The Top 10 - Why we juice!

Why do we juice?  Why put in all this effort... what is the true gain of juicing fresh produce?

First and foremost... I do it for my family and I do it for me!

When it comes to health benefits... here are my 'Top 10" and why we here at JUL Juice do what we do!

1. Energy - A clean and clear system operates much more efficiently to sustain energy throughout the day.  The easily consumable energy within juice allows for fast energy without the crash!
2. Clear mind - Regulated blood sugar and reduced stress/stimulation on the adrenals helps to allow the necessary blood flow to the brain without "stimulating" the system.
3. Weight loss - Highly efficient organs and systems create an environment where extra weight can now "drop off" to only what is needed.
4. Better sleep - A clear mind and higher functioning body all equate to a more restful sleep that is uninterrupted by indigestion, discomfort and stress.
5. Regulated mood - Even blood sugar and more even hormone releases equate to a more regulated mood throughout the day.
6. Satisfied hunger - Highly concentrated nutrients tell the body that it is full and does not need that "extra" serving.
7. Clear, glowing skin - A system clear of toxins will show in the body's largest organ... the skin!
8. Increased immune system - High doses of nutrients and antioxidants help clear the system of toxins and increase the body's natural disease fighting powers.
9. Reduces inflammation - Reduces risks and helps heals damage caused by toxins and disease.
10. Hydration - Drinking high volumes of liquids on top of a healthy intake of H2O replenish the body, helps build and sustain blood which creates a clean and clear system.

I figure... even if I get a handful of these benefits, it is still a giant leap in the right direction.  Juicing has changed my life, changed the way I think about life and has created an avenue to help me control my health, my weight and my life.

What an amazing path... Go and seek the change!

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!

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!