Copyright 2008 Healing with Juices
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After my recent birthday dinner, I decided I should drink a few raw juices to flush my system. I prefer actually juice fasting for at least two days (without eating at all) but haven’t had time to do that. Also, I finally found my favorite organic Greek yogurt at a local store so I bought several containers of it. Now I have to finish them all before they ruin! 
A short juice fast is just around the corner for me, though.
As I work toward the fast, I’ve only been eating some raw fruit and veggies, the Greek yogurt, raw nuts
, and Sun Butter
My regular diet is pretty much clean anyway but I like to really prepare my body for a juice fast – and that means a goal of 100% raw foods, lots of water and herbal tea. I do eat some fish, eggs, and cooked vegetables, so I just begin to eliminate them a little at a time until I’m eating only raw. Another thing I do to transition into a juice fast is start drinking the raw juices like I’m doing now.
I’ve enjoyed a variety of raw juices so far, but today I want to focus on the watermelon juice. Watermelon is an amazing fruit. It’s loaded with goodies for our bodies to drink up and its juice will flush your kidneys. It’s nice to give the kidneys a boost and help them rid our bodies of toxins (toxins are in the air we breathe, food we eat, etc.) So, It’s very healing – and delicious too!
Here are a few fun facts:
- Eating watermelon may help fight inflammation in diseases such as colon cancer, arthritis, asthma, and others.
- Three servings a day could fight macular degeneration.
- It could possibly even prevent cancer!
Healing for (Raw) Juices Tip:
- You could get all 3 of those servings in one tall glass of tasty juice.
A few nutrients you’ll be feeding your body are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin B-1
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants
- and more!
*Nutrition information from whfoods.com
The fun part is you get to juice the entire watermelon. Yes, there are nutrients in the rind and seeds - isn’t that great? You just chop the watermelon into pieces that will fit into the top of your juicing machine and if you want a regular glass (approx. 16 oz.) you’ll need 2 pieces (about 1 inch or so thick) or 4 cups, chopped.
It takes only a short time to get all the pieces in and then you can enjoy its sweet goodness. You’ll wonder how something so tasty is so healthy for you, but it is!
Enjoy your watermelon flush…
Here’s to life, health, and healing with (raw) juices!
Copyright 2008 Healing with Juices
Posted Sunday, August 17, 2008
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Many people don’t realize skin problems can come from within. Instead of reaching for the telephone to order the magic chemical cocktail you’ve just watched on the latest infomercial, why not reach for fresh fruit and veggies and make yourself a juice?
I’m a big fan of juice fasting. I love how my skin looks and feels during and after (and I get compliments on my skin all the time), but you don’t have to juice fast for your skin to reap the natural benefits. Simply incorporate fresh juices with your meals.
Pick up an inexpensive juicing machine from your favorite store, flea market, or even a garage sale. If possible, shop your local farmer’s market for the fresh fruits and veggies you’ll be using to create the following delicious drinks.
Not only does the healthy extracted freshness tickle the taste buds, it also purifies your blood (which affects your skin’s appearance) and rejuvenates your complexion.
Here are a few simple recipes to begin with.
If you have a lot of breakouts, you may want to cleanse your blood.
For this, you’ll need:
- 3 sweet apples
- 8 strawberries
To enhance your complexion, you’ll want to use:
- 8 strawberries
- 2 bunches of grapes
And, to improve your skin overall, try mixing:
- 6 carrots
- ½ green bell pepper
You’ll love these sweet juices and your skin will, too!
Beauty Tip:
If you can tolerate doing without food for a couple of days, experiment with a cleansing juice fast. It’s a great way to detox from all the chemicals we come in contact with each day and unearth our natural beauty.
What are your thoughts on reaping beautiful benefits from raw juices? Do you ever think about beauty coming from within? Or do you focus on creams and potions externally only? Share with us in the comments!
Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices - and beauty!
Photo Credit(s): http://www.sxc.hu/
Copyright of Healing with Juices
Posted Friday, August 8, 2008
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I can’t count the times folks have asked me, “Can’t I just use canned or bottled juice from the store for my juice fasting cleanse?” I never hesitate when I answer, “No, you cannot.” And, it never fails their second question is, “Well, why not?” I always have the same answer so instead of repeating myself or responding to mutliple e-mails, I’ll just answer here in this post.
There is only one bottled juice I’ll drink. I don’t use it as a primary juice for a juice fasting cleanse, though. I’ll tell more about this mystery juice later, in an upcoming post. I adore it, highly recommend it, but it deserves it’s very own post. So, it must wait.
A few things I don’t like about store-bought juices:
- they’re processed
- they contain sugar and/or artificial sweeteners
- they contain additives, preservatives, etc.
My opinion of store-bought juices? You may as well drink a soda or fattening latte!
Why does a juice fasting cleanse require real, raw juices? Because the nutrients are “alive” in fruits and veggies you juice yourself. The ideal situation would be where you grew the produce yourself (organically, of course) and juiced it as soon as you plucked it. I realize that isn’t an option for many, so the second best option is buying locally (organic, if at all possible). If you can only get produce from the grocery store that is NOT organic, you should at least soak it in a water bath with a splash of organic vinegar for a good, thorough washing.
Why should you drink the (raw) juice as soon as you juice it? Again, because the nutrients are “alive” and the longer you wait to drink the juice, the less “live” nutrients you’re actually getting. There are times (like if you’re doing a cleanse during the work week and you work outside the home) you simply can’t juice the produce and drink it right away. During a time like that, you can compromise by juicing whatever recipes you decide you like or want to try and then filling small or medium canning jars to the very top with the liquid. Put the lids on tight and try to drink within a day or two max. It’s much better for you to drink the juice this way than none at all.
I’ll be honest, juice fasting is a lot of hard work. You have to take special care and pay attention to the type of produce you’re buying or growing to assure it’s organic and safe to consume. And you have to bring home all the produce, wash and prepare it, juice it, clean up the mess, and start at the beginning and repeat. But the rewards are so amazing. You’ll fall in love with the sense of peace, calm, health, satisfaction, pride, mental clarity… It’s so wonderful to be able to enjoy a juice fasting cleanse. The body is a wonderful thing. It has the ability to heal itself, if we’ll only let it and help it along.
Sure, it may be easier to grab a bottle of juice off the store shelf, go home, and pour it in a glass. The easiest way isn’t always the best way, though. Remember the old adage: Anything worth having is worth working for? It rings true today as well. If you’re searching for improved health, a better quality of life, and you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, what do you have to lose? Work hard to be healthy and your body will thank you.
Have you tried a juice fasting cleanse? Are you prepared to work hard so you can live a long, healthy life? In the end, sometimes we just have to dig deep and go for it. I always juice fruits and veggies myself using my Jack LaLanne Juicer
Here’s to life, health, and healing with (raw) juices!
Photo Credit(s): http://www.sxc.hu/
Copyright of Healing with Juices
Posted Sunday, August 2, 2008
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One of the topics I’ve decided to add to this blog is living green. I’m very proud of the things I do to help protect our beautiful environment. See that box of peaches in the photo? Those came from a local farmer’s market. They were grown locally. By buying them, I’ve helped the environment in a variety of ways. How, you ask? Well, for starters a semi truck didn’t have to drive them to the grocery store. Look at all the gas that was saved. Also, it supports the local farmers when we buy from them so they can keep growing food that will keep us healthy. Another good thing when you buy from local farmers, they normally don’t use as many chemicals on the produce as it grows. Sometimes they don’t use any. All these things help the environment.
I adore farmer’s markets. There’s nothing like seeing all those vendors selling nutritious, home grown food! Fruits, veggies, and herbs that are grown organically are the best. The flavors are so fresh and delicious and just think of all the nutrients we’re getting - instead of nasty ole chemicals!
I know you’re thinking I’ve made peach juice or a peach smoothie out of these beauties. I will, but for now I’m enjoying their sweet taste as is. Just look at how beautiful they are!
I’m not sure how expensive peaches are where you’re at, but for this big box it only cost me $7.00 (U.S) - definitely a huge savings there! So, I get to enjoy all these tasty peaches on a frugal budget while living green. How awesome is that?!
Here are a few tips for living green:
- purchase reusable, cloth shopping bags and take them with you when you shop - no more plastic!
- shop local - saves gas on your part and the delivery trucks
- use a quality, natural home made soap as shampoo - eliminate those chemicals and plastic bottles!
- use cloth napkins
- walk rather than drive short distances
- use essential oils instead of chemical fragrances, sprays, or toxic candles to make yourself and/or your home smell fresh
I’ll share more green tips in upcoming posts.
Don’t just buy food from the vendors at farmer’s markets. They also sell soaps, lotions, shampoos, lip balm, clothing, and so much more. Spend some time there and purchase things that will not only help the vendors keep coming back, but help you live as green as possible. Hey, you might even learn to make or grow some things to sell yourself!
Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices!
