Juicing to Induce Labor

Here I am in my 37th week of pregnancy.  Walking around with a projected, stretched out ball of a belly that
quite frankly just doesn't look humanly possible.  I haven't seen my feet in months and I'm waddling like a bow-legged sailor!  I tell you, if this baby doesn't come on time, I am ready to start some natural inducing methods!

For all of you overdue and aching for that precious soul to be born... here is a juice that is said to help move things along.

Induce-Juice:

• 1/4 pineapple
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup brewed and cooled raspberry leaf tea
• Pinch of cayenne pepper to taste

Don't be surprised if this not only wakes you up but get's that baby moving!

Happy pregnancy to all and I hope this season keeps you warm... go forth and Juice!

**Now, the obvious applies here... if you have an abnormal pregnancy or are under other advisement, DO NOT attempt.  Always seek your health professional's advice.**

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!

A Yummy Coffee Alternative - While Pregnant

Almost 8 months pregnant and I WANT COFFEE!

Yes, I sometimes splurge and indulge in a small cup of dark roast only to reap the aftermath of a burning
stomach and a mid-afternoon crash.  Ugh!

Trying different things I've settled on the yummy, vibrant flavors of Chai tea.  "How could that even compare," you ask?

Simple... Chai is a mixture of black tea and spices.  This spicy blend not only invigorates the senses but also calms and soothes the digestive tract and stomach.  The brewed tea, spices and sometimes milk alternative combine to provide the satisfaction of a cup of Joe without the side affects during those late months in pregnancy.

Here are a list of the spices and benefits... just to name a few!

• Fennel - high in phytonutrients and antioxidants that fight/prevent inflammation and cancer
• Anise - high in Schikimic Acid which is an anti-viral and immune booster
• Cardamom - good for digestion, detox and is an anti-inflammatory
• Clove - good for digestion, detox and is an anti-inflammatory
• Cinnamon - helps with muscle spasms/cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and overall digestion
• Ginger - relieves gastrointestinal distress amongst a laundry list of other digestive benefits
• Black pepper - reduces heartburn and indigestion by stimulating the digestive tract 

Other ingredients...

• Black tea - antioxidant rich with a kick of energy
• Honey - antimicrobial and antioxidant while giving you an energy boost
• Milk alternative (coconut milk, almond milk, hemp milk...) - protein and energy

So... I suppose that the symptoms of the infamous "third trimester" don't have to get in the way of my morning cup of YUM.  I just needed to tweak a few things and embrace a new and improved wake-up drink!

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.

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!