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.

Smarter Than a Two-Year-Old - Smoothies!

I'm sitting at the dinner table a couple months ago, while my two-year-old daughter stares stubbornly into my eyes.  The "eat your veggie" stare-down has begun.  I repeat myself one more time, "Isabella Rose, you have two choices; 1) You eat your broccoli, or 2) You eat your carrots." 

The look she gave me was priceless and it took everything in me not to laugh.  She squinted those pretty brown eyes and said, "Berries."  That little stinker!  Alas... it was an all or nothing evening, and she ended up with nothing.  The consequences of the two-year-old decision making cycle.

I've since gotten "smarter than a two-year-old" and found easier ways to hide those veggies.  My favorite method is morning smoothies.  Yes... the juicing-lady does make and drink smoothies too!  Smoothies are a spectacular way for you and our younger generation to get benefits such as:

1. Increased vitamin and mineral intake
2. Increase fiber - equating to being full longer which ultimately reduces cravings and the need to "snack"
3. Increased vegetable intake - drinking your veggies allows for greater volumes and thus greater benefits
4. Sustained energy - the slow release of the proteins and sugars helps adults and children alike to have even and sustained energy; resulting in higher capacity brain functions, more efficient digestion and overall more even-kieled attitudes and hormone regulation
5. Hydration - we all know we don't get enough water throughout the day which makes this a no-brainer
6. Plus... they are quick, cheap and easy!

Here are some tips on making smoothies:

• Keep stocked on Honey/Vanilla Greek Yogurt - the taste is almost sinful and I have to pry the spoon away from my daughter every time we use it
• Bananas - sweet, high in potassium and easy to blend
• Frozen fruits - they are cheap and easy to keep around plus the frozen texture adds a yummy element to the smoothies
• Coconut and/or Almond milk - a way to regulate the texture while adding nutrients
• Fun drinking cups, spoons and straws - why not make this an event that everyone looks forward to!

Now for the "healthy stuff":

• Fresh Avocado - easy to hide due to it's mild flavor and smooth texture, this fruit adds the good oils and fats that everyone is so depleted of
• Fresh Spinach - another easy to hide veggie which also adds a fun green color to the mix
• Fresh Papaya - a unique flavor that helps with digestion and also a fun peachy color - we even dry this sometimes as alternatives to gummy-candy
• Fresh Pineapple - it's just yummy

Others that I like to throw in the mix:

• Coconut Meat - fantastic proteins, oils and nutrients, plus a yummy flavor
• Frozen or Fresh Peaches
• Broccoli - if you are feeling adventurous

Go forth and "Smoothie" my friends... all ages will thank you!

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!

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! 

Burn that FAT!

I've been into "fat burning" lately.  The concept is fascinating... What do you eat to burn fat?  What do you to burn fat?  What do you do to burn fat?  The perfect trifecta!
drink

First of all... why is it so important to burn fat?

Excess fat carried in the body has an astounding affect on your health.  Some may include:

• High blood pressure
• Joint and back pain
• Adrenal distress
• Liver distress
• Increased risks of cancer and other diseases
• And more...

There are three ways to combat fat!

1. You have to EAT to burn fat.
2. You have to DRINK to burn fat.
3. You have to EXERCISE to burn fat.

What to EAT:

• Nuts with skin (raw almonds, walnuts...etc)
• Berries
• Fatty fish
• Grapefruit
• Chili peppers
• Spinach and other green veggies
• Lemon
• Ginger
• Quinoa
• Brown Rice
• Beans and Legumes
• Lentils

What to DRINK:

• Fresh juice with these ingredients:
• Grapefruit
• Berries
• Green veggies
• Lemon
• Ginger
• Green Tea

What to DO:

• Activities that vary your heart-rate and keep your heart-rate up!  Examples include:
• Sports (Basketball, football, soccer, swimming, crew, rugby...etc)
• Interval workouts (Running, hills, biking... etc)
• Classes (Bootcamp, step, spinning... etc)
• Activities that include resistance and stamina
• Yoga
• Long distance cardio (Running, biking, swimming, kayaking... etc)
• Low weight/High repetition weights and resistance workouts
• Planks
• Activities that reduce stress (do this in addition to the above)
• Walking
• Hiking
• Playing outside
• Yoga
• Stretching
• Meditating

And the lists go on...

If you have extra fat that you are ready to take care of, try these tips to help burn fat and turn it into lean mass.  Your heart, your body and your soul will thank you!