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 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.