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!

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!

Weekend Tip - Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Here is a good reminder for us all as we go into the "Cinco de Mayo" weekend holiday!

More than likely sodium will play a HUGE part in your weekend.  A little salt on those fresh corn chips... a salt-rimmed margarita... braised meets and salsa... YUM!  So, instead of cutting out all the fun, how about these simple tips to help you manage your way through this savory weekend!

Start each weekend day with...

1. 2-3 large glasses of room temperature water with a 1/4 of a squeezed lemon and a pinch of Himalayan sea salt (I know... combat salt with salt?  But it works!).
2. 1 large glass of fresh juice: 80% greens/10% sweet vegetables/10% fruit.  Not the tastiest of the ratios but it will set you up for a MUCH better day.
3. A banana.

Before you indulge...

1. 1 large glass of water with fresh, muddled mint and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. 1 serving/1 c of a complex grain (quinoa, brown rice, sprouted grain, spelt...).  I like a toasted piece of sprouted grain toast drizzled with a little bit of honey!
3. 1 green apple.

End each weekend day with...

1. 1 large glass of room temperature water with a 1/4 of a squeezed lemon and a pinch of Himalayan sea salt.
2. A 4 oz shot of juice (weat grass or straight, dark greens: spinach, kale...etc).  

This won't CURE the damage completely but it will help with...

1. Reducing bloating
2. Minimal water weight gain
3. Flushing the system of immediate toxins
4. Regulating hunger
5. Regulating blood sugar levels
6. Reducing cravings
7. Increased energy and awareness
8. Hydration
9. Reduce hangover symptoms
10. And much more!

Have a fun and safe weekend my Juice-mates!

Food for Your Mood!

No joke... I am looking out over 6 INCHES of fresh snow right now... May 2nd... Not cool, Spring!

With Mother Nature playing with my emotions, I am in dyer need of some mood-boosting meals today.  Something that will put a smile on my face and remind me that "Everything's gonna be alright," thanks Mr. Marley for the mantra.

Here are some foods and a couple recipes to help boost your mood... even if you don't have a sea of white snow plaguing you today, stimulation of the brain and "feel good" hormones is good for anyone... anytime!

Foods for your mood:

• Apricots: high in L-tryptophan which helps release serotonin into the system, reducing stress and anxiety
• Bananas: high in Vitamin B6, Potassium and L-tryptophan which fights fatigue, irritability, stress and anxiety
• Asparagus: high in the B Vitamins and minerals which increases energy and fights depression and anxiety
• Avocados: high in monounsaturated fats which lifts mood
• Sweet Potatoes: high in Vitamin B6, C, Iron and Potassium which again fights fatigue, irritability and helps the immune system
• Walnuts: a natural brain food to help cognitive functioning and mood
• Cinnamon: helps regulate blood sugar and digestion which means less mood swings and more even feelings of contentment
• Brown Rice: regulates blood sugar, increases alertness and is naturally nigh in magnesium which combats stress

Try these recipes today to help lift your mood to someplace happy and sunny!

Yummy Mood Juice

3 apricots pitted

5 large spears of asparagus
1 sweet potato
Pinch of cinnamon atop the cup of juice

Moody Brown Rice
Cooked brown rice (with cilantro, garlic and a little sea salt)
Roasted sweat potatoes
Toasted walnuts
Sliced avocado
Cherry tomatoes
Steamed asparagus
Cilantro - chopped
Green onion - chopped
*Toss together with a little lemon, olive oil and sea salt

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

It's a High Energy Day!

It's a high energy day today!  It's time to take that energy and run with it... make something fantastic happen today.  Call a friend and get outside.  Corral your little ones and grill out.

Today is a day to open your heart... open your spirit and soak up the light and love that this day has to offer. We are all in need of this, so take advantage and allow this energy to renew!

Focus on the things that bring happiness and joy and allow the other things to fall away.  If they need to come back for future attention... the will.

Happy Friday and happy weekend!
Shannon Rose and the JUL Juice Team

Juice for Those Dang Sinuses!

If you are located in the mid-west, you understand that spring is late this year!  I'm looking out my office window noting a foot of snow still in some areas of the parking lot...ugh!

With that said, my sinuses are not appreciating the prolonged cold weather.  The constant drops below 30 degrees F and then up again to 50+ degrees F in the daytime are causing pain, congestion and even a slight sore throat.

Not to get into the gory details, but a little background on Sinusitis - the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses  - there are three basic causes:

1. Infection
2. Allergies
3. Virus

Sinusitis can last up to 12+ weeks depending upon the stage/type!

1. Acute: 10 days - 4 weeks
2. Subacute - 4 - 12 weeks
3. Chronic - 12+weeks

Basic symptoms include congestion, headaches, sore throats, fatigue, stomach aches and more.  Sinusitis may not send you to bed for a week but it certainly hinders your quality of life and ability to function within that life.  As we speak my computer screen is turning fuzzy... Must keep typing...

You don't have to keep suffering for 4, 12 even 20 weeks!  It's time to speed your recovery until summer can return and burn away this crud.

What do I recommend?  My mother's magic solution!

1. Juice! (3-5 times per day while starting/showing symptoms)
• Spicy Ginger Juice
• 1 peeled orange
• 1/2 lemon
• 2 green apples
• 1 in ginger (or more if you can stand it!)
• 1 pinch of cayenne powder on top of the glass of juice (again... more if you can stand it!)
• 2 c spinach
2. Tinctures/Supplements (3 times per day while starting/showing symptoms plus 2-3 days after)
• Echinacea - immune booster
• Golden Seal - anti-viral/anti-bacterial
• Nettles - targets sinuses
• Quercetin - targets sinuses
• Vitamin C - immune booster
• Nose spray with grapefruit seed extract - targets sinuses/inflammation

My mom never steered me wrong... and so I pass along to you!

Sinusitis + Juice * Supplements = Feeling HEAPS better!

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!