by using fresh and whole foods. There is no reason why you cannot enjoy what you eat while you detoxify.
The following soup recipes provide just the right combination of fresh foods, herbs and spices to encourage detoxification, while providing the body with vital nutrients.
If you have veggies left from your garden be sure to use them up in these delicious soups.
Chilled Mint Cucumber Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 organic cucumbers, peeled and seeded
- 1 organic lemon, peeled
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Place everything but mint in a blender. Blend for 3 minutes.
- Add mint, then blend for 15 seconds.
- Pour into a container and chill for several hours. Serve while cold.
Veggie Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 organic leek, cut into small pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 cups organic baby carrots
- 4 organic celery stalks, sliced
- 3 small organic turnips, sliced
- 7 cups organic veggie broth
- 1/2 cup diced organic onion
- 1 can organic diced tomatoes
- 1 organic tomato, chopped
- 1 cup white beans
- 1 cup pinto beans
- 2 bunches organic kale, thinly sliced
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat a large pot on the stove. Turn the heat on medium and add leek, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, and turnips. Cook for 5 more minutes.
- Add all remaining ingredients except kale and seasoning. Simmer on low for 1 hour.
- Transfer soup to a crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours.
- About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the kale and season with salt and pepper.
Carrot Ginger Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 organic onion, sliced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 pounds organic carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 quart organic veggie stock
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Saute the onion and ginger in the oil in a medium saucepan until soft.
- Add the carrot slices and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Puree the soup in a blender then season to taste and serve warm.
Apple Carrot Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2 organic apples, peeled, and cubed
- 12 sliced organic baby carrots
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- 2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
- Pinch of allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add carrots, apple, ginger, allspice and basil to the pan. Cook For 15 minutes.
- Drizzle the honey into the soup. Remove from heat and mix with a hand mixer. Serve while warm or chill first.
Green Detox Soup
Ingredients:
- Half an organic avocado
- Juice of half an organic lemon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons raw honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/3 cup organic broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup chopped organic carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped organic onion
- 1/2 tbsp tamari
- 1 packed cup organic kale
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1/4-1/2 cup filtered water (start with 1/4 cup and add as needed)
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Chill for several hours before serving.
In addition to the fall cleanse it is important to limit sugar, flours, dairy and alcohol as these things create mucus in the intestines that interfere with adequate cleansing. Warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves which we are naturally drawn to in the autumn, open up nasal passages and support intestinal and respiratory health.
-The Alternative Daily
