Now, erase all your preconceived ideas of juice. You know the carton of processed, pasteurized, preservative filled "juice" you have in your fridge. Even many of the "claimed" natural juices contain ingredients we are unaware of. For years I was unable to drink juice (apple, orange, etc) because it caused such extreme acid reflux. I assumed it was the acid in the juices. I was so wrong! It was the additives!
A few months ago, I purchased an unpasteurized juice. And, surprise, surprise, surprise! I had no acid reflux. This was a pure Orange Juice with nothing added, with an expiration date within a few weeks.
So, let's go a step farther...or a few miles. Welcome to juice bars in LA. I had so many different interesting, FRESH concoctions. Some where true juices where the fruit/veges where put through a juicer. Then I was introduced to cold pressed juices. And, there are juice smoothies which are blended in a blender and full of wonderful fiber. So many options!
I am back in the ATL now and I was very sad to leave behind my fresh juice options. Then, I remembered this fancy thing called the Internet. After a bit of research, I found Ardens Garden. A cold press juice store and smoothie shop. I purchased a few juices to take home and for lunch had a fresh blended juice smoothie with spinach, mango, apple and ginger. Yummy!
Why the juice? It is a great meal replacement IF it has the fiber. The juice I ordered today had several different properties that I specifically wanted:
- Ginger: Ginger is known to have healing properties. It is used to aide in digestion and to help with gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux and nausea. In addition, it has been used to help with allergies, itchy throat and mucus reduction. It is also an anti-inflammatory which aides with migraines and other headaches. And...much much more.
- Spinach: Spinach is an anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory. AND, it is amazingly high in vitamin K which is great for your bones!
- Mango: Helps improve digestion, lowers cholesterol, regulates sex hormones and boosts drive, improves concentration and memory, Is high in Iron, prevents cancer and heart decease.
- Apples: The apple is rich in anti-oxidants and has many cardiovascular benefits. In addition, it helps to regulate blood sugar.It has anti-cancer and anti-asthma benefits. And, although the research is young, some studies indicate it may help prevent Alzheimer's.
This is just another step in my quest for health. I also walked more last week in LA then I ever have. I reintroduced my feet to my Brooks. And, they quite enjoyed themselves. As a result of healthy eating, juicing and walking, i am down another 1.4lbs. I am at a grand total of 14.6lbs since November 8th.
Every week I continue to lose, discover new healthy habits and feel better. I encourage all of you to continue on this quest with me. This is not just a weight loss quest, this is a quest for health!
Paul told me last night there is a new link between long term low levels of Vit D and MS. I haven't pulled up the research yet to check it out, as I've had low Vit D for a while now and can't seem to "pull ahead" of the numbers, but it's an interesting thought.
ReplyDeleteI would definately pump up your Salmon intake. Tuna, egg and swiss are also good sources in the plant/animal world. However, it does not replace the natural production via sunlight in your own body. I am not endoursing sun beds, however I did go to the tanning beds for short periods of time last year during the winter. It helped my mood, my overall well being and my vitamin D levels. And, I was NOT taking any suppliments. Just a thought.
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