Juicing...Good or FAD ?

It seems that in the world we live in as soon as a new development is made or a new theory pops up the media are all over it, critiquing and poking fun. its either that or they blow everything out of proportion. Juicing appears to have fallen victim to this plague of inquisition. Now I'm not saying that this is a bad thing, because, of course, every theory and option that gets put out there needs to be tested, tried and improved - after all nothing is perfect first time, if ever.

In my mind, and I assume that of the professionals, juicing is supposed to be a supplement to a healthy and balanced diet, something to have in the morning, or post work out - not really something to live on or indeed to call a diet in itself. But as reliable as ever, there is a juicing diet - its all the rage in the media - apparently every celebrity is doing it?! Why is it that everything needs to be taken to the extreme? Are the media not ever capable of portraying something in its real light? I recently read this article on 'the side effects of juicing' in the Mail Online. According to this juicing can give you flaky skin, frizzy hair or even hair loss! It's also apparently unnecessary. Personally I think that is a slightly polarized view on the matter and it seems that the whole beneficial package has not been considered. I read also that if you are worried about your diet and nutrients that you should make long term changes - well isn't that what incorporating juicing into your diet is supposed to be anyway - nothing is ever a quick fix!

I don't know about anyone else but I have really felt the positives by having just one juice a day - I had a clearer head, better concentration and much more radiant skin. And yes, the media do have a point and a place in raising the concerns with taking things too far - but it would be nice for them to show something how it is, and the good it is doing for so many people rather than shining the torch of negativity over everything.

Beating The Blues

In this day an age many of us will suffer at one time or another with a bout of depression or anxiety. There are many ways to battle and overcome this by using cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and most commonly medications.

These ways of treatment can sometimes be, I guess, strenuous to get going with, take up your time especially with CBT - having to travel to your appointment. But what if there was a new way, a way that wasn't a treatment but a lifestyle change! Well, I believe that there is. JUICING! 

Juicing various fruits and vegetables drenches your body in a whole load of vitamins without hardly any effort on your part! It is known that B group of vitamins are good for relieving depression and to make you feel GREAT !

So, to get going why not give juicing a go... pick ingredients such as

- pineapple
- avocado (THE KING)  
- sprouts
- mango

And many many more .....

Juicing is not a quick fix, of course it will take time for you to feel the effects, but this isn't something that will just help you with your depression but also with general health, energy levels and overall well-being. I mean Jason Vale wouldn't open juicing retreats if there wasn't something great about doing it right !! ?

nb - remember to speak to your GP before taking any action or making dietary changes. 

Juicing against physical disease?? What about mental health???

I haven't had chance really to blog at all in these past few weeks as I'm so bogged down in my dissertation and revision with my finals looming! Scary I'll tell you !

But this morning I came across a TED talk by the Juice master that is Jason Vale in Dubai 2011. This was the first thing I did this morning - even before breakfast ! Which I hate to say was not a juice this morning! Mainly because I am due to go back home to Sheffield tomorrow morning and so have NO food in the house!
Anyway, that is beside the point. After watching this video I was sent on a flurry of youtubing other videos about juicing and alkaline living and so on. Basically what Jason was saying is that there is one disease and one solution! This makes so much sense..doesn't it?! I mean, all the drugs out there only treat the symptoms NOT the cause of a disease! How does that make any sense? It doesn't, how can it? I guess its good in the short term, but in the long term these 'treatments' are having a negative effect on us - sometimes even resulting in death.
He brings to light the fact that our bodies are actually alkaline and that to be healthy we need to put in place some protocol to maintain this environment. But many of us don't do this, maybe because we don't know about it. Granted the medical world is a very important place and does GREAT things for millions of people around the world, but perhaps this is a new long term solution.
What is being suggested is that to look after our body which is ultimately our home, we need to start juicing everyday in order to keep that alkaline balance.
So - if this is so great at overcoming many physical diseases like diabetes, asthma, and psoriasis then can't this be  a great way to relieve symptoms of mental illness too?
I don't know of much research about mental illness and diet and alkaline living but this is seriously an area that needs to be looked into. Surely if this is something that is going to even just relieve the symptoms of say depression or bipolar, which is only what the drugs do anyway, then it is a better and safer way to help people?

Take Bipolar, this is most often treated both Lithium, but what is crazy is that we don't even really know why this works only that it does?!!  But what we do know is that by juicing and putting the alkaline foods into your body it builds your hemoglobin levels, increases your energy and so much more, so why isn't this the new line of research for not only physical but mental health too?
Of course I'm not saying that drugs and other medial treatments are a waste of time, becuase they are not - all that im putting out there is the fact that there are alternative treatments options which might be better in the long run but we will never know unless we give them a try and now is the time!!

I think I have just found my new pursuit in life!


More juicing to come!!!!

Green is Good

Now that I have completed the 30 day juice challenge, I think I will focus on trying to incorporate green juices into to daily routine.

These ones I think mainly use vegetables, but of course you can include fruits for that bit of sweetness such as apples, pears and maybe even an orange or two!  Some of my favorite green veggies to juice are;

- cucumber

- kale

- celery

- spinach 

Obviously you can add whatever you like - some combos work better than others I have to say. 

At the moment I'm loving cucumber, apple and lime  <<< so refreshing in the morning!!!

If you fancy something a little more substantial than a juice, you can always add your green juice to some bananas and oats, or other fruits to make a green smoothie!  

Sometimes I prefer to have a smoothie in the mornings, especially if I have a long day at uni, just to fill me up that little bit more. 

So, for those of you who are wondering what all the fuss is about with these green juices and smoothies here's a few benefits that might sway you to the 'green is good' mindset;

#1 juicing green veggies means that you are absorbing those vital nutrients faster 

#2 your intake of nutrients, in general, is increased

#3 you will actually be taking in a wider variety of veggies than if you were just munching away 

#4 you become more hydrated because you are drinking more! Let's be honest we all forget that glass of water now and again! 

For more detailed info on the benefits see here  >>> Benefits of green veggie juice

"Listen"

Mental health and its treatment has an air of stigma and negativity attached to it. It is painful to see so many people go without the much needed help they so desperately need.

When people think of getting therapy or even dare to speak about the possibility they are often instantly shot down. But we must not forget the flip side - what the therapists can do for us and whether or not they are fulfilling those expectations.

Therapy - a place where someone asks you "and how do you feel about that?". Such a common misconception but one driven by the stigmatization of mental health and its services. Nobody outside of the profession ever really talks about their experiences with therapy - did it help? didn't it? This is quite a sad fact.

I came across this poem written by a patient of a psychiatric hospital and it really touched me. There are so many lines and comments in this that I can relate to - not from my experience of therapy but from the place of the advice giver. Its the harsh truth - people don't REALLY listen to what someone is saying to us. We change it, turn it around to be about us or brush it off with a generic comment about how its all going to be okay.

So please, if you will, take a moment to read this poem and to reflect on your listening skills and the types of advice you give to others - it might just make you realize what it is people really need - a ear that is really listening.

‘LISTEN’ 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you start giving me advice, 

You have not done what I asked. 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you begin to tell me ‘why’ I shouldn’t feel that way, 

You are trampling on my feelings. 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you feel you have to do something to 

solve my problems, 

You have failed me, strange as that may seem. 

Listen! All I ask is that you listen; 

Not talk, nor do – just hear me. 

And I can do for myself – I’m not helpless 

Maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless. 

When you do something for me, that I can 

and need to do for myself, 

You contribute to my fear and weakness. 

But when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel, 

No matter how irrational 

Then I quit trying to convince you 

And can get about the business of understanding 

What’s behind this irrational feeling. 

When that’s clear, 

The answers are obvious and I don’t need advice. 

Irrational feelings make sense when we 

Understand what’s behind them. 

Perhaps that’s why prayer works sometimes for 

some people; 

because God is mute, and doesn’t give 

advice to try to ‘fix’ things, 

He/She just listens, and lets you work it out 

for yourself. 

So please listen, and just hear me, and if you 

want to talk, 

Wait a minute for your turn, 

And I’ll listen to you. 

Anon

Step back to reality ..

Today I read about a juicing transformation that really put the benefits of juicing into perspective for me. I am living in my own world with the knowledge that what I'm doing is good for me but not really knowing what is happening out there, how other people are being healed from this practice.

I found an interview with Jeff, who embarked on a 70 day juicing detox. The way he spoke about the death of people close to him which set him on his journey into a healthier lifestyle is heartwarming. In his interview he speaks about the hardships at the start of his detox and how it gradually become easier until this just became his routine. Hearing about success stories like this fills me with hope and confidence. Honestly, it is hard sometimes to get up at 7am for a 9am lecture and make a pint of juice, wash the juicer and get myself out of the door on time for the over-packed bus. But it is rays of light this that really keep me going on my journey. Im not quite fully intergrated with my juicing as much as I would like to be, but I am surely on my way.

Here is the link for the interview :)

http://juicing-for-health.com/joy-of-juicing/juice-fasting/juice-fasting-testimonies/70day-green-juice-cleanse-with-jeff.html

Victory - Mind over Matter !

I have just completed my first ever 30 day juicing challenge! It really does feel great!. Though there were some difficult days when the juice recipes were not exactly to my taste but you'll never know if you like something if you don't give it a go! 

Here are some of the last few juices I had

Apple, Red Cabbage and Lime 

Cucumber, Pear, Lemon, Carrot, Apple and Ginger 

Beetroot, Carrot and Apple 

This has been a fantastic experience for me and I'm sure for my flatmate too. My eyes have been opened to the wonders and tastes of different vegetable and fruit combinations. My all time favorite, well from the recipes I tired on this challenge, was apple, cabbage and lime. This one is tangy and sweet, surprisingly from the cabbage. This is a vegetable that I would never have chosen to put through my juicer in the morning, but it has proven to be most tasty! 

Mental Health 

Now, I am no expert on this field, or in fact any field of mental health, but I can certainly comment on my own experience which of course will be different from every single one of your's. I began this journey somewhat skeptical about the effects this juicing malarky would have on me, if any. I have read many reports, articles and books which all say that this is a great way to boost your mental clarity, health and general well-being. To begin with I only experienced mild effects, I was able to wake up more easily in the morning without the dread of the day ahead - we all know that feeling, and what a pleasure it was to get rid of it! As the weeks went on I found myself concentrating better in all of my lectures, even the 9am's! I can think more clearly and with more logic. I guess as well I was sleeping much better which is always a bonus. But I'm sure some of you will be saying "Well surely you can concentrate better because you are sleeping better, not because of the juice!! ". I definitely see where you are coming from, as a psychology student I know all too well how naturally it comes to question almost everything we come across in life, we are human at the end of the day - its natural! But I can say personally I believe that the juicing in the morning helped me to expend my energy better throughout the day, concentrate and actually pay attention - steadying my mind, proving a space to think logically and to rest peacefully at night. What a joy it is to place my head on the pillow and not have thoughts racing around in my mind! 

Physical Health 

100% more energy! Absolutely a great addition to my life! That is all there is to say on the matter - more energy more enthusiasm to do stuff - more dedication to go the gym! 

If any of you are considering giving this a go - DO IT! Just remember, if you have any health issues or worried talk to your GP first as they will be able to guide you and provide the relevant support than I obviously can't! 

This is not to say that it is goodbye, there are many more posts to come about new research in the area, health psychology, positive psychology and RAW FOODS! 

Happy Juicing 

Half way there!

Im now half way through my juicing challenge and im feeling great! Im up every morning to make the juice for my flatmate and I.
I am feeling very much alert and able to focus on my work. Also when I am going to the gym I seem to have much more stamina. Not only that but I am feeling lighter and fresher than ever before!

I cant stress enough how great this experience has been so far and I am very much looking forward to the next part of my journey.

Here are some photos of a few of my juices from the past few days

This one (above) was the first of week 3 - apples, carrots, beets, celery and ginger! I love the rainbow colours in the jug before i mixed it all together! What a lovely sight first thing in the morning! 

not only have I been juicing but I have discovered what is possibly my new favorite smoothie recipe - banana, peanut butter, hazelnut milk and spinach! (above)

I hope you are all enjoying the recipes that have come up so far - I know I have!

I have also recently ordered this book >>>

Jason vale is the guy from the documentary "fat sick and nearly dead" that I keep banging on about!! 

you can get your own copy here >> 

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Juice-Master-Keeping-Simple-Delicious/dp/0007225172/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1390339697&sr=8-4&keywords=jason+vale

Reflection and Research

I am one week into by 30 day juice challenge. So far I am really enjoying waking up every morning and making myself a fresh juice. It definitely has changed my mornings for the better. Whats even greater is that I have managed to rope my flatmate into it with me!

I would say that I really do have much more energy and mental clarity. I am finding it much easier to study for longer and actually take in the information!!! I am feeling lighter and cleaner in my body - really detoxed.

Although I have been going to the gym around 3-4 times a week as well as juicing which probably has something to do with my extra energy and uplifted mood for sure!

Recently I read a very interesting paper on health and mental health. The world health organisation recently said that;

"there is no health without mental health"

I have to say that I agree with this 100%. In the paper I found (Citation can be found at the bottom) it was generally talking about the effects that mental health can have on other health conditions. One of the findings was that, mental disorders like depression, interact with other health conditions. The one that stuck out for me was that depression can be a risk factor for both fatal and non-fatal strokes! At this moment in time and in the future cardiac conditions are one the highest causes of mortality. It seems to me that if there is some way to prevent the onset of depression then we might be able to enhance peoples physical health?

Now, I am no professional and definitely in no position to advise on this matter, but surely be widening the knowledge of simple things such as juicing which have shown to have beneficial effects on peoples moods (see fat sick and nearly dead)  we can begin to tackle this on going problem?? 

Hopefully in the future we will see some intervention of this kind in the NHS!! 

Fingers Crossed 

Prince, M., Patel, V., Saxena, S., Maj, M., Maselko, J., Phillips, M. R., & Rahman, A. (2007). No health without mental health. The Lancet, 370(9590), 859-877.

Juice Challenge Cont....... Bit late!!

Hi everyone!

I have been a tad neglectful these past few, well 5 or so days on keeping you updated on the juices I'm having and how they are tasting!

So these are the ones I had for the remainder of week one of the challenge;

below we have a lovely carrot, apple ginger and lemon. I have to say this one was particularly refreshing definitely setting me up for a long day at uni!

The following day featured carrots (AGAIN!) celery and apples.

starting week two I didn't manage to get to the supermarket in time to pick up my fruits and veggie so instead I had a recipe from week one - same as the one above in fact.

WEEK 2 - this was such a lovely juice, and had ingredients I had never had in my juice before. I have to say the purple cabbage gave such a lovely flavour if not the best combo I have had so far!

and of course it was a beautiful colour!!

This mornings juice was NOT a lovely colour, it was a sludgy brown shade, but it did still taste good. The recipe for this one was;

1 cucumber
1 pear
1 apple
1 lemon
3 handfuls of spinach
1 thumb of ginger

Delicious even if it wasn't easy n the eyes!

Lovely treat for the sweet tooth

I am always having that craving for something sweet to snack on and usually I would turn to the ever faithful chocolate.
But being conscious that I am trying to make healthier swaps I have treated myself to some goodies from holland and barrett.

So to satisfy my snacking nature I have made a trail mix with the ingredients below.
Iv'e added the cacao nibs so there is still that taste of chocolate :)

My shopping consisted of;

organic dried mango
cashews
pumpkin seeds
hazelnuts
agarvae nectar
raw cacao nibs
dried coconut
pistachios
dried figs
dired (non sulphered) apricots

Its really great!   Give it a try and let me know what combination you choose!!

#4 and 5#

I was really busy yesterday finishing off my essays for uni so I didn't get a chance to post my juice challenge pictures up here,
But, better late than never. :)
On day 4 the recipe was;

- apple 2 apples
- celery 4 stalks
- carrot  3 carrots

I have to say I wasn't too keen on this one, there was a lot of celery and it was just a bit too peppery for me. Nonetheless, I still felt great afterwards. It looks pretty though, sort of like a sunset.

day 5 juice was much better;

- carrot 7

- apple 2

- lemon 1

- ginger 1 thumb 

This one was great, really refreshing with the lemon but warming with the ginger. 

So far Im really enjoying the juice challenge, I am feeling very alert and more able to focus. 

Also I would recommend this juice book - Reboot with Joe,  its by the guy on Fat, Sick and Nearly dead if anyone has seen that, if not I would recommend that you watch it!  Really inspiring stuff. 

#3 plus a few extras

Day three of the juicing challenge, I have to say this weeks juices are very carrot based and I think i'm craving something less carroty!
Although saying that I am still thoroughly enjoying my morning juice. But the one today was HUGE I couldn't finish it all I had to save some of it to have with my lunch!!
I have a whole heap of essay writing to be doing at the moment as well, and I have to say that my mental clarity is at it's peak! Something which i'm putting down to the juice for sure.
So here is a snap of today's juice

What a lovely, vibrant orange it is indeed!
The ingredients for this one are;
10 carrots (Yes 10!!)
2 apples
2 oranges

Not only have I been juicing today but I also had a crack at making a raw blue berry ice cream. Since I have stopped having dairy ice cream is something that I really miss. So I thought why not give this raw, dairy free one a go. It was DELICIOUS! extra creamy too as i used coconut milk rather than water. The recipe for this is;

Severs 4

180g frozen blueberries
100g raw cashew nuts
2 tablespoons of agarvae nectar (available form health food shops and some supermarkets)
80ml of water (or I used coconut milk)

Whizz it up in your blender then pop into the freezer and keep whisking every now and again so it doesn't get too frosty.
And here it is

If you are wondering what the dark chips are- I sprinkled a few raw cacao nibs on top for that luxury chocolaty taste we all love. Raw cacao has the highest concentrate of antioxidants so its really great for a detox and for fantastic radiant skin! These I think you can get online as well as in health food shops.

Mental health today -- 9/10
Physical health -- 8/10     >> (Still a bit sluggish after the christmas period! )



Look out for the next days in my juicing challenge and more scrummy raw food and healthy recipes :)

Happy Juicing  

#2

Day 2 and I'm feeling great! Mentally and physically I'm feeling alert and ready to go. This mornings juice was a fruity number made from 5 apples, 2 oranges and 2 sticks of celery - DELICIOUS!
I even loved the colour of the juice, a bright yellowish orange, beautiful >>

"Golden Delicious"

For those of you who are interested in the nutrition in the juice, as I am, here is a few pointers about this one;

- Calories 325
-  Vitamins 

Choline 40.4mg

7.34%

Vitamin A 49µg	5.40%
Vitamin C 158.8mg	176.43%
Calcium 142mg	14.16%
Iron 0.93mg	11.57%

So one of the great things about this juice is that it has quite a bit of the vitamin Choline in it. This vitamin is very similar to the B-vitamins, and is really great for preventing fat accumulation around the liver. 

Other good sources of Choline are peanut butter, cauliflower and almonds! 

Happy Juicing 

#1

Today is day 1 of my juice challenge! I am feeling very excited and positive about this, which is the way it should be. I have even drawn up a chart for my fridge! Throughout the challenge I will be swapping my cereal for a pint of fresh, homemade, vegetable and fruit juice.
This mornings juice was lovely; kale, carrot and apple! DELICIOUS!
After having my juice I felt alive, fresh and full of energy, not to mention all the goodness from the carrots that will help to look after my immune system, perfect for this cold weather!!

Happy Juicing