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.

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

#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.