Shakin & Bakin Foodie Blog

Are you toxic? It’s hard not to be in a world filled with pollution along with food toxins such as dyes, fillers, additives and preservatives.

Toxins can adversely affect us from brain to toe, damaging our cells, creating numerous health problems and accelerating aging.

But one good way to rid the body of toxins is with nutrient-charged soups, says Cherie Calbom (www.juiceladycherie.com), a best-selling author and nutritionist whose latest book, Souping is the New Juicing, includes a toxicity quiz.

“Soup can be a part of any detox program,” Calbom says. “What if you never changed the oil or filters in your car? Our bodies are a bit like our cars. They have filter systems that need to be cleaned out and fluids that need to be flushed out. That’s where souping comes in, offering an abundance of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.

“Toxins in the brain can cause a host of cognitive and emotional problems. They make us weak, restless, and unable to fight off infections, and can even cause pain in our muscles and joints.”

Color Me Green Detox Soup Recipe

5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1-11/2 cups spinach
1 cup kale, chopped
1 can cannellini or great northern beans, drained
2 tsp. fresh turmeric, chopped or 1 tsp. dried turmeric
1/4 cup lemon juice (11/2 lemons, juiced)
1 large bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp. all-purpose seasoning
1 bouillon cube
3 1/2 cups of water
Sea salt and pepper to taste

On medium heat sauté garlic with olive oil and salt. Add chopped broccoli and stir for five minutes. Stir in spinach until the leaves are wilted, then add the rest of the ingredients. Stir and simmer for 15 minutes on low to medium heat.

Liver-Cleansing Raw Beet Soup Recipe

1 medium raw beet, scrubbed and cut into chunks
1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and cut into chunks
1/4 small onion, finely chopped
2-3 fresh dill sprigs
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 tsp. raw apple cider
1 tsp. coconut aminos or tamari
1 cup purified water
2-3 Tbsp. lime juice (1 lime)
1/4 tsp. sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy! Serves 1

Watercress Detox Soup Recipe

2 tbsp. coconut oil
2 cups sweet onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 tsp. sea salt to taste
4 medium zucchini, diced (yields about 8 cups)
4 cups vegetable, chicken, or bone broth
1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter, creamy or crunchy
2 cups watercress, chopped
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (1/3 lemon, juiced)
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Sauté the onion and celery with half the salt until translucent, about five minutes. Add zucchini and sauté for three more minutes. Add broth and the other half-teaspoon of salt. Stir in almond butter, bring to boil. Add the watercress and let simmer for five minutes.

Recipes and info are courtesy of Cherie Calbom, MSN (aka The Juice Lady). You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for her free newsletter at www.juiceladycherie.com.