Farmers’ Market-Inspired Recipes for a Detox Diet Plan
Farmers’ markets are in full swing during the summer months. When adopting a sensible detox diet plan, the main goal is to flush out toxins and nourish your body. Feasting on fresh, locally-grown, organic fruits and vegetables is a prime way to do this. Take full advantage of the bounty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in colorful produce. Plus, freshly plucked tomatoes are a taste sensation. Here are several recipes that you can whip up using your farmers’ market finds:
Simple String Bean Salad (4 Servings)
String beans area easy on the digestive system. They will give your detox diet plan a boost of iron, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, fiber, folic acid, thiamine, and vitamin B6.
Ingredients:
1 pound organic string beans, ends trimmed
1 organic red onion, chopped
2 tbsp fresh, organic parsley, finely chopped
2 organic tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup organic dried cranberries
Handful of organic, raw sliced almonds
2 tbsp fresh squeezed organic lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Directions:
- Bring large pot of a water to a boil. Toss in green beans and let boil for approximately 5 minutes or until just tender. Drain and stick in fridge.
- Mix the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, cranberries, and almonds in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the chilled green beans.
Asparagus and Fava Bean Salad (4 Servings)
Asparagus is one of your best detoxifying allies. It’s a natural diuretic and cleanses the body. In addition, it is packed with glutathione, which breaks down carcinogens and helps to abolish other free radicals. Asparagus is known for its anti-aging properties and offers digestive support. Fava beans will provide you with protein and fiber. They’re low on the glycemic index and low in sodium, both of which will help you avoid bloating. Fava beans are also very filling.
Ingredients:
½ lb organic asparagus, trimmed, stalks cut on diagonal in 1/8 pieces, tips set aside
2 cups organic, fresh fava beans, shelled
¼ lb organic arugula
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
Pepper to taste
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch asparagus tips in water for approximately 2 minutes. Place in bowl of ice water.
- Return pot to a boil and blanch fava beans for one minute. Transfer to a bowl of ice water.
- Drain fava beans and asparagus. Pull off skins from fava beans.
- In a large bowl, toss fava beans, blanched asparagus tips, and raw asparagus stalks with 1 tbsp of the olive oil. Add pepper if desired. Divide onto plates
- In a separate bowl, toss arugula with the other 1 tbsp of olive oil and then place on top of vegetables. Finish off by drizzling the salads with balsamic vinegar.
Steamed Artichokes (2 Servings)
Recipe via YumSugar.
Artichokes enhance the digestive system. They help the body to eliminate waste, which is the main avenue for detoxification. Artichokes bolster liver and gallbladder health by increasing bile production. This lets the body toss out toxins. Plagued by indigestion? Artichokes can help with that as well.
Ingredients:
2 organic artichokes, stems cut off and tips cut off of outer-leaves
½ tsp organic sea salt
¼ tsp pepper
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
Directions:
- Steam artichokes in a large steamer basket for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until bottom is tender.
- Divide the salt, pepper, oil, and vinegar between two bowls and place artichokes on top.
- Eat the leaves first, allowing the heart to soak in the flavors. Then enjoy the heart.
Raspberry-Banana Tofu Smoothie (4 Servings)
Fresh fruit is an essential part of any diet, detox diets included. Fruit is filled with fiber and antioxidants to aid in purifying and cleansing the body. As a bonus, this smoothie is extremely satiating, which will stave off cravings and hunger to give your weight loss efforts a boost.
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup fresh, organic raspberries (feel free to substitute strawberries) – freeze overnight
1 cup organic, non-GMO light soy milk
1 organic banana, sliced
¼ cup honey
1 12-ounce package organic, light silken tofu, drained
2 tbsp fresh squeezed organic lemon juice
Directions:
- Blend raspberries in a blender until smooth and creamy. Set aside and rinse out blender.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. You may need to use a spatula to scrape the sides occasionally.
- Pour ingredients into glasses. Top each glass with a dollop of the pureed raspberries.
- Related Diet Tips:
- Detox Diet Plan
