A Detox Dinner! aka Recipe of the Month!

Recipe of the Month!

 So we’ve talked a little bit about what it  means to “detox” and how you can apply some basic principles into your daily lives with Yoga and Massage.  By supporting your natural bodily functions, your body will detoxify itself just fine! This week, let's have some more fun! I've put together a great meal for you to try (I cooked it over the weekend and it was just as delicious as it was nutritious!) This recipe serves 4 people.

Portion 1: Sautéed Green Beans, Onions, and Mushroom

• Recipe: Start by drizzling a small amount of olive or unrefined coconut oil onto a pan and put the heat on low. Chop up some green beans (about a handful per person), one large onion, and one carton of mushrooms and throw them into the pan with some garlic salt and pepper; drizzle olive oil on top.  Turn the heat up to medium/high sauté for ~10min.
• Benefits: In Chinese Medicine, virtually all green foods are good for supporting the liver. Green beans also serve as great antioxidants.  Onions are packed with sulfur containing amino acids, which your liver will greatly appreciate.  Mushrooms may not directly promote detoxification, but they help with weight management and immunity.

Portion 2: Roasted Beet Salad

• Roasted Beets: You will need 2-3 large beets. Cut them into small cubes. Toss them into a bowl with a tablespoon or so of olive oil, garlic salt, and pepper so they’re evenly coated. Then pour them on to a baking pan and spread them out into an even layer. Bake them on the top shelf oven your oven at 425F for 25 minutes. If you like them a little crispy, broil them for a few minutes at the end.
• Salad: Add your favorite greens (spinach, kale, spring mix etc) to a large bowl and pour the beets on top. Then mix in some dried cranberries, walnuts and avocado. This salad will not need dressing! However, if you want to add a little more flavor, you can sprinkle it with non-fat feta cheese like I did in the picture.
• Benefits: As I mentioned before, Beets are great for detoxification and garlic has some natural antimicrobial properties. Dark leafy greens are packed with nutrients and also support the liver. Walnuts are a great source of healthy fat and, according to Chinese Medicine, they are great for the brain! Avocados are also a good source of healthy fat, as well as Folic Acid.

Portion 3: Baked Halibut with Lemon & Thyme

• Recipe: Use about 1.5 lb Halibut filet and use a toothpick to poke holes in it.  Take 1 tbsp of melted butter (or olive oil) and pour it over the fish.  You can use any seasoning of your choice, but I found a great one from Whole Foods called “Borsari”. Top it off with a sprig of thyme and/or rosemary.  Throw it in the oven (skin side down) for 17min at 350F; do not cover it!
• Benefits: Fish is a great source of lean protein and halibut is one of our favorites because it has a host of nutrients. It is abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids, B6, B12 and Magnesium. The selenium content in it provides great support for the liver and detoxification.

Bon Appetit! 

Try this recipe out and let me know what you think!