Spring is a time of new life, love and greening trees, gardens, and fields. Out of the dead hold of winter, the soft sweet months of spring are a time of natural detoxification. The green, leafy vegetables and tender grasses and sprouts of the season promote cellular renewal and are packed with nutrients, teeming with life. The chlorophyll in green plants is literally, sunshine in liquid form, and is extremely beneficial to all living creatures. Chlorophyll naturally deodorizes the body, gives you a feeling of lightness and energy, and repairs any cellular damage in your organs and skin. Spirulina, blue-green algae, kelp, wheat grass, barley grass and all of your spring greens in season are excellent sources of liquid sunshine and I highly recommend eating and drinking as much as possible on a regular basis. I have noticed that it also improves your mood and gives you a sense of well-being.

Green drinks are a very easy way to benefit from the season of new life. All you need is a blender, juicer, or food processor and organic produce. There is no right or wrong way to make a green drink. Experiment with different ingredients and amounts and find tastes best to you. Some people use juicers instead of blenders, which is totally fine but, if you want to benefit from the insoluble fiber which aids in detoxification and weight loss, opt for the blender or food processor.

Here are some of the basic ingredients that can be included in a green drink, if you want to sweeten, add more fruits and fruit juices:

apples
pears
kiwi
celery
sprouts (all kinds)
kale
spinach
chard
collard greens
wheat grass
barley grass
spring onions
carrots
cucumber
ginger
honey
parsley
dandelion leaves
walnuts, sesame seeds, flax seeds
fennel
lemon juice
carrot juice

Produce that is in season during the spring include: strawberries, fennel, spinach, parsley, grapefruits, cherries, and all green leafy vegetables. Here is a slight variation and springier version of a popular green drink Dr. Oz shared with Oprah:

2 stalks celery
2 apples
1 chunk fresh ginger
1 cup spinach
½ cup parsley
juice of 1 red grapefruit
raw organic honey
sprinkle of cayenne pepper


Another seasonal spring drink can include young carrots (tops included!):

6-8 baby carrots
1 inch slice of fresh ginger
1 granny smith apple
juice from one lemon
raw organic honey

If you are using a blender, you may want to chop up some of the larger pieces first. Have apple, white grape, tropical fruit juice, iced green tea or water on hand to add to your liking. People will often throw in a handful of nuts or seeds for extra protein, which is always a great idea, especially in the morning. Experiment with your blender and try a drink for breakfast and skip the eggs and coffee. You may decide to live off of green drinks for the remaining months of spring to shed a few pounds and detoxify your body, which will yield exceptional results, health-wise.

Be creative and don't be intimidated. Blending or juicing fruits and vegetables is one of the fastest, easiest ways to nourish yourself. You may decide to start with something a little sweeter in the morning, including strawberries or pineapple and finish with a veggie only green drink for dinner. Add a handful of walnuts, ground flaxseed, or sesame seeds if you want your drink to be more filling and substantial. Sprouts and wheat grass are always excellent options, too, as they are packed with vitamins. If you have high blood pressure or any illness, toss a couple garlic cloves in and if you want to drop a few pounds, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or iced green tea instead of fruit juice.