The fundamental message of spring suggests renewal, repair, and cleansing. After a long winter of eating “building” foods needed for metabolism in the colder months, the body needs the fresh plant foods emerging in spring to help in the natural cleansing process to lighten itself for the warm days of summer.

Find out which foods are best for your body in Spring (and which to avoid!):

Choose foods that are grown locally and organically, if at all possible. Many of these foods are particularly helpful for maintaining the liver and gallbladder.

FRUITS: Kiwi, Valencia oranges, limes, grapefruits, lemons.

VEGETABLES: Asparagus, beets, sprouts, dandelions, spring greens, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, daikon, sauerkraut.

GRAINS: Barley, quinoa, wheat, millet, rye.

FOODS TO AVOID: Sugar and honey, fried foods, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, excessive amounts of dairy and red meat.