Veg Vivaciously: December 2011

12/31/2011

Emotional Detoxing and How to Handle It

Realizing a lot of you are doing the Juice/Smoothie Challenge for the first time, I wanted to recommend that you keep a journal. One thing that helped me a great deal was to keep my thoughts, feelings, emotions, and psychotic episodes (just kidding, but, yes it can get deep-lol) in a journal. I know some of you who keep a journal already, probably have no problem with this. But those of you who never kept a journal or those of you who haven't kept one since you were 13, are probably thinking this is a silly idea. But here's why I suggest it...

Things will come up. By "things," I mean emotional things. No one ever tells you this. Whenever you see people doing a detox they always either say they want something to eat that they're not suppose to eat or that they feel "so amazing". Well, I'm here to tell you the harsh reality is that somewhere between those cravings and feeling "so amazing"...You will get emotional. I'm here to tell you...NO YOU ARE NOT INSANE...well at least...uum...you're not if you haven't previously been told by a medical professional that you're not.

Moment of Reflection: I remember one day I was watching television and I cried like a baby...and I mean I cried while watching EVERYTHING! I'm talking about Dog 101, Cat 101, History Channel, Law and Order, paper towel commercials, and OMG...those dog gone ASPCA commercials...yeah...I was gone...until finally I had to get a hold of myself...needless to say, I decided to keep a journal.

Keeping a journal while detoxing helped me to get to the bottom of those little crying out bursts while allowing me to see that as I was getting healthier and unveiling the true me...the inner me...the optimal me that God wanted me to be...that was buried in the inner sactum of my body, under all of the baggage that I used food to bury it with...there was some self healing that needed to happen in order for me to come close to greeting the person that God wanted me to be. Keeping a journal helped me to deal with things that I used food as a tool to mask. By masking those things instead of dealing with them, I inadvertently made myself an addict of food, namely cheese. (Click here to learn more about my cheese addiction. Click here to learn more about cheese and substitute cheeses.) I know it sounds silly, but its true. And whether you're addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs or food, and addiction is an addiction and dealing with the emotional side of addictions is something that all addicts have to succumb. This is one reason, why I suggest this to you.

As you are purifying your body, you are awakening your consciousness. In doing so, part of the process in growing in any aspect of life is to close doors to the past so that you can properly move forward. If you continue throughout the duration of the 60 day Juice/Smoothie Challenge, you will grow and mature in ways you never knew you could. Your mind opens to a whole new arena of wisdom that you never knew. It's like you're walking into a whole new world. Out with the old and in with the new, I say. I'm not saying don't talk to your loved ones about them, but trust me, everyone doesn't need to hear every single thought that pops into that head of yours. Yet, those thoughts still need to get out. What better way than on paper?

Not to mention, some things might come up that you don't want to talk to anyone about, and that's perfectly fine. Put it on paper! Those things that you never knew bothered you. Put it on paper! Those things you never knew that you should change about yourself. Put it on paper! Put it on paper! Put it on paper! Remember, you're doing this for a reason. Yes, one is for optimal health and to get healthy...but then what? What after this challenge?

You'll find that you might not want to go back to life as it once was. You may even find that your life was perfectly fine as it was and this was a great "detox" for you. Whatever your discovery is that helps to make you a better you isn't the point...the point is that you realized it and got through that emotional roller coaster, without turning back...and this is one suggestion that might help you through it.

Moment of Reflection: I remember journaling after...uhhh about my 3rd Challenge... that I wanted to start a blog and teach people how to implement healthier alternatives into their lifestyle. So that entire journal was filled with my ideas, thoughts, plans of actions, steps, goals, aspirations, etc...I'm sure you get it! Keeping a journal doesn't have to be just about the bad stuff...you can keep a plan of action journal...but let me warn you...putting it on paper, commits you. *smile*

XOXO

---------------

Related Posts:

What's The Difference Between...

Gentle Ways to Help Release Toxins
Why Coffee And Tea Is Not Good For You

---------------

PLEASE NOTE! This sites content (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business(es) (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:

-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------

-------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------

PLEASE FURTHER NOTE! VEG VIVACIOUSLY IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. THEREFORE, MEDICAL ADVICE AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BY VEG VIVACIOUSLY. PLEASE CONSULT WITH A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR DIETARY AND/OR BEAUTY PRACTICES AND/OR HABITS.

Why Coffee and Tea Is Not Good For You

There's been a lot of concern about why no coffee or tea while doing a Juice/Smoothie Challenge. I dedicate this article to those of you who have those concerns. First let me start off by saying, coffee and/or tea is not good for you whether you do a juice/smoothie challenge or not. And here's why...

Now, I know I probably lost a lot of you with this. Trust me, I was a tea fanatic and it broke my heart to learn this. But ironically, I noticed that what I learned was true. I also know that some studies and research show that coffee helps cure cancer and diabetes. But guess what, some would say that a raw food diet does that too. Others would say that doing a 60 day Juice/Smoothie Challenge, would too.

I also know many are saying, but what about herbal tea? Don't worry, I'll show you some tricks that you can do...and it won't be piping hot or a shock to your system...But it will be warm with all the nutrients still left in it from the root, herbs and fruits.

--------------

References:
Ellen G. White. Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 970-973). Ellen G. White Estate, Inc...
A cup of confusion: Is coffee healthy or not?
Coffee Health Risks: For the moderate drinker, coffee is safe says Harvard Women’s Health Watch

--------------

-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------

-------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------

12/30/2011

Gentle Ways to Help Release Toxins

I know everyone is concerned about releasing the toxins ...we've covered these:

Dry Skin Brushing: is a great way to help release toxins from the skin.
Oil Pulling: An Ancient Remedy Making a Comeback: is a great way to help release toxins from you overall body from the inside. (TIP: This must be done in a continual and consistent manner to actually work.)
Psyllium/Bentonite Elixer : is a great way to help release toxins from the colon.

But what about the face? Here are some of my never before shared facial recipes! The greatest thing about these...you can make these right in your own kitchen in less than 5 minutes!

Avocado Moisture Mask: You'll need 1/2 of a raw organic avocado. Throw it in a blender, blend it all up. Then spread that baby thickly on your face and let it sit for 20-30 mins. You'll have moisturized skin!
Avocado/Honey Moisture Exfoliating Mask: You'll need 1/2 of a raw organic avocado and 1 tbsp of raw organic honey. Take the avocado and blend it. You want it as mashed as possible. Then pour it in a bowl and fold in the honey. Then work it in circles on your face. It gently exfoliates while moisturizing. You can even relax and let it sit a while if you want.
Honey/Almond Exfoliating Scrub: Take a few raw organci almonds, and about 1 tbsp of raw organic honey. Put the almonds in the food processor and chop them fine, so fine to where its almost "meal" like. Then mix them with the honey...and begin to scrub your face. If you want, you can add a drop of essential oil or almond oil in this and use it as a daily scrub.

I have a ton more of these that I'll blog about as we get further into the detox...but these are a few great simple ones to start with. Happy Releasing! XOXO

---------------

Related Posts:

Juice/Smoothie Challenge: Raw Week Prep Day 1
Juice/Smoothie Challenge: Raw Week Prep Day 2
Juice Smoothie Challenge: Prep Day 3 What's The Difference Between...

---------------

-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------

-------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------

12/29/2011

Oil Pulling: An Ancient Remedy Making a Comeback

I read about oil pulling for quite some time and thought it was... well... a little bit "out there" even for me to try. But when I read about Eva's experience with it, I absolutely had to try it. I just love the way she shared about the benefits and provided detailed information about it while being non-biased. Oh by the way, Eva is this wonderful lady who blogs on one of my trusted raw foodie blogger sites UnCooking 101. So now, I've been oil pulling for about 3 months and I absolutely have to tell you, I think I'm going to be doing this for the rest of my life.

I know some of you who have never heard of oil pulling probably have no idea what I'm talking about...So have no worries...I'm going to explain it and please read more about it from Oil Pulling A Wonderful Therapy. They explain everything in detail and perfectly. According to Oil Pulling A Wonderful Therapy,

Now, I know you're thinking this sounds good...but what is it and what do you have to do...so here goes...

You have to take about a tea spoon of oil in your mouth and swoosh it around for NO LESS than 20 minutes when you first wake up every day. Then spit it out. DO NOT SWALLOW THIS! IF YOU DO, EVERY TOXIN YOU JUST REMOVED WOULD BE IN YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. I follow oil pulling with a prompt rinse out of warm water, then I floss while the oil is still fresh and the tartar is loose. Then I brush my teeth with Auromère toothpaste then I gargle with Auromère's mouthwash.

I know some are thinking 20 minutes is a long time, especially for the average person who wakes up, has to get the kids ready for school, then rush off to work...I know, I get it! But guess what, to help remove toxins from your body by getting to the core of the dirtiest part of your body, why not take the time? So here's how I managed to implement it into my schedule...

I wake up...I rush off to the bathroom before even drinking water and I put the oil in my mouth and I begin to swoosh. I swoosh it around like I would mouth wash...sometimes I gargle with it (a light gargle)...While doing all this do my bible study and pray. Yes, when you have a busy life you can multitask. I figured I did my bible study every morning anyway, so I just swoosh oil around in my mouth while I'm having my morning chat with God and/or reading. Honestly, its a great way to meditate in simple quietness...even if the phone rings, you can't be disturbed because you can't talk. I love it, it forces me to have 20 minutes to myself and focus on my spirituality. Now of course, you don't have to utilize it for that...but that's an example to show you how you can do this oil pulling while doing other things.

Now I know you're wondering what kind of oil to buy. Well here's your answer... YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN OIL. The most popular two choices are Sesame and Sunflower. Although, I do have friends who use Coconut Oil because it "tastes better". Nevertheless, Dr Karach had suggested refined Sunflower Oil. Sesame Oil was prescribed in Ayurveda texts for Oil Pulling Therapy. Both oils worked well in curing health problems. Some found sesame oil better. Other oils have been used by some practitioners on their own, and they did not report desirable results to enable me to recommend. Some other oils may be suitable for particular problems, but I do not recommend for daily practice. If you're wondering what kind of oil I use...I use Sesame Oil. I figure if it was good enough for the Ancient Ayurvedic India practices, it's good enough for me!

I really hope this was a great introduction to get you to at least consider oil pulling, if you haven't already. I also hope you do your research before hand. A great place to start is here.

--------------

References:

Oil Pulling A Wonderful Therapy

UnCooking 101

--------------

Related Posts:

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Listening To Your Body

8 Ancient Superfoods That Promote Good Health

--------------

-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------

-------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------

12/28/2011

What's The Difference Between...

Here are some Questions and Answers for you guys that might help you better understand the Juice/Smoothie Challenge...

Are we making Juices or Smoothies? When do I make a Juice and When do I make a Smoothie?

There seems to be a lot of concern about whether or not to make Juices or Smoothies or if you "need" to do both. Here's the thing what I tell everyone...

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU NEED

No one can tell you what to eat or how to eat it. It's just not logical. In this Juice/Smoothie Challenge there will NOT be a regimented daily juice or smoothie that you must drink.. There is also no specific guidelines on how much you are "supposed" to drink. Drink until your heart is content. If you are satisfied and full with 64 ounces then drink that, if you find you need 100 ounces or 200 ounces...then drink that. One of the points of doing this challenge is to start the new year the right way...and that's by ridding your body of toxins that can aggravate your body, induce illness and disease, and getting healthy.

With that being said...There will be one Juice and/or Smoothie Recipe posted every single day of this Juice/Smoothie Challenge on this blog. Again, any Juice or Smoothie that is posted is only a suggestion, you have the right to choose whatever you want to liquify and put in your body throughout this challenge...

Can I drink Tea, Coffee, Soda, etc?

I would be careful about consuming "processed" beverages. It will do your body no good to detox it and then RE-tox it with processed beverages. If you absolutely "need" to drink something warm and want herbal decaffeinated tea, that should be fine. If you feel you need a little pick me up in the morning, try green tea or add a little raw cacao powder or acai berries to your juice or smoothie. You'd be surprised to find you don't really NEED caffeine to survive. Also, I live in Chicago, so you have to know it gets rather nippy here... I will show you how to get creative and make your own home made teas from roots, herbs, fruits, spices and berries.
You may drink almond milk, coconut water, coconut milk...anything that's raw and from a plant. It shouldn't be a problem. You can even implement it in your Juices or Smoothies. I will also show you how to do that.

Can I use protein powder in my smoothies or buy protein shakes?

I would be careful of using protein powders and buying protein shakes. Most commercial brands tend to have dairy in it and if it doesn't it usually has D-3, which a supplemented form of meat.
If you feel you absolutely need additional protein added to your juice or smoothie, try adding chia seeds, hemp seeds/powder, coconut water, coconut milk, almond milk or even by a "raw vegan" protein powder. I will probably do a combination of all these suggestions.

What's the difference between drinking juice and smoothies?

Fiber. When juicing you removing the majority of the fiber out. Smoothies, however, are fiber rich, as the pulp that is removed from the juice stays in the smoothie.
The more fiber, the more you go to the bathroom...the more you're able to help ease the toxins out.

Is this a "fast" or a "challenge" and what do I win, if its a challenge?

It's what you want it to be. I typically call these events "challenges" because I'm gathering a group of people together to do something that the majority of the group has not done before...and something like this can be challenging.
While the definition of "fasting" has been changed recently to "abstaining from food." The more common definition of fasting that is more widely known is: To eat very little or abstain from certain foods as a religious discipline or spiritual practices. Since we are not trying to convert anyone to any specific religiosity nor change anyone's spiritual belief's AND as an effort to be respectful to all walks of life, I decided to call this a "Challenge." But feel free to fast on your own, if you choose! I most certainly am! This is the perfect opportunity to get closer with God and get spiritually in tuned, just because this is called a Challenge doesn't mean you should not include God in this...as I stated, God will be the focal point of this journey for me.

I hope today's post helped everyone. Feel free to keep the questions coming. We're in this together! XOXO

-------------

Related Posts:

5 Steps To Making Juice Without A Juicer
Tips for Starting a Juice/Smoothie Challenge
Juice/Smoothie Challenge: Raw Week Prep Day 1

Juice/Smoothie Challenge: Raw Week Prep Day 2

-------------

-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------

-------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------

12/27/2011

Preparing for a Juice/Smoothie Challenge Q & A

Can I just say that the questions you guys have for this Juice/Smoothie Challenge are amazing! I'm glad that you all are asking them, because there is at least one other person out there who may have the same questions you have, so this way, it helps us to gear ourselves to better serve you in this Challenge.

This blog post is dedicated to those of you who have posed certain specific questions that may have come up during your steps of preparing for or thinking about joining us for this Juice/Smoothie Challenge...

How much water should I drink?

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Water makes up about 60% of your body weight." You need water in order to function as a normal and healthy individual. Many of you may have heard the old saying that you should have at least 64 ounces of water per day. That saying was based off of the average body weight of an adult woman being around 130 lbs...and its true, if you're about 130lbs. However, I typically remind people if water makes up 60% of their body weight, then they should at least be drinking AT LEAST half of their body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you are 100lbs, you should be drinking AT LEAST 50 ounces of water daily. (This recommendation is if you do a Juice/Smoothie Challenge or not.) Now obviously, you may need to modify and drink more depending on the climate of where you live, how active you are, etc. If you work out daily, your water intake should be a little more than half of your weight in ounces, because you need to put back what you sweat out.

I have low iron/anemia, will it get worse with the Juice/Smoothie Challenge?

I can't make a call on this one...as I'm not a medical professional, please see non-medical professional blurb below...However, I can say as someone who had iron deficiency as well as anemia issues prior to implementing an 80% raw food diet into my lifestyle, I no longer have any of those issues now. (Please also read the question and answer below for more useful information on this topic.)

How will I get protein, iron and the complex B vitamins that I can only get from meat and dairy?

This question comes up a lot! This is perfectly understandable. I had the same concerns the first time I did a challenge like this. Here's what my research and self test study provides:

Whole live raw foods provide everything you need. PERIOD! It really is that simple. You get all the protein, complex b vitamins and iron you need. Now does this mean that some will not ever have low iron, protein or low complex b nutrients? NO it does not. There could be a plethora of reasons for that (i.e., pre-existing medical conditions, absorbancy rate in the body, digestive issues, etc...) But the majority of people who maintain pure raw diets, without interference from processed or cooked foods, feel the optimal value from the raw foods.
Most concerns about the iron, complex b vitamins and protein come from being told that we won't get the same amounts from plants that we do from meat. This is partly true. If you COOK your raw foods, then you are cooking the nutritional value out from the foods. So in this instance, it is true, you won't get as much iron, protein or complex b vitamins from them...why? Because you've just cooked them all out! But, if you eat them raw, you're not only getting as much protein, iron and complex b vitamins from plants as you would meat...you're actually getting more!
Secret Tip: Do NOT always cut your greens with high acidic fruits to "sweeten" your juice or smoothies...why? Doing so cuts your Complex B's! Ever meat a raw foodist, vegan or vegetarian and they tell you their doctor made them go back to eating meat and/or dairy? Well there could be a few reasons for that, but for now we're going to focus on the constant mixing of fruits with vegetables. Many people don't realize doing so makes the acid eat through the plants and vegetables cutting the complex B vitamins. I'll go into a detailed post about this tomorrow. So stay tuned... (P.S., if you have to cut your foods to sweeten them, try banana's, carrots, apples, dates, honey, raw blue agave...these things don't cut the complex B vitamins.)

Should I take any vitamins and/or supplements? Now of course, I have to give you the "non-medical professional" disclosure to this question...please see below. While I am not a medical professional, I can share with you what I am doing and remind you of some "common sense" measures to take while doing this Juice/Smoothie Challenge.

Go and visit your doctor. Get a full physical and follow your medical professionals advice about your health and if they say you should do this juice/smoothie challenge then read the following bullet points in this section...
While I cannot and will not tell you what vitamins or supplements you should take, I will say this:

If you currently take vitamins and supplements, why stop?
If you are currently on prescribed medications...definitely don't stop unless your doctor tells you to!
I currently take a vegan multivitamin, and will continue to do so throughout the course of this 60 day Juice/Smoothie Challenge.
I will also take a Chlorella tablet daily and periodically add Spirulina to my smoothies, as I currently do. Both Chlorella and Spirulina should be added to everyone's diet, in my personal opinion, just because of the benefits. Both Chlorella and Spirulina are used for:

Poor digestion and assimilation (these micro-algae are easy to digest and absorb)
Poor vitality and anemia
Individuals who consumer large quantities of animal protein (the micro-algae protein, in contrast, is easier to digest and offers a far healthier balance of minerals)
Protects the kidneys and liver
Weight control
People who engage in physical exercise and / or strength training

People with low energy levels (feeling depleted, exhausted, etc.)

Chlorella and spirulina have been shown to be effective in treating and even reversing the following conditions:

Cancers (all types)
Obesity
Diabetes
Hypoglycemia
Arthritis
Depression
Severe liver damage and liver disorders
Intestinal ulcers
Hemorrhoids
Asthma
High blood pressure
Constipation
Bleeding gums
Infections
Inflammation of joints and tissues
Body odor / breath odor
Various degenerative diseases
Essential fatty acid deficiencies
Mineral deficiencies (magnesium is a common deficiency)
Last but certainly not least the level of B-vitamins in Chlorella and Spirulina are outrageous! So anyone worried about b-12 or any complex b's being lost from loss of meat, dairy...have no fear...what you don't get from fruit and veggies, you'll get from adding these supplements to your diet.

Another supplement I will take daily is Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM). MSM is a supplement that is used for so many things. Being active, it helps with joint recovery a great deal. I am recovering from a sports injury and let me just say, I wouldn't know what I would do without MSM. TLC states, "Sulfur seems to be important in the strength and maintenance of joint tissue, especially cartilage. Since sulfur is a significant component of MSM, one possible benefit of MSM is in the treatment of joint problems such as sports injuries, osteoarthritis and tendinitis." A few other benefits of MSM:

Helps our bodies absorb nutrients
Increases oxygen availability to the body
Increases energy
Helps the body eliminate toxins including lactid acid build up from strenuous exercise and long hours of work
Helps relieve muscular aches and pains
Helps reduce inflammation due to injury or inflammatory diseases such as arthritis

The last supplement I will take for the first 30 days only is what I call the Psyllium/Bentonite elixer.

How to make the Psyllium/Bentonie Elixer:

1 tsp of "Great Plains Bentonite Detox"
1 tsp of "Psyllium Husks Powder"
1 cup of water.
Make sure its blended well.
Then make sure you drink it fast, because this is NOT a tasty elixer, and it's probably the most bland drink you'll ever have in your life. But the benefits of this elixer is so amazing. It cleanses mucus forming toxic waste from the colon. Doing a Juice/Smoothie Challenge, you have to know you're detoxing your body. I don't care if you're a raw foodist or if you eat meat, a detox is a detox and those toxins are going somewhere...this elixer helps removes the toxins from your body. I'll drink a small glass full every night (before bed) for the first 30 days.

These are the only vitamins and supplements that I will be taking while on this Juice/Smoothie Challenge, but I've been taking these vitamins and supplements for a while. Again, if anyone cares to start any of these supplements, get guidance about them from a professional.

P.S., I'm not an affiliate with any of the links that I've posted. And I get absolutely no referral fees for you shopping there. However, I wanted to post them for (a) you to see the picture of some of these supplements, (b) receive more general information to read about them on your own and to start doing your own research about what you're putting into your body and (c) if you do decide to get any of these, its where I buy them and its the most inexpensive prices for these items that I've seen.

Lastly, please keep the questions and comments coming! I love them and it makes me think! If I don't have the answer, you're forcing me to research them for you. So please keep the questions coming. If you don't want to post your question/concern publicly, please feel free to email it to me and I'll research the answer and blog about it. (uum of course...no names/entities would ever be used, only the question asked...why would I share it? Because there might be one other person out there with the exact same concern or issue and your question inadvertently help someone else too.)

Until tomorrow... au revoir! XOXO

----------------

References:

Mayo Clinic

How to drink half your body weight in ounces of water

Chlorella Factor

MSM What you need to know

MSM Powder Benefits

----------------

Related Posts:

5 Steps To Making Juice Without A Juicer
Tips for Starting a Juice/Smoothie Challenge
Juice/Smoothie Challenge: Raw Week Prep Day 1

----------------

-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------

-------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------

12/26/2011

Preparing for a Juice/Smoothie Challenge


Raw Veggie Pizza

Because we are doing a Juice/Smoothie Challenge for 60 whole days, I decided to dedicate the week prior to help motivate you and prepare you for the 60 day Juice/Smoothie Challenge. With any diet change (i.e., fasting, cleansing, detoxes, resets, jump starters, etc) there should be some form of transitioning. This week is your transitioning week. It does no one any good to live off of processed foods, meat, dairy and fast foods one day and go to the extreme polar opposite the next day. It will send your body into shock. It will also send you on a mind trip out of this world. This week is really going to be all about some things that I do to prepare myself for such a Challenge. My hope is that perhaps, you might find this weeks posts helpful and take some tips from it to apply to yourself.

This week I'm eating all raw foods. Now does this mean that I'm only eating salads...nope! Can you say boring?!?! It's the holiday season, I want nice seasoned and festive foods just like everyone else. I'll be having pasta, brownies, cheesecake, taco's, sushi, pizza, etc...except it will be made from all raw whole foods. Eating raw foods the week before this Juice/Smoothie Challenge will help prepare my body and also detox the bacteria, mucus, germs, antibiotics, processed sugars and other hidden preservatives that are in foods that we don’t know about. This week should be a week to clean your body and your colon while preparing your digestive system for healthy eating (or in this case drinking) for the 60 day Juice/Smoothie Challenge.

As requested in last weeks post, this week I ask that everyone prepare their own foods at home. But I also ask that you NOT eat any meat or animal by-products. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that there is a sense of calm and assurance when you prepare your own foods because you know what’s in them. This means, instead of buying your lunch…prepare your lunch and your snacks and take them with you! When doing so, think ahead…if you know at 3pm you’re use to running to the store or that vending machine and buying cookies or chips, pack some healthy snacks. Try granola bars, nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruit, or even make your own raw cookies. Please note: I have not cut you off from sugar...but do further note, that most raw food recipes sweeten desserts with with healthier sweetener alternatives and fruit.

I am also going to begin each day, as I normally do, with a large Juice or Smoothie of at least 32 oz. I ask that you do the same. This will help you get in the habit of making juice and smoothies. It will also help your body get in the habit of accepting liquid as a meal replacement. This is especially a good tactic for those of you who think you can't do this challenge, because you'll realize how satisfied you'll be from the juice and smoothie. Also, did you know the more you have whole fruits and veggies, the more your body will actually crave it? Sounds crazy but its true. Last night, I was home while everyone was scarfing down all the fatty holiday foods, and as I was about to grab a cracker, I suddenly got a craving for an avocado. So I ate one. No big deal to me. I realize this sounds absurd to many of you, trust me, there was a time that I never would have thought I would bypass a traditional southern meal for an avocado...are you serious? *LAUGHING OUT LOUD* But see me after 60 days and lets see how absurd it sounds then. I bet you'll be doing something similar. *smile*

For those of you who are thinking you can't do 100% raw for an entire week, or you may be fearful that you don't know how to prepare some foods. Take this opportunity to challenge the chef in you! Everyone has one. When you start doing it and realize that you can make most meals in 30 minutes or less, you'll be sneaking some raw food meals as main courses with your non-raw family more periodically than you think. I'm saying all of this to say, take full advantage of this Juice/Smoothie Challenge. Open your mind to endless possibilities of the healthy avenues that are to come from it...and don't look back.

------------

Related Posts:

Join Us For the FREE Juice/Smoothie Challenge
5 Steps To Making Juice Without A Juicer
Tips for Starting a Juice/Smoothie Challenge

------------

-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------

-------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------

Pages

LIKE US!

12/31/2011

Emotional Detoxing and How to Handle It

Why Coffee and Tea Is Not Good For You

12/30/2011

Gentle Ways to Help Release Toxins

12/29/2011

Oil Pulling: An Ancient Remedy Making a Comeback

12/28/2011

What's The Difference Between...

12/27/2011

Preparing for a Juice/Smoothie Challenge Q & A

12/26/2011

Preparing for a Juice/Smoothie Challenge