Go Away Acne!

As the weather changes in our region, eating habits take on a pattern of their own.  Fresh summer salads all of a sudden don't sound as good as rich roasts and hot, cheesy dishes.  Especially now that I'm pregnant and almost ready to burst, I want foods that pack richness vs. light and refreshing.

The body naturally is trying to survive the winter.  So it releases the necessary survival hormones telling the body to stock up on energy rich foods including carbs and fats.

This type of change in eating, change in weather and the added physical stress of these changes all add up.  One noticeable effect could be acne and breakouts around the face, chest and extremities... that's right... extremities too!

Society points us in the direction of external products and fixes.  Creams, topical medications, $100's of dollars later your face is caked in goop and you just noticed a new pimple forming on the end of your nose... AHHHH!

I've found that skin directly reflects the chemistry of your body... internally.  A delicate balance of food, hormones and PH all combine to produce the complexion that stares back at you from that mirror every morning.  Of course external factors play a part, but the majority of complexion responsibility is held from within the body.

Which is why I turn to juicing to help cleanse and heal my insides for a brighter, clearer complexion.  Some of the main ingredients and benefits are:

• Sweet potatoes and carrots: Vitamin A and C which directly combat breakouts and improve skin conditions
• Kale: High in iron which aids in blood health, elevating oxygen levels, renewed cell growth and liver function; also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories

Here is a recipe to try that not only helps provide radiant skin but also will help satisfy that need for something a little more substantial during these colder months.

Radiant Skin Juice:

• 2 sweet potatoes 
• 4 carrots
• 1/2 in ginger
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Just because it's gloomy outside, doesn't mean you can't radiate!  Enjoy!

Juicing to Cure that Burn!

Heartburn is no joke.  That sharp pain followed by an intense burning deep in your chest can really interrupt your everyday life.  Now that I am in my 22nd week of pregnancy it seems that this is a daily battle!  It doesn't matter what I eat, discomfort follows.

Gastroesophageal reflux, commonly known as heartburn, is caused by acidic fumes/gasses from the stomach invading the esophagus.  This causes the esophagus to be injured and therefore feel very tender.  Normally the esophagus can eliminate excess gasses, however, when irritated by these acidic fumes, this reflux can cause enormous amounts of pain.  Especially when competing with a fetus!

What causes this horrible reaction?  

• Stress
• Overeating
• Processed foods
• Food allergies
• Excess acidic foods
• Medications
• and more... 

So what am I doing differently to hinder my heartburn?  

I'm back on the juice!  Incorporating the following ingredients into my juicing regimen has helped tremendously.  Also, I've started eating a couple other herbs and foods to compliment the approach.

Juicing ingredients to try:

• Carrots
• Spinach
• Kale
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Cabbage
• Lemon
• Beets

Foods/herbs to incorporate:

• Avocado
• Papaya
• Lemongrass

Try my No More Burn Juice next time you feel the affects of heartburn... 

• 1/2 cup brewed lemongrass tea (steeped and cooled)
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 bunch spinach
• 1/4 head of cabbage (medium)
• 1/2 lemon
• If you need a little sweet, try a touch of honey or Stevia... note this may aggravate your digestion, so listen to your body and respond appropriately

Happy healing!

Juicing - the Anti-Depressant

Aside from certain chemical imbalance based depression, juice really can "make you happy!"

A study done by the University of Warwick in conjunction with Dartmouth College (2012) found that within a group of over 80,000 individuals, "Happiness and mental health rise in an approximately dose-response way with the number of daily portions of fruits and vegetables. While in some cases it rounds out at the recommended five per day, well-being appears to peak at seven."

What a testimony to the affects of diet on mental health and well-being!  And what better way to start enhancing that diet to include adequate/increased portions of fresh produce...?  JUICING!

Here are a few ingredients to consider that will have the highest and quickest mood-enhancing properties:

• Citrus - these fruits pack a bright and joyful flavor as well as an aroma that will naturally brighten mood
• Mango - the satisfying flavor and texture of this fruit make for a long lasting and sustained energy boost
• Lemon Balm - an herb known to brighten mood through steeping in hot water
• Ginger - helps to stimulate the body from the inside out, increasing blood flow, digestion and mood
• Chamomile - an herb known to calm the nerves and reduce anxiety through steeping in hot water

A simple juice combo for depression:

Be Happy Juice

• 1 Lemon
• 1 Carrot
• 1 Mango (pitted)
• 2 Handfuls Spinach
• 1/4 cup steeped and cooled chamomile, ginger and lemon balm tea

Want some movement to go along with your juice?  Try these 6 yoga poses to help open the body, mind and spirit to the happiness that awaits you!

1. Child Pose
2. Forward Bend
3. Legs Up On Wall
4. Cat Pose
5. Back Bend
6. Hand Stand

Have a HAPPY JUICING DAY! 

As usual, please consult your physician or health care professional with questions or advice about current medications or affects.

Juicing for Stress

Reduce that stress and "chill-out!"  Has anyone told you this lately?

Well, it may be time for a mini-intervention.  If you are like me, you can't just ignore your kids or tell your
boss to "back-off."

Stress has horrific affects on the body that are sometime irreparable.  For instance:

• Increased signs of aging
• Adrenal overload
• Stomach pain/ulcers
• Muscle pain/strain
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anger
• And so much more...

So then what do you do?  You juice... of course!

A really simple stress-reducing juice, right away in the morning and then again either for dinner or shortly after will help to calm that mind.  Try this routine if you are feeling squeezed by life and need some relief from the constant stress.

No More Stress Juice Routine:

1. Sit down... take a deep breath and just be for 30 seconds.  Set a timer and just BE.  Try to empty your mind and tune out all around you.  Focus on NOTHING.
2. Get up, do some head/neck rolls and juice the following:
1. 1 white potato (med-large)
2. 1 carrot
3. 1 tomato
4. 1 stalk celery
5. Handful of spinach
6. 3 stalks parsley
7. Juice and either pour over ice or drink at room temperature
3. Smile :)
4. At night, steep a cup of chamomile tea and relax and enjoy it.  Ask someone to watch the kids for 10 minutes, or wait until they are asleep and sit in a quite place and enjoy.

Citrus Cooler - June is here!

June is here and it's time to start thinking... COOL!

Here's a great recipe to cool you off, to keep that immune system in peak shape and to cleanse the system.

Citrus-Goodness
1 grapefruit peeled
1 blood orange peeled
1/2 lemon peeled
1 mango peeled/pitted
1/2 cucumber
1/4 bunch mint

This is also a great one to make in advance or to share with the family.  Make a jug of it on Sunday night and enjoy as a morning treat all week.

Happy almost summer!

Pregnancy Juice!

You find out you are pregnant... then what?  Do you stop juicing?  Do you change your life completely... how are you going to keep up with your health?

All good questions!  The answer is simple... if it is good for you and does not pose risk to pregnancy (in general) then it is good for baby.

It is VERY important to note that if you have been juice fasting or have been drinking mainly juice and little solids... it is time to change that and start introducing healthy, solid foods in conjunction with juice. Your body and your baby need the nutrients and health benefits found within whole foods.  It is still a good idea to stick with mostly fresh vegetables and fruits, however it may be time to start introducing additional food high in fiber, fatty acids, folic acid and all additional calories.

Your body is ramping up to support life!

With that said, here are some good suggestions for juicing in the first stages of pregnancy:

• Keep parsley to a minimum: parsley is known to affect contractions when taken in high dosages.  So keep it to a sprig or two a few times per week or less.
• Ginger - Ginger - Ginger: I can't say enough good things about this root.  It not only settles a stomach but improves the integrity of the entire digestive system while invigorating the body... for a little added energy!
• Citrus: this will keep your energy up, your spirits up and will ensure your immune system is on the "up and up."
• Cucumber: a fantastic hydrating and anti-bloating veggie.  
• Apples: natural, slow-burning sugars... lots of fiber and good, cleansing properties.  Plus they are yummy!
• Juice 2-3 times per day!

Try this for a refreshing first trimester juice recipe:

1 small knob of ginger

1 lemon

1 orange

1 green apple

1/4 cucumber

Handful of spinach

Happy Prego-Juicing! 

Coffee vs. Juice in the Morning

Oooh the smell of a good dark roast brewing in my kitchen... there is nothing better.  I am a coffee-a-holic to say the least and I love walking into a Caribou, refilling my "to-go" mug and breathing in the aromas of my first cup of the day.

Needless to say... that mug of coffee is doing the exact opposite of what I want it to do... Wake me up!

We all know that coffee has caffeine in it.  What you might not know is the affect coffee has on your body vs. what natural fruits, vegetables and juices can do!

Coffee - One small cup in all it's supposed glory!

• 1 small cup has over 150 mg of caffeine (image what a grande has!)
• Stimulates the central nervous system by mimicking stress (fight or flight responses) within the body.  
• Produces Cortosol which increases belly fat production
• Taxing on adrenals, tissues and major organs
• Dehydrates and leaches vitamins and minerals from the body
• It takes 3 cups of water to replenish the body from 1 cup of coffee
• Increases signs of aging
• Lowers energy
• Increases bloating
• Imbalanced blood sugar
• Carb cravings
• Mood swings

No wonder coffee causes you to crash just hours after consumption!

Fresh Juice or Fresh Fruits/Vegetables - One cup in all its actual glory!

• Released slowly through the body for sustained energy
• 1 cup of juice has as much energy as up to 3 cups of coffee!
• Detoxes
• Contains natural sugars
• Increases cell health and regeneration
• Contains nutrients and minerals that coffee does not
• Hydrates the body
• Regulates blood sugar
• Powerful life enzymes
• "Blood building" capabilities
• Slow release of natural sugars/energy
• Best of all... NO CRASHES!

So next time you reach for something to "wake you up" in the morning, reach for a piece of fruit or make a glass of juice!  You will be amazed at the difference in the kind of energy you will feel. 

Try this as a morning wake-up alternative!

Green Tea Morning Cooler

• 1/2 cup fresh brewed green tea - chilled
• 2 green apples
• 1 bunch spinach
• 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cucumber
• Small bunch of mint

Juicing Momma, Juicing Poppa... Juicing Kiddo?

I recently was asked, "Juicing has changed my life!  Can I give the same juice to my kids?"

ABSOLUTELY!  (... keep reading)

Note this first, you are an adult... they are children... you have very different bodies, growing patterns, nutrient needs, digestive tracts, chemistry... and the list goes on.  So keep the tips below in mind while introducing a safe and effective juice plan for both you and your children.

For all of you juicing parents out there, I commend you!  It is not an easy feat to keep yourself fit and healthy while pulling double-shifts as a parent.  So often we tend to put our child's health above our own until we begin to disappear from our own "nutritional radar."

The truth of the matter is that it is so much more difficult to take care of your child when you are in physical distress or diminished health.  Being "out-of-shape," overweight (unhealthy), lethargic and full of toxins prevents you from not only being a fully effective parent but being a good example to your children.  I've even noticed that when I'm not at optimum health, I tend to be more of a passive parent, leaning on television, toys and inside activities to entertain my child.

Doing things together, Parent and Child, is why we had kids in the first place... right?!  Or at least it's why I love being a parent.  There is nothing as captivating as watching a child discover a new talent or a new element... it leaves me speechless every time.

So... getting back to the question at hand (sorry, I digress...), "Can I give the same juice to my kids?"

The answer is still, YES!  Below are some tips to take into consideration:

1. Make sure the portion in small enough to be utilized as a "supplement" to their diet and NOT a "replacement" for other foods.
2. Help expand their taste buds!  Little by little, introduce different flavors into the mix.  You will be surprised by how much children will LOVE all kinds of juice... even the "green-stuff!"
3. Morning and lunch is a great time for juice.  This helps ignite the brain and system for maximum activity and attention throughout the day.  
4. Nighttime tea is a great way to "wind down" at the end of the day.  You yourself should have a glass yourself.  Watch the both of you melt into a couch, sip your tea and read a chapter of Percy the Pig!  My daughter has become accustomed to tea with a few drops of Stevia in her bottle before bed.  This keeps her system clean and able to repair overnight vs. heavy drinks before bed.
5. Note allergies and sensitivities. 
6. Stay organic... those little bodies can only take so much of the concentrated toxins.  Keep it good, local and clean.  Your child's body will thank you for it!
7. Don't force it... let them enjoy and like it.  Good experiences early will ensure they like it moving forward.

Here are some combos to try with your kids... feel free to make a pitcher the night before and have these as a fun breakfast or "take to school/work" drink!

• Pineapple - Carrot
• Cucumber - Apple
• Broccoli - Pineapple
• Spinach - Apple

Happy Momma, Poppa, Kiddo juicing!

Ouch! The Dreaded Hangover!

So... you decided to have one more glass of wine?  Your buddies coerced you into that dreaded shot of Jägermeister.  Or maybe you decided to have a movie night gone "too many beers."  Either way, you've now woken up the next morning with a... HANGOVER!

It hurts my head just typing the word!

Hangovers can range in severity with a combination of any of the following symptoms:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• High body temperatures
• Excessive sweating
• Headaches
• Muscle and body aches
• Fatigue
• Moodiness
• Dizziness
• Elevated heart-rate
• Dehydration
• And more...

What causes these horrific symptoms?  Impurities introduced during the fermentation process.

And what can you do about it? Juice it out!  That's right, get yourself out of bed and make yourself a gigantic glass of juice!

Ingredients that aid in recovery:

• Bitter gourd - Detox
• Watercress - Detox
• Grapefruit - Detox
• Carrot - Cleanse digestion
• Green apple - Cleanse digestion
• Green vegetables (spinach particularly) - Cleanse digestion
• Beets - Cleanse liver and blood

Next time you've had a little too much fun the night before... try a combo of the above and get drinking... Juice that is!

Feel Good Juice

2 carrots

1 beet

1 stalks celery

1 green apple

1 bunch watercress

Pinch of sea salt

*Follow with 2 HUGE glasses of water

Just Because It's Monday...

Just because it's Monday, doesn't mean you get a free pass!

Mondays are the most important day of the week when it comes to health regimens, especially juicing.  A long weekend of relaxing, having one-too-many glasses of wine and maybe a piece of pie are the exact reasons why you need to boomerang right back to the basics.  If you skip Mondays, you are more likely to digress throughout the week.

Try these tips to help make your Mondays stronger than ever!

1. Pack a fresh pair of workout clothes and put them in the front seat of your car.  No matter what time of day you workout, they will be there, ready... waiting... "staring" at you... begging you to put them on!
2. Juice for breakfast.  Nothing starts your day off right than a flat, un-bloated belly!  Stay away from simple carbs, sugar and salt.  Think "clean" and "fresh" which is why juice will make a simple solution!
3. Pack healthy snacks.  Make little baggies of cut up fresh veggies and fruit so that when you are craving a snack, you have something easy and yummy to grab for.  My favorites are roasted beets and/or sweet potatoes... dry... with a little sea salt.  A few of those tasty morsels and I'm satisfied!
4. Have a healthy evening meal.  Having a well-rounded, healthy and satisfying meal at the end of your Monday will ensure you don't "slip-up" and enter into the "binge" phase!  Think whole grains, lots of colorful veggies and a little olive oil and sea salt.  Even a lean protein like fish, eggs or chicken can make your day!

So... don't give your power to a "case of the Mondays" and skip out!  Make Mondays a strong day and show Monday who's boss!

The Pre-workout "Shot"

That's right... shots before your workout... Lucky you!

As I have been experimenting with increased frequency and intensity workouts, I am also looking for ways to improve my performance and endurance.  It is hard enough to get myself to drive to the gym, let alone put on the old sneakers and squeeze into those yoga pants (which are supposed to be slimming... but totally are NOT).  I am tired and unmotivated to start... just like anyone else.  It isn't until I am half-way through my workout that I finally am energized and ready to go!

With this in mind, I was trying to think of ways to boost my energy and motivation early on so that I wanted to get to the gym... so that I felt like I had the energy to follow-through.

What I discovered...

Beets and carrots, hands down were the best pre-workout ingredients.  Why?

1. Low calories, high in natural sugars (both) = An amazing initial energy boost
2. Essential vitamins and minerals (both) = Maintained nutrient levels through workout
3. Folic acid (beets) = Regeneration of new cells and speedy recovery/healing
4. Betaine(beets)/boron (both) = Anti-depressant and mood booster
5. Beta-carotene (both) = Anti-aging
6. Vitamin A (both) = Body cleanser

I loved the feeling of a thrilling boost of energy, increased motivation due to a better mood and the feeling of having sustained energy throughout my workout.  Why not try this recipe before your next gym excursion?

Power Workout Red!

4 carrots

1 beet

1 lemon

1 package of raspberries (or other seasonal berry of choice)

1/4 tsp of cayenne powder (optional and to your liking... be careful!)

Feel the burn!

Four Days = Four Pounds!

Four full days of my clean diet and juice program... and I'm already four pounds down!

I'm a real woman, a real-life mom with a realistic body... so don't judge the mom-pudge... I'm working on it just like all of you!

Initial results?

1. Was the PERFECT way to get back on track.
2. I lost four pounds in four days.
3. I can SEE a difference. Look at my day 2, 3 and 4 pics to the right... note the upper stomach!
4. Have successfully detoxed from caffeine.
5. Have slept more soundly than I have in weeks.
6. I feel more optimistic and positive about my life.
7. I am more patient and less reactive.
8. My mood is more even keeled.

Four days and I am turned around!  I would say that the concept of eating cleanly and drinking fresh juice is a great way to break cycles, get back on track or start a path to a "new you!"

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Can I Juice While Breastfeeding...?

YES... YES... and YES! 

Of course I have to say to check with your healthcare professional before veering from your normal routine... but the short answer is YES!

First off it is critical to remember that juicing for breastfeeding (or pregnancy for that matter) is NOT a replacement for meals.  Juicing is to enhance your health and to offer a way of easily absorbing and processing nutrients.  You should not be focused on weight-loss.  What you should be focused on is the health of your growing baby and your overall health and well-being.

Why is juicing good for a new momma?

Juicing offers up a way of basically "injecting" micro-nutrients and active enzymes straight into your system.  Juicing removes the need for your body to digest and process and therefore saves it's energy for you and your baby.  This "hit" of minerals and vitamins effect you at a molecular level, thus changing your body from the inside out.  

This will not only provide impeccable care to you and your baby, it will set you up for greater weight loss success once you are done breastfeeding!  

Some techniques to note while juicing while breastfeeding:

1. Incorporate teas into your regimen or mix with fresh juice
2. Add herbal tinctures into the mix
3. Use organic produce as toxins can negatively affect your growing baby
4. You should be drinking at least one large glass of water to every serving of juice on top of your normal hydration routine
5. Stay away from heavy stimulants like black tea and coffee (a little dark chocolate is OK!)

Here are some herbs to consider in either tea or tincture form:

• Lemon balm
• Nettle
• Red raspberry leaf
• Rose hips
• Ginger

Two great juices to reduce bloating is:

• 2 oranges (peeled)
• Handful of kale leaves
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 3 stalks celery
• Note: you can add lemon, ginger or apple to taste

OR...

• 3 carrots
• 3 stalks celery
• 30 cherries (pitted)
• 8 oz of red raspberry leaf or nettle tea
• Note: you can add lemon, ginger or apple to taste

Ingredients to help increase energy!

• GREENS!  Any green you can stomach, anything leafy!
• Lemon
• Ginger
• Apple

How much should you drink?

Drink as much as you want as long as juicing is not replacing meals.  Pay attention to your body... it will tell you when to speed-up or slow-down.  If juicing just doesn't feel right all together, quit and try again at a later stage.  There is no right or wrong way... but you do need to listen to your body as it will know best for you and your baby!

Be active - Be healthy - Juice!

The First Three Days - Think Clean!

I'm on day 3 of an intensive "clean diet" cleanse.  Brian, my brother, came up with the concept and catered the program to fit my lifestyle.  So... I'm trying it out as an option for our program!

Day 3

Last night I went to bed with a killer headache... the kind that pounds and reverberates throughout your whole head, neck and upper back.  I attribute it to the fact that I am cleansing, during extreme weather changes and have completely cut out caffeine and alcohol.  The combination all came together by the end of day two to force me to bed early with a visit to the chiropractor and an ice back on my neck.

I woke up today feeling like a million dollars!  My headache is gone and actually my head is clearer and more alert than it has been in weeks.  I have some before and after pictures that I'll post at the end of the two weeks to show the progress, but within the first three days my jeans are starting to hang off my waste and my stomach is already looking more flat.

So what am I doing?

I'm embracing a "clean diet."  This means that I have cut out most foods that cause inflammation, some key "no-no's" are:

• Dairy
• Animal proteins
• Corn
• Sand-alone oils
• Heavy cooking
• White grains/starches
• Sweets (white sugar, processed candy, baked goods...)
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

Than what am I eating? 

• Complex grains (brown or wild rice, quinoa and barley)
• Sweet Potatoes (roasted or steamed with a tiny pinch of sea salt)
• Fresh vegetables... any kind... as much as I want
• Fresh fruits... any kind... as much as I want
• Fresh juice, mainly greens and herbs with apple, lemon and ginger to taste
• Tea
• Coconut meat and water
• Small handfulls of raw nuts (try to stay away from peanuts)
• Water... lots and lots of WATER

I'm going to keep the updates coming... in the meantime, if you want more information about this cleanse, let me know.  What a great way to be able to show off that flat stomach for summer!

Sweet Potatoes - The Sweet Truth

The dichotomy of the sweet potato.  

On one hand, it was a root that plagued the plates of children growing up.  Mothers forcing the pile of orange mash down millions of children's throats.  Until finally these children grew into adults and found out that with a little salt and brown sugar, these delectable starches were actually... Yummy!  

In ancient times (dating well before the Incan pyramids) sweet potatoes were found to be an important dietary staple.  While the Elizabethan era took things to a whole new level, declaring sweet potatoes as a powerful aphrodisiac and fertility food... let's just say that plates were cleaned by the end of each meal!

When it comes to juicing, the sweet potato couldn't be higher on the list of orange foods for yummy health benefits.  One small sweet potato contains:

• More beta-carotene than carrots
• Over 350% of your daily vitamin A requirement
• High amounts of vitamin C
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Vitamin E
• Folate
• Iron 
• Copper
• And the list goes on...

This sweet treat also contains two very important phytochemicals, quercetin and chlorgenic acid.  Combined they have tremendous immune boosting qualities, anti-cancer properties and are incredible for improving the skin's complexion.

Plus... sweet potatoes produce a lot of juice.  It makes for a great base for your juicing regimen.  We highly recommend this root during seasonal transition times.  With all of these health benefits it will help with:

• Seasonal colds
• Sinus and head congestion
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Seasonal depression and lack of motivation
• Lack of sex drive (didn't see that one coming, did you?!)

To help get you started, try this recipe... Sweet Greens

• 1 large sweet potato
• 1/4 pineapple
• 1 bunch kale
• 1 handful spinach

So grab a sweet potato on your way through the produce isle and enjoy this sweet treat... guilt free!

But I Want My COFFEE!!!

Oh the dreaded question... "Can I drink coffee while I juice?"  Imagine someone asking me this question while cringing with a desperate glint of hope in their eyes... the hope that I might say, "Yes."

So here is my answer - Yes and No.

To help answer the question more effectively, you need to answer this preliminary question, "Are you juicing or juice cleansing/fasting?"  In my world, juicing is the act of incorporating fresh, alive and active juice into your regular routine.  Juice cleansing/fasting is when you make the short-term commitment to ONLY drink fresh, alive and active juice thus flushing the body and basically "rebooting" your metabolism.  It is the difference between maintaining vs. cleansing/fasting.

My final answer...

• Juicing = yes you can have coffee in moderation (no "pots" a day!)
• Juice cleansing/fasting = no you can not have coffee... not even a little bit!

Why would I be so cruel as to take coffee away from "innocent juice cleansers" such as yourself?  The answer is simple... you are trying to cleanse the body of any toxins and agents in that are working against the natural inclinations and health of the body.  Sorry, but caffeine is one of those agents.  So, to reap the full and rapid benefits of a juice cleanse/fast, it is critical to eliminate extraneous substances that would otherwise tax the body and defeat your goal.

See... I'm not so mean after all!  I'm just trying to ensure that whether you are embarking on a lifestyle change such as juicing or are ready to dive into a juice cleanse/fast, that you will achieve maximum results. I want you to be as excited about this as I am!

Nuts for Coconuts!

Some say the sweet smell of coconuts take them to a lounge chair on the beach... piña colada in hand.  Some say it reminds them of the pool on a hot summer day.  Either way, coconut usually sparks a positive nostalgic reaction in most individuals.

The focus for today... Coconut water.

Usually harvested from young, green coconuts, the water can be found at the very center.  Fresh coconut water is different from most store bought coconut drinks for two reasons:

1. Fresh coconut water contains active enzymes that both repair and detox the body, whereas most store bought products have been pasteurized and/or are from concentrate.  
2. Fresh coconut water is NOT the same as coconut milk.  Coconut milk is actually the meat of the coconut  finely processed, filtered and mixed with flavors and fillers such as water.  Coconut milk is not bad, it is just different than fresh coconut water.

Fresh coconut water has surprising and fantastic health benefits!  

• Is extremely hydrating for the body
• Contains essential minerals and electrolytes (predominately potassium)
• Helps generate energy within the body and musculature
• Combats high sodium diets while trying to cleanse
• Detoxes and repairs tissues within the body

Besides its miraculously health affect on the body, it is naturally sweet and nutty without the added sugar of most juices.  This can make a yummy and beneficial addition to any juicing regimen.  

Personally I like to incorporate it as a "snack filler" to help fill me up and curb hunter.  It works wonders and really does help boost energy and hydration throughout the day.

Now... if only this blog post could bring some "beach weather" our way!

For Kids' Sake!

For those who have or influence our younger generations, this post is for you!

Our children are learning from such a young age about how to treat their own bodies.  They are watching their older role models with the eyes of a hawk... taking in every decision and every action we make.  Just the other day I dropped a cup of water on the ground, watching it splash all over the floor I mumbled, "Crap!"  Not even skipping a beat, my 1 1/2 year old daughter mimics, "Crap," and then looks up at me and smiles... parent fail on my part.

I did make a "note-to-self" to keep such words to myself next time, but hey, we are real people with real lives which makes us REAL role models of today's children.  So, I took that experience and I applied my lessons-learned to how I am role modeling my nutrition habits.

We may not be able to control the world's views on health.  Schools, museums, other kids' houses and public areas are notorious for fast, easy and filling foods.  Usually ridden with salt, sugar and empty calories. Of course kids LOVE this kind of food.  It sparks feelings of euphoria as the stimulants hit their sensitive little systems, catapulting them into shock.  Yet, you can't always control this.  Sometimes kids just have to eat and you are the one there to feed them on the spot.

To offset society's lack of health-sense (though I have to say things are getting better... just not there yet), it is important that WE as role models are providing consistent and adequate nutrition.  So, why not try introducing juice into their diet!  The kids are seeing you do it, so why not let them try it?

Kids love the entire process:

1. Shopping for or growing the fresh produce
2. Washing and preparing the fruits and vegetables... even taking a taste before the juicing begins
3. Learning to run the juicer, listening to the sounds and watching the juice fill up the pitcher
4. Finally... drinking and enjoying!

Kids feel pride in this type of approach.  Give them some credit!  Kids are usually smart and engaging, they will most likely surprise you with how much they've learned and retained.

Another point is that you can do almost anything with the juice to get them to intake:

1. Try to make it with more fruit or sweet vegetables while "hiding" the bitter or bland vegetables   It will be more palatable for them.  You want them to have good experiences so they keep drinking it!
2. Get fun jars and/or cups for them to drink out of.
3. Try freezing them into ice cubes with Popsicle sticks.  You have healthy, frozen treats ready to go!
4. Try mixing whole berries or fruit in the cup of juice.  Kids love surprises and seeing mysterious things floating around in their drinks.
5. Have their friends over to experience and love it together.
6. Show by example.  It is important that you are "walking your talk" by drinking your juice too!

Some things to be aware of when introducing juice into children's diets:

1. Dilute juice at first until their system and taste buds acclimate.
2. Cup feed, do NOT bottle feed.  The sugars and acids may erode the backs of the front teeth over time with a bottle feeding method.
3. Moderation... don't overload a child's system.
4. Juicing should be "in addition to" and not "in place of" a nutritious, whole-food diet.
5. Always consult a primary physician or health care professional with questions.

The idea, is that you want to get nutrition-packed food into kids' systems so that their bodies recognize what true health is.  They can then better combat the ebbs and flows of society's health views and stay true to those they know are true and good for them.  

So get on out there and start juicing for kids' sake!

Toxic Overload!

When you finally make a decision to become healthy, to rid your body of toxins and begin a diet and exercise regimen that works for you, you are actually breaking old habits.  When you decide to juice, you are shaking your previous routine to the core!

In these initial stages, you are actually "fighting" with the poor habits that your body has grown to expect.  Anytime there is conflict within the body, there will be initial consequences before things get better.

How it works inside your body...

Your liver, adrenal glands and other vital organs were designed to cleanse the body and create the balance needed for overall functionality and health.  Yet these organs do have limits.  Just like the air filter on your car... everything needs to be cleaned.

What then happens, when these systems are overloaded, is that they start to "reject" toxins to other tissues.  Basically saying, "We are at full capacity, can you take this?"  The surrounding tissues, namely fat cells, have no choice but to absorb the toxic overflow and hang onto it for as long as the tissues and cells are functioning.  You essentially have a backlog of toxins just building up... slowly taking over your cells and organs and thus clogging your body.

This is exactly what causes symptoms such as:

• Lethargy
• Constant feeling of sickness in stomach
• Headaches
• Excess weight gain
• Joint pain
• Inability to concentrate
• Mood swings
• Digestive issues
• Acne
• And the list goes on...

Since our cleansing organs and functional systems do not allow us to "remove and replace" them, like a car filter, we have to take the approach of cleansing them and then allowing them to regenerate.  This means:

1. Slowing the intake of toxins to an acceptable level, range and frequency.
2. Giving these systems a break so that they can "self clean" and rejuvenate their own tissues.

The initial affects of such action may cause a slight increase in the above symptoms... meaning you will actually feel WORSE before you feel BETTER.  I know we've all heard that saying before, yet it rings true even in health and wellness.  When you shock your body into making this drastic and much-needed positive change, your body will rebel and you will probably feel "sick."  

This is OK and normal.  You are burning off and releasing toxins that your body has held onto for a long time.  Your body is finally having the capacity to break them down, process them and finally rid them through your immune and digestive systems.  

So... if you are just starting a major health shift in your life, take on the challenge!  Know that this is going to be a side affect and push on through.  It is temporary!  Here are some tips to help make this transition easier:

1. Drink excess amounts of water
2. Sweat it out - exercise
3. Juice - juice according to your plan and don't let up
4. Cut out the toxic intake - remove alcohol, caffeine, excess sugar, fats and oils... until your body is back on track
5. Rest - rest - rest

Remember, your body is taking on a huge shift in it's normal routine.  Give yourself and your body a break and allow yourself to finally deal with and flush these toxic invaders.  You owe it to yourself to see this through... see through to the "New You!"

Just As A Horse...

"Just as a horse will manufacture all the protein it needs for it's strong musculature from greens, so too will a human." ~Natalia Rose (Author of "The Raw Food Detox Diet")

This phrase has gotten a lot of hype on blog and discussion postings.  Raw food fanatics are raving about it's truths and the all-American meat and potato eaters are claiming it is made-up and false.  There are arguments both ways and in reality it is a statement that works to support how a body's metabolism and chemistry actually manufacture protein and nutrients from the very foods and liquids we intake.  

What a concept!

Plant-based proteins do in fact exist.  Examples are:

• Asparagus
• Dark greens (Beet greens, broccoli, collard, kale, mustard, spinach, chard, turnip greens)
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Sprouts
• Tomatoes
• The list goes on...

A well rounded routine means that you must determine what works for you!  Each body is different.  Each body vibrates at a different frequency.  Each body requires it's own unique balance of energy, nutrients and exercise.  There is no magic formula to fit all.  

It is VITAL that we remove stigmas and false, blanket statements about health.  Wipe the slate clean and start doing your own research.  You will be amazed at what you find rings true for you.

One example is that last year I tried a high protein powder diet.  The idea was to match my body weight with 1 gram of protein each day.  What ended up happening is that I would fill up on any type of protein imaginable (powder, nuts, cheese, meat...) until I was too full to eat anything fresh.  My body was so dense and my system felt so "heavy."  My mood was gloomy and I felt "off."  After two months I had not lost a pound.  In fact I had gained 5 pounds.  This program was obviously not for me! 

So... I found a different way to get protein on a regular basis.  One that worked with my body.

For me, juicing became "the way."  I found that juicing made me feel light, happy, energetic and more aware. I started thinking more clearly, sleeping regularly and am now able to focus on the important parts of my life.  

Based on results, my body is in-fact able to manufacture the nutrients (including protein) it needs based on what I intake.  The form from which it comes is obsolete... because it works for me!

What works for you?