Eleanor's Spring Cleanse Tips

We've reached that time of year where we can welcome longer hours of sunlight, the fresh flowers that bloom around us and the hopeful colour of the daffodils and blossom on the trees.

This is a personal favourite time of year for me and not only because it's my birthday season but because we are offered an opportunity to lean into new beginnings. As the days become longer and lighter, we feel physically and emotionally lighter. This is partly due to daylight hours, but has something to do with our natural synergy with the seasons as well. The sun is brighter, the air is fresher, and the weather is warmer. It's like nature gives us a fresh start and the energy is palpable. It's the perfect time to start something new and make positive changes in our lives.

I'm a big believer in seasonality, so I always place emphasis on the spring equinox as a symbol of a new start. I always try to do something special to mark the occasion. This could be spring cleaning my space or planning a refreshing trip or simply allowing my body the time it needs to 'spring clean'. It's a great way to embrace the upcoming season and all the possibilities that come with it

Despite being gentle, a spring cleanse can be deeply nourishing as well as enjoyable, and it is far from a starvation diet. Cleansing your home environment can be as important as the foods you consume (or don't consume). I recommend 28 days for a spring cleanse, but anything over a week is better than nothing if this option is not feasible for you.

Here are my tips to start spring with a spring in your step:

• Optimise your hydration - drink filtered water, at least 8 glasses. When filtering your water it's also important to remineralise with electrolytes and minerals.

I tend to advise not drinking water with meals as this dilutes the digestive juices which can lead to digestive symptoms. However, if you can, opt for warm water to sip throughout the day instead. This encourages the movement of the lymphatic system as well as avoiding toxic build-up in the skin, kidneys and gut.

• Avoid non-nourishing foods such as sugar, alcohol and white flour products.All foods have a place in the diet but if you want to restart and replenish the body, you can replace it with organic whole grains.

Sources such as wholegrain rice, amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa are wonderful as well as natural sugars (local or manuka honey). These whole grains are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, helping the body feel full for longer. They are also packed with antioxidants which help to protect the body from free radicals. Furthermore, they are gluten-free and are suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

• Start the day with a zing - we see people all the time stating that they start the day with a mug of hot water and lemon. This alkalises the body therefore supporting the breakdown of toxic residue that may be stagnant in the body. Similarly, the ritual of making a morning tonic is a mindful practice which is also to be prioritised as part of your spring cleanse. If lemon water isn't your thing, you could also try:

1. Daily Green Juice - whether you make this yourself with cleansing ingredients such as Celery, Cucumber, Ginger and Lemon or opt for a high quality Greens Powder, you're starting the day with a nutrient hit.
2. Cacao & Collagen - this is my personal morning pick-me-up that I enjoy most mornings as a coffee replacement! I tend to blitz ceremonial cacao with Collagen Powder, hot water and a splash of milk using my milk f!
3. Electrolyte Water - the perfect way to remineralise your body! I make it with a combination of pink Himalayan salt and fresh lemon for a refreshing twist. It's perfect for keeping me hydrated and feeling energised throughout the day.

• Get your lymph moving - Exercise, massage, compression garments, hydration, and breathing techniques can help keep your lymphatic system healthy and functioning properly. This practice can reduce swelling, increase circulation, and boost your overall health. You can:

• Before entering the shower each morning, use a body brush. You should stroke upward until your heart level is reached, and then downward until your heart level is reached.
• Take a bath with some Magnesium flakes or Epsom bath salts
• Keep moving - exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise ensures blood and fluid move around the body.

• Get outdoors - Make the most of daylight savings by going on a long walk in the sun. Reset your circadian rhythm by exposing your eyes to sunlight first thing in the morning. While you're outside, you should also expose your forearms so the sun can absorb more Vitamin D.

• Spring Cleanse Your Home - Putting on a playlist and giving your space a deep clean can sound like a dream Saturday morning for some. However, many high street cleaning products contain harmful chemicals and endocrine disruptors that we want to steer clear of. Some of my favourite homemade products include:

• Multi-Purpose Cleaner = Mix one part vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. You can add lemon rinds, herbs or essential oils for a scent. Never use vinegar on stone or ceramics.

• Heavy Duty = Mix the juice of half a lemon with 4 tablespoons of bicarbonate/baking soda to make a paste and apply to the area. Remove any residue with water and a cloth.

• Air fresheners = house plants & organic essential oil candles/diffusers