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.

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

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 

#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.