Welcome all nutrition conscious individuals who on a daily basis lead a busy life! Do not fear, you don't have to necessarily make poor nutrition and fitness choices as a response to the daily stresses of life. Instead, focus on meeting your expectations for yourself by making the best nutrition and exercise choices on a constant basis and you will notice increased energy, positive outlooks, and how your views on the stresses of life may become less and less.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Get Juicing in 2011!!!!!

If you know me, then you are aware that I spend most of my free time running, hiking, reading about nutrition and health, beach cruising, doing yoga, and…JUICING….

Raw juice is a major component of my diet and has helped me immensely with overcoming medical setbacks. Due to the high levels of enzymes, fiber, and amounts of fruits and vegetables I consume on a daily basis from juicing, my health and wellness improves daily.
What to do...
Juice at least 2-4 times every few hours, such as 1 cup of green juice with spirulina, red juice, and carrot/apple juice, incorporating protein sources such as edamame, raw almonds, and occasionally Lara Bars throughout the day. And for dinner eat 1 cup of brown rice, vegetables, and another protein sources (fish, beans, split peas, legumes).
Follow one of my many guides below to read about the benefits of juicing and recipes!
Greens are the basis of a healthy dietary program. Juices should contain fresh, organic green vegetables, sending live enzymes, oxygen and phytonutrients directly to your cells. It's the most natural energy source that exists and highly recommended as a part of your daily diet.
The following vegetables should all be included in your daily juice regimen. They contain plenty of water-soluble fiber that supports detoxification and they are all excellent for balancing the system's pH levels.
Kale:
KALE
Contains more easily absorbed calcium than milk! Kale is high in fiber, rich in Lutein, a major anti-cancer phytochemical, and is one of the best sources of beta-carotene, an antioxidant believed to be a major player in the battle against cancer, heart disease, and certain age-related chronic diseases. It is also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Check out Rawk-N-Roll Cuisine for the best tasting kale chips around!!! 

ROMAINE
One of the most nutritious salad greens and an excellent source of A, B, and C vitamins, manganese and chromium. As an antioxidant, it battles certain cancers, heart diseases, and cataracts.

Spinach:
SPINACH
The benefits of spinach are endless. A dark, leafy green, spinach possesses several important phytochemicals, including Lutein. It also contains lipoic acid, which helps antioxidant vitamins C and E regenerate. Some other highlights include being a great source of vitamin K, magnesium, protein, and iron, as well as a blood sugar regulator.

CUCUMBER
Cucumber is the best natural diuretic and aids in kidney, liver, and pancreatic detoxification. The potassium content in cucumbers makes it highly beneficial for conditions of high and low blood pressure.
Celery:

CELERY
Celery is highly alkalizing and contains at least 8 families of anti-cancer compounds. It provides inflammation relief and has been known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Parsley:

PARSLEY
One of the most potent disease-fighting spices, it aids in blood purification, fatigue, digestive restoration, and is great for clear skin due to high concentrations of beta carotene and chlorophyll.



ROOT VEGETABLES
Packed with minerals and enzymes, root juices are aimed at cleansing the blood and strengthening the body on a deeply cellular level. Carrots and beets contain powerful healing qualities that can combat free radicals, detox the liver, soothe the nervous system, and strengthen bones and teeth.
Beets:
BEETS
Beets are blood-builders. They detoxify the blood and then renew it with minerals. Combined with carrots, consuming beets is a major way to heal the liver and kidneys.

CARROTS
An excellent source of antioxidants and beta-carotene, carrots are easily assimilated into our bodies. They play an outstanding role in anti-cancer effects on the body and provide optimal immune support.


DETOX
When your body gets a load of the ingredients in a raw juice drink, it will feel renewed and full of life. Fresh servings of lemon, apple, and ginger stimulate the system and alkalize the blood, allowing the body to emphasize its healing power.


APPLES
Apples are filled vitamin C, antioxidants, and soluble fiber. They are also well a great way to lightly sweeten an otherwise tart juice. Check out my "3 Apples a Day" post to read more about apples! 
Lemon

















LEMONS
Lemons are a natural antiseptic, clearing bad bacteria out of the system. They have an incredibly alkalizing effect on the body, and as they stimulate the digestive system they purify the liver and clear out toxins. I highly recommend adding lemon to everything, especially warm water!

GINGER
This super root contains many healing properties. Benefits include aiding in digestion, circulation, and inflammation. It is the ultimate fighting nasty cold and flu symptoms and is considered to have many anti-cancer properties.

PINEAPPLE
PLoaded with anti-oxidants, manganese, and an enzyme called bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory agent.
P

PEARS
Pears contain an immense array of beneficial vitamins and minerals, including A, B1, B2, C, E, folic acid and niacin. It is rich in copper and potassium and has a high pectin content which lowers cholesterol levels and has a mild laxative effect.

MINT
A wonderful way to soothe the digestive tract, mint also has been known to slow the growth of bacteria in the body and contains many anti-fungal properties.

OTHER INGREDIENTS TO ADD:

COCONUTS
Coconuts contain Lauric Acid, an essential fatty acid which has been recognized for its properties related to antiviral and antibacterial functions. Coconut helps normalize body lipids, protects against liver damage, and improves the immune system's anti-inflammatory response.

YOUNG COCONUT WATER
An excellent source of electrolytes, Coconut Water is often thought of as the natural alternative to Gatorade. It contains essential minerals, such as high levels of potassium and calcium. It has an incredibly soothing taste, while it simultaneously provides a natural energy boost to the body.

BLUEBERRIES
These contain the highest content of antioxidants of any fresh fruit and have also been known to reduce belly fat.

STRAWBERRIES
A rich source of the phytonutrient Phenols, strawberries contain antioxidants which have repeatedly been shown to help protect cell structures in the body and prevent oxygen damage in all of the organ systems. They are heart-protective, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory.

ALMONDS
Almonds contain many proteins and vitamins, such as vitamin E, along with minerals that aid in detoxification. They are high in magnesium, iron, and amygdalin, an anti-cancer nutrient. Opt to soak almonds for maximum nutrient absorption.

CHLOROPHYLL
Helps in the growth and repair of tissues. Delivers magnesium and stimulates red blood cells to improve oxygen supply. Contains vitamins A, C, and E. Helps neutralize the pollution that we breathe in - a good supplement for smokers. Also an effective deodorizer to reduce bad breath and body odor.

ALOE VERA
Helps to detoxify the body and blood stream and cleanse the colon. Helps with intestinal or stomach problems. Improves circulation and acts as a antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent, preventing illness.



RECIPES

Opt to ease your way into juicing with a simple recipe such as my favorite: carrot, apple.

Immune Function- Garlic, parsley, celery, carrots and lemon.

Heart Function - Spinach, onions, beets and carrots.

Heart Function - Carrots, garlic, spirulina and cayenne pepper.

General Health- Celery, cucumber, and your choice of 2 greens (parsley, dandelion, kale, spinach, lettuce or cilantro).

Wellness of the Skin - Radishes, sunflower sprouts, celery, carrots and cucumber

Liver Function- Parsley, dandelion, romaine, garlic, beets , carrots.

Kidney Function- Parsley, celery, cucumber and apples.

Stomach Function - Green cabbage, potato, apples and cinnamon.

Colon Function - Parsley, spinach and apples.


OTHER COMBINATIONS:

Ø    Green apples, celery and lemon.

Ø    Ginger, beets, carrots, apples and lemon.

Ø    Sunflower sprouts, romaine spears, celery and apples.

Ø    Cucumber, celery and apples.

Ø    Kale, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber, celery.

Ø    Kale, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber, celery, apple, lemon.

Ø    Beet, carrot, kale, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber, celery

Ø    Carrot, cucumber, spinach, parsley

Ø    Lemon, cayenne pepper, filtered water

Ø    Pineapple, pear, ginger, mint

Ø    Apple, lemon, ginger

Ø    Blueberry, coconut, pear