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.

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 

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!!

My Kit

I realized that it would probably be a good idea for me to share with you what kind of juicer I have and how it works. 
This is the one I have - its made by Heston Blumenthal's range of kitchen products and is really great!
It really does get ALL of the juice out of whatever you pop in. I think the best thing about this one is that the shoot is really wide so when your making it early in the morning you don't have to worry too much about chopping your veg up too much. It's also very fast taking only a few minutes to make about a pint of juice! 
There are lots of different types of juicers from the more basic citrus juicers to the centrifugal juicers which I think are the most technical though still simple to use.

The only thing with using the juicer is that it is really important to clean it straight away after use otherwise you end up with the pulp getting everywhere!

If anyone is interested in the types of juicers then there is some pretty good info at this page  >>> http://www.harvestessentials.com/whatjuicisri.html

If you do decide to buy a juicer it doesn't have to be the most expensive one but it is a good piece of kit to invest in if you are going to be using it on a regular basis.

Also, I found this article in the telegraph online which has some good info on why juicing is beneficial and a link to a documentary which I think everyone needs to watch !!  

>>>>> http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG10162603/The-real-benefits-of-juicing.html