The Diet Talk

WOW Blackberries ward off cancer cells - Ridiculously Healthy pretty looking too.... Tastes Amazing

2013-06-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

WOW Blackberries - Ridiculously Healthy pretty looking salad...
There are many super foods in this salad but this is about the blackberry,

3 cups of Organic Spring Mix

1/2 cup of Blackberries

4 large strawberries cut into slices

1/2 cup of sunflower seeds

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup sliced sweet peppers

Sun dried cranberries 1/2 cup

small chopped red onion

crumbled feta chees

Dressing

1/4 cup of Olive Oil

1/3 cup of Orange Juice

1/4 Apple cider vinegar

Sea Salt to taste

fresh time and rosemary

juice of half a lime

10 reasons to eat blackberries!!

Cancer Prevention
Anthocyanins, which give blackberries their dark color, are an antioxidant shown to reduce inflammation. As an antioxidant, they destroy free radicals in the body that harm cells and lead to cancer. Research has also shown that the ellagic acid in blackberries may have anti-cancer properties. One cup of blackberries contains half of the daily recommendation of the antioxidant vitamin C, which protects the immune system and may lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Researchers have found that blackberries may reduce esophageal cancer by relieving the oxidative stress caused by Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition usually brought about by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Perhaps the greatest benefit from eating blackberries is their high level of phenolic acids which, besides having many other potential health benefits, are antioxidant compounds known as powerful anti-carcinogenic agents. Because of these compounds, blackberries have been given an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 5350 per 100 grams, placing them near the top of ORAC fruits.

Cardiovascular Benefits
The anthocyanins that give blackberries their dark color are antioxidants shown to reduce inflammation by helping combat free radicals in the body that destroy cells and lead to heart disease. Vitamin C in blackberries acts as an antioxidant, and one cup of this delicious berry contains half of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. The immune system uses vitamin C to fight illness adequate vitamin C intake may lower the risk of developing heart disease. One cup of blackberries contains over thirty percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Skin Health
As are all berries, blackberries are a great source of ellagic acid, an antioxidant shown to protect the skin from damage from ultraviolet light. Studies have also shown that ellagic acid may also repair skin damaged by the sun. Vitamin C helps heal wounds, and studies also show vitamin C may even lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Studies of cyanidin-3-glucoside, a compound found in blackberries showed it prevents skin cancer by inhibiting tumors from growing and spreading.

Eye Health
Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant in blackberries and one cup contains half of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. The body uses vitamin C for protection from immune system deficiencies, and may reduce the chances of macular degeneration, a condition in which fine vision deteriorates, resulting in central vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.

Women's Health
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant estrogens found in blackberries that may help relieve the common symptoms of PMS like bloating, food cravings, and even menopausal symptoms including hot flashes.

Digestive Tract Health
Just one cup of blackberries contains over thirty percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and aids in maintaining bowel regularity by bulking up the feces and reducing the time it takes matter to pass all the way through the intestines. Bowel regularity is commonly associated with a decreased risk for colon cancer.

Diabetes
Thirty percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber is to be found in just one cup of blackberries. The steady movement of fiber through the digestive system allows for a measured breakdown of food into its component parts. This even breakdown of food helps to curtail extremes regarding simple sugar uptake from the digestive tract. An excess of simple sugar uptake all at once can produce an unwanted blood sugar spike. A lack of simple sugar uptake may produce a rapid blood sugar drop. Either extreme can upset blood sugar balance. The quantity of fiber in blackberries helps avoid both extremes.

Bone Health
Blackberries are a good source of vitamin K, offering 36% of the daily recommended amount of this nutrient used by the body for the clotting of blood and to aid the absorption of calcium.

Amazing Brain Healthy Smoky Vegetable Stew - AJavolte - My own recipe..

2013-06-02T11:21:00.001-07:00

Amazing Brain Healthy Smoky Vegetable Stew - AJavolte (For you Marika )- My own recipe..

Ingredients:

2- large eggplant

2 Green squash

2- yellow squash

1- medium Bag of chopped carrots

3 - Mild Chili peppers

3 - Parsmips

1- can chopped tomatoes

1- liter chicken broth

1-Salt to taste

1-Pepper to taste

Smoked Chipolata Paprika to taste

3 Garlic cloves

1- Olive Oil as needed

1- can of Cannalini beans

Optional add Italian sausage or beef

Hint- You can substitute any veggies you like or dislike this works great with Mushrooms, Broccoli Rob, Spinach, any root veggie all different bean are also very good I change it up every time I make it so make it your own!!!

Dice all veggies and saute until slightly browned (I saute each veggie separate in some olive oil and salt and pepper and add to pot. Then saute garlic in some Olive oil place in large pot. Add chopped tomatoes and Chicken broth stir in some table spoon hot sauce and smoke paprika salt, pepper. Let simmer 20 minutes enjoy with some whole grain Italian bread and Romano Cheese!

History

Classified as a fruit and eaten as a vegetable, eggplant has derived its name from the early varieties cultivated. The initial breeds were smaller and white, resembling eggs; hence, were named eggplants. Historians and botanists credit India as the motherland of eggplant where it was grown in the wild. It was only in the 5^th century BC that China started cultivating it as an edible plant. From there, it was introduced to Africa before the Middle Ages. However in the early Middle Ages, the Arabs and North Africans brought eggplants into the Mediterranean region from where, they spread throughout Europe and the Middle East. The Europeans considered eggplant to be more of a decorative garden plant than a food as it was thought to be poisonous, just like tomato. But with the development of new varieties in the 18^th century, the eggplant lost its original bitter taste and bitter reputation, becoming an edible vegetable in many European cuisines. Today, it is a prized vegetable in the Italian, Greek, Turkish and French kitchens. Centuries later, European experimental botanist Thomas Jefferson took eggplant to the Western Hemisphere where it was initially used as a table ornament. And do you know that it was only in the 20^th century that eggplant finally found a place in food preparations. Italy, Turkey, Egypt, China and Japan are the leading producers of eggplant currently.

Health Benefits of Baingan (Eggplant)

The presence of phytonutrients, nasunin and chlorogenic acid in considerate amounts provide eggplant with several antioxidant properties. Nasunin, found in the skin of the eggplant, effectively neutralizes the free radicals in the body. Apart from protecting at the cellular level, nasunin and chlorogenic acid protect lipids present in the brain cell membranes.
Studies reveal that eggplants are capable of improving the flexibility of blood vessels, resulting in the improvement of blood flow. Besides, the active nutrients, phytonutrients help in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber which contains many cardio-protective factors and helps in keeping blood sugar under control, lowering cholesterol, improving the digestive system and assisting weight management.
With a good amount of essential B-complex groups of vitamins, like pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, thiamin and niacin, eggplant helps the body to replenish the requirement of fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
The skin of eggplant has been found to contain high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins. These antioxidants have been researched to protect the body from health risks, like aging, inflammation and neurological diseases.
With the fiber content present in significant amounts, eggplant successfully helps in curing colon cancer. It is because of the fiber which moves through the digestive tract and absorbs toxins and chemicals that can otherwise lead to the development of colon cancer. As such, people, who wish to protect themselves from the risk of colon cancer, should consume the skin along with the flesh of the eggplant. Studies show that the skin contains more fiber than the flesh.
Besides the fiber content fighting against cancer, eggplant is a helpful tool for people trying to lose weight. Since fiber is a bulky food and occupies a lot of space in the stomach, consuming eggplant in a salad or appetizer before the main course gives feelings of satiety; thus, you are likely to consume fewer calories from other foods. Furthermore, fiber digests slowly and takes a long time to move from the stomach to the digestive tract. As such, eggplants give you feelings of fullness for longer durations, stopping you from eating in between meals.
With high water content, eggplant is found to be extremely significant for the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. By not keeping yourself hydrated, you are likely to exhibit thin, dry hair with split ends and flaky, dry skin. Your body can be hydrated by drinking lots of water or eating foods that contain water which can improve the texture of your skin and hair. It is recommended to eat eggplant in the raw form to extract the most benefits as cooking removes some of the water content.

Pistachio Milk this is so amazing from the Food Babe.

2013-06-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is so amazing a must try and the coffee is out of this world delicious.

Health Benefits of Pistachios

Just a small handful of pistachios offer a healthy dose of fats, antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Antioxidants are essential for protecting skin and cells from aging and disease, and are involved with removing toxins from the body. Healthy fats are important for younger-looking skin and keeping the body in balance; getting enough dietary fat can reduce cravings and help suppress the appetite. Some studies suggest that pistachios can help manage high cholesterol levels by keeping arteries healthy. Researchers reported a positive effect on HDL levels in a study published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases (Vol. 16, pp. 202).

One cup of pistachios contains just over 700 calories and 57 grams of fat; it's not a low fat or low calorie food, but a little goes a long way. Pistachios contain plenty of dietary fiber and even protein, making them a valuable addition to your daily snack choices. Look for unsalted and organic varieties for the most nutritious and healthful choices.

Eating nuts on a regular basis can help keep your diet in balance, and pistachios are just one of many varieties that can help you achieve good health! Enjoy a small handful a few days per week and maximize the benefits of these exotic treats.

Food Babe’s Homemade Organic Pistachio Milk

Prep time

10 mins

Total time

10 mins

Serves: 6-10

Ingredients

1 cup of raw shelled pistachios rinsed
3 cups of water + 1 more cup or 4 cups water if you have a vitamin
1 tsp ground caradmon seed (optional variation #1)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional variation #2)
1 tsp almond extract (optional variation #3)

Instructions

Place pistachio nuts, 2 cups water in blender (and optional variation) in blender and blend on high
Pour milk into a bowl using a fine mesh strainer, separating the pulp from the milk
Place pistachio pulp back in blender, plus 1 cup water and blend
Strain milk one more time using a fine mesh strainer

Notes

***Please buy all organic ingredients***

Benefits of Juice Fasting for Crohn's, Colitis, IBS, and Celiac desease.

2011-10-28T06:36:00.001-07:00

I enjoy a good meal and a glass of red wine as much as the next person – so forgoing those two things has never been very high on my to-do list! But when you get sick with ulcerative colitis (like I did), you get so desperate, you’ll try anything.

I knew that, for years supervised fasting has been used with great success as part of European medical treatments. The first time I personally tried fasting was in a few month ago. 10 days of juice fasting together with nutritional supplements and herbs stopped my IBS and joint pain. I felt energetic and excited about being alive. Juice fasting will save my life I know that now. I realized Hippocrates, the father of Western Medicine was right: fasting allows the body to heal itself.

Why Does Fasting Work?

When we stop eating our usual 3 meals a day, and start consuming live, raw juices our bodies spend all that extra energy (used to digest food) on detoxification, including purging from drugs, chemicals from personal care products, mucus, bacteria, parasites in our intestines, and food additives and preservatives.

The Benefits of Fasting

Fasting allows our major organs (e.g. colon, liver, kidney, lungs, and skin) to release and eliminate toxins. Fasting promotes the formation of new, healthy cells. It can be used as a method of healing from acute and chronic illness or as a disease prevention tool for healthy people. Fasting can reverse the aging process for the middle-aged and elderly. Your body has a built-in mechanism of breaking down and digesting diseased tissues and damaged cells. After all the garbage in our system is disposed of, the body starts building new, healthy organs and tissues. The raw power of juice also purifies the blood, removes the waste from large intestine, and rejuvenates the endocrine system.
Fasting is highly effective for the following conditions:

Food allergies/Sensitivities
Asthma
Arthritis
IBS/Celiac Disease/IBD
Flus/Colds/Fever
Constipation
Migraine Headaches
Skin problems (eczema, psoriasis)
Back problems (sciatica, low back pain)

How Often Should You Do Juice Fasting?

Juice fast 1x/week for one month, then expand to 2 days/week, once a month. Seven day fasts can be done 4 times/year, at the beginning of each season: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

How to Juice Fast

To prepare for a fast longer than 24 hours, eat vegetables and some low-sugar fruits for at least 3 days before embarking on 3-14 days fast. While fasting, consume hot herbal teas and hot vegetable broths, in addition to fresh vegetable juice. To improve the absorption of the juice, I would recommend diluting fresh juice with some water in a ration of 75% juice and 25% water.

Juice Fasting vs. Water Fasting

Juice fasting is much easier than water fasting. A water fast puts more stress on your vital organs (kidney, liver, heart and intestines) by promoting a faster release of acids (eg. uric acids) and toxins. This process itself could be overwhelming for a person who is doing fasting for the first time. Raw juices supply much needed vitamins, minerals and enzymes, improves cell oxygenation and promotes recovery from sickness.

Side Effects of a Juice Fast

Be aware that during a fast, as a part of the body’s tissue cleansing process, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

Coated tongue
Metallic taste in the mouth
Headaches/Dizziness
Mucus discharge from sinuses and bowel
Diarrhea/Fever/Fatigue
Dark, foul smelling urine and feces
Joint aches and pain

Do not be alarmed – this is a part of the internal detoxification process. Those symptoms are not dangerous and should go away after couple of days. Using colon therapy for the first 3-5 days will help you to minimize all those unpleasant physical symptoms. Stop fasting if your experience vomiting and diarrhea for more than a day! The possibility of dehydration is too high and might become dangerous for the faster.

Who Should Avoid Fasting?

Individuals with the following health conditions should avoid juice fasting:

Anorexia
Malnutrition
Peptic Ulcers
Tuberculosis
After Surgery
HIV an Chronic Infections
Type I Diabetes
Advanced Stage of Cancer
Pregnant and Lactating Women
Acute or Chronic Kidney Disease
Patients taking prescription medications should consult their doctor

Another very helpful step - is to add raw vegetable juices to some of your meals. try drinking a few ounces of vegetable - followed by a few ounces of pure water, 15 to 20 minutes before your meal. drinking a few ounces of vegetable - followed by a few ounces of pure water, 15 to 20 minutes before your meal.
The living enzymes are invaluable to your whole system and the vitamins and minerals are completely bio-available to you. The juices will give you a much needed nutritional and enzyme boost and help begin the healing process.
Keep in mind, the "American Cancer Society" has recommended that people eat more of the cabbage/broccoli family of vegetables because of their protective effects against cancer.

All juicers are not created equal, by any means. Just because a machine squashes and grinds up a vegetable or fruit to a certain degree and you are able to extract a bit of juice doesn't mean you are getting the enzymes and the nutrition you need for all your efforts. The better the quality of the machines used ... the better quality of the juices extracted. They will extract much more juice, thus ultimately saving you money when you buy your organic vegetables and fruits.

Here is one and it won't break the bank!

Kiwi prevents Asthma

2011-10-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

Eating kiwi fruit is clearly a healthy choice, and it is particularly useful in these cases:

Prevents Asthma
Prevents wheezing and coughing, especially in children
Protects our DNA from mutations
Provides a healthy amount of antioxidants and vitamins
Helps prevent colon cancer thanks to a high fiber content

Sorry everyone, I have been sick and just so depressed! Life is a funny thing. One day you think all is good and the next all things just can fall apart. Well, I am sorry to let any of you down. So here is a new recipe, yeah lol I did make a new one. You know to be honest it can get very over whelming trying to come up with new recipes and drinking the same thing day after day. But, the way you feel is worth it. Just got to keep the will power and that is the HARD PART! So, once again I will styart a new journey. I did gain 7 pounds back :( but I will get it off!

Celerey, carrot, Kiwi, Wheat Grass, apple and strawberry

You get a powerhouse of nutrition and antioxidants with this combo.

Kiwi fruits are rich in many Vitamins, flavonoids and minerals. In particular, they contain a high amount of Vitamin C (more than oranges), as much potassium as bananas and a good amount of beta-carotene.
Studies in Italy, though, performed on 6-7 year old children, have also demonstrated additional health benefits to the respiratory tract. In particular, children that were fed 5-7 portions a week of citrus and kiwifruits had 44% less probability wheezing compared to children eating less than once a week.
Shortness of breath was reduced by 32%,night time cough by 27%, severe wheeze by 41%, chronic cough by 25%, and runny nose by 28%. This results is not only traceable to the content in Vitamin C or Potassium, but in substances which are still largely unknown contained in kiwi fruit.
These substances are most likely flavonoids that help protect our cells from oxidative damage, and are therefore considered very helpful in protecting our DNA from mutations and damage.

Protection from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

A series of studies published by the Archives of Ophthalmology have proven that consuming 3 or more servings of fruit per day (including kiwi fruits) can reduce by 36% the risk of developing an eye-related disease called ARMD (the primary cause of vision impairment in adults), if compared to people who only consume 1.5 servings of fruit per day.
The study was conducted on 110.000 women and men and lasted several decades. Surprisingly, the study found that while vegetables were not correlated with an improved resistance to the disease, fruits containing high amount of Vitamin C,A and E (the most common antioxidant vitamins) helped significantly in protecting against ARMD.

Anti Oxidant properties of Kiwi Fruit

It is important to note that kiwi fruits contain a remarkable amount of Vitamin C, E and A. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that has been proven to protect our body from free radicals, dramatically improving the health of individuals who consumed it regularly against all kinds of disease, from cardiovascular problems to cancer and obesity.
Vitamin E has been proven to have similar effects, but is fat-soluble and thus is complimentary to Vitamin C in its functions. Kiwi fruits contain both these vitamins in high amount, which help protect our body against free radicals from all fronts.

Kiwi fruits have a high fiber content

The high content in dietary fiber helps improving diseases such as diabetes, by controlling sugar levels, and colon cancer, since fiber binds to toxic compounds in the colon and helps us expel them.
Fiber has also been proven to reduce cholesterol levels, improving the conditions of patients with cardiovascular diseases and lowering the probability of heart attacks.

I did lose another 1.5 pounlds but Igoofed off lol

2011-09-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

To tired to blog been running around like a turkey without head lol so I figured these pictures are worth a thousands words lol Especially the onewith Chocolate milk lmao
I am still juicing but last tonigh I was so beat and had polo tropical the new chicken avocado wrap OMG it wasgood lol But I did juice the est of the day earlier I had my wheatgrass and carrot juice today!
Total weight loss is 27 lbs so far so much more to goooooooooo.

Massage and Health: Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 1...

2011-09-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

Massage and Health: Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 1...: Ok. So this morning I was fretting because I have been juicing for almost a month and although I feel great and have made vast improvements ...

Wheatgrass Birthday Cake Yummy!!! LOL Day 3

2011-08-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, today is my birthday and instead of cake I am juicing! Guess what I got for my birthday! Yep a Flat Of WheatGrass WOO HOOO. So I made a Wheat Grass Slushy and yes I added a little extra (shhh) hahaha. Well I combined wheatgrass, baby spinach and lime! Packed a super punch! I have been so overwhelmed with all the birthday wishes and it has just been an awesome day! I still haven't showered (ewww) lol I have been busy all day with my website and getting ready for a fund raiser party on Friday. So, I want to thank my dearest friend Melissa Sobrin of SeekingSitters in Orlando Florida for opening her heart and her home to help raise money for Isabella Dean. Isabella Dean is a 2 year old recently diagnosed with Leukemia. I found about her through a friend I met through my juicing blog, Stacey and her mom Senaf. When I heard Isabella's story from Stacey I couldn't help but tear up! This beautiful baby girl was going to endure so much and her family must be so distraught with this recent news. I have 3 children and tried to put myself in their shoes and just couldn't deal with it. The strenght they will need, comes from everyone praying and banding together to help heal this poor child get the treatments she needs to continue life. The love has been pouring in and I cannot express how awesome that has been. So, I felt I need to do something! Please visit my web page http://www.wowbrightsmiles.com/uncategorized/raffle-for-sweet-little-2-year-old-izzy-recently-diagnosed-with-leukemia/ and you can purchase your raffle tickets or share this link with your friends and family! All the proceeds will be donated to Isabella and her family to help with ongoing medical needs to help Isabella continue to live and happy and healthy life.

Health Benefits of Limes

Cholesterol Reduction
Limes and other citrus fruit have also been associated with reducing cholesterol. In lab tests, it has been found that human liver cells produced less apo B, a compound associated with higher cholesterol levels, when exposed to limonin.

Cancer
Laboratory tests of both animal and human cells have shown that citrus limonoids (found in lime and other citrus fruits) can help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach, and colon. Limonen works on the body to increase the levels of liver enzymes involved in detoxifying carcinogens.
New research at the Agricultural Research Service in northern California, has shown that humans can easily use the limonoid called limonin, and therefore enjoy all its health benefits, simply by biting into citrus fruit. One of its main features is that it can stay in the body for up to 24 hours after consumption, making it an effective way to reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Cholera
Studies have shown that the high acid levels in limejuice are very effective in both inhibiting the growth of and killing cholera in food.
In a cholera epidemic in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa in October 1994, lime-rich meals acted as a preventative for patients who consumed them.
In a laboratory controlled preparation of ceviche, large masses of cholera in contaminated fish were eliminated after immersion in limejuice. After 5 minutes of immersion there was a 99% reduction of the initial bacterial mass and after 2 hours no cholera was detected. Thus limes and limejuice are greatly recommended to add to food and sauces in areas where the possibility of cholera is high, like rural and slum populations in the tropics and subtropics.

Mosquito repellentThe volatile oil components extracted from Kaffir lime contains five sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and two sesquiterpene alcohols. Translated into English, lime extract has been shown to be effective as a mosquito repellent for up to three hours.

Nutrients
Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C. They are a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid and flavonoids.

Cholesterol Reduction
Limes and other citrus fruit have also been associated with reducing cholesterol. In lab tests, it has been found that human liver cells produced less apo B, a compound associated with higher cholesterol levels, when exposed to limonin.

Cancer
Laboratory tests of both animal and human cells have shown that citrus limonoids (found in lime and other citrus fruits) can help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach, and colon. Limonen works on the body to increase the levels of liver enzymes involved in detoxifying carcinogens.
New research at the Agricultural Research Service in northern California, has shown that humans can easily use the limonoid called limonin, and therefore enjoy all its health benefits, simply by biting into citrus fruit. One of its main features is that it can stay in the body for up to 24 hours after consumption, making it an effective way to reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Cholera
Studies have shown that the high acid levels in limejuice are very effective in both inhibiting the growth of and killing cholera in food.
In a cholera epidemic in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa in October 1994, lime-rich meals acted as a preventative for patients who consumed them.
In a laboratory controlled preparation of ceviche, large masses of cholera in contaminated fish were eliminated after immersion in limejuice. After 5 minutes of immersion there was a 99% reduction of the initial bacterial mass and after 2 hours no cholera was detected. Thus limes and limejuice are greatly recommended to add to food and sauces in areas where the possibility of cholera is high, like rural and slum populations in the tropics and subtropics.

Mosquito repellentThe volatile oil components extracted from Kaffir lime contains five sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and two sesquiterpene alcohols. Translated into English, lime extract has been shown to be effective as a mosquito repellent for up to three hours.

Nutrients
Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C. They are a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid and flavonoids.

Day 1 has gone 5lbs down, Watermelon anyone?

2011-08-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

WOW couldn't believe my eyes 5lbs off the scale in one day!! I know it mostly water but that goes to show just how much water our bodies can hold! I made it throught the day and I did get a headache last night I think mostly because I shocked my system once again lol. I feel great this morning! Woke up refreshed had me a glass of pure watermelon heaven. Some people I have talked to about juicing say they can't get over the gross taste of juicing. I had to question what they were juicing...lol I have made some amazing juices and yes some were yucky, but I wont repeat the yucky ones lol. Its a matter of what you like. I do like the wheatgrass but only when i make it in my blender not the juicer. It seams to not juice well so instead I found a youtube video showed how you can juice your wheatgrass in a blender and add lime and spinach. Well, today is start of day 2 and I look forward to feeling energetic once again!

1 quart size of watermelon
1 apple
8 strawberries
1 mango

Watermelon is a natural source of most powerful antioxidants provided by nature. It is a good source of the antioxidant vitamins C and A to protect us from diseases. It reduces the risk of dehydration.

Summer and watermelon are inseparable. Watermelons are found almost everywhere in the world. Although we can find watermelons in our markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality. No other fruit can we find so crunchy and thirst quenching like watermelon.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WATERMELON

The health benefits of watermelon are really great. No matter how it is sliced, it is packed with some of the most important antioxidants found in nature.
It is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, particularly through its concentration of beta-carotene.
The beautiful red watermelon is also a source of the potent carotene antioxidant which is called lycopene. These antioxidants travel throughout the body neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause much damage to us. They are able to oxidize cholesterol, making it stick to blood vessel walls and thicken them which can lead to hearty attack or stroke. The lycopene which gives fruits the attractive red color that we find in watermelon can help reduce the risks of prostate cancer.
It is a surprising fact that watermelon is the only fruit that contains higher concentrations of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.
Watermelon is a fruit that is rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium that we lose through our perspiration.
Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Food experts recommend watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin B1 and magnesium. Because of its higher water content approximately ninety percent and calorie value it is ranked more valuable than other fruits.
Watermelon has a special cooling effect and is exceptionally high in citrulline, an amino acid that our bodies use to make another amino acid, arginine, which is used in the urea cycle to remove ammonia from the body.
The antioxidants help reducing the severity of asthma. It also reduces the risk of colon cancer, asthma, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and prostate cancer.
Watermelon is a good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium which protect our body from so many diseases.
Watermelon is fat free but helps energy production. It protects against macular degeneration.

When the heat of summer tires us with thirst, eating watermelon is a safe alternative to taking energy drinks. Since it contains high water quantity it can hydrates us whereas other drinks are caffeine filled energy drinks which can easily dehydrate us. Nothing can be more satisfactory on a hot, dusty day than a crisp, juicy slice of watermelon!

Juicing can be a battle, but it feels so good.....

2011-08-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Man oh man did I slack off and boy did I feel like crap. Juicing can get to you, well to me anyway. So for a whole week while I was fretting hurricane Irene hitting NJ & NY where 95% of my family lives, I went on a binge! I didn't excercise, I didn't juice, and I was glued to the tv almost having a heart attack. Well after everything was over I got on the scale and gained 4 lbs! I felt like crap! My ankles swelled, my back was aching and I had no energy. I had given up! Then I thought no... you can do this, you proved you can so stop feeling defeated and start again! So back to basics I am doing the 10 day juice fast once again. Today is day 1 and this is what I am starting my day with. This juice was so delicious! Make this as a treat you will love it. Mangos are full with so many nutrients and benefits, that i had to post them all below. Now I need to go and start my exercise again. I will post each day and hopefully I will stick to it this time. So, for anyone struggling with juicing my advice is DON'T GIVE UP. I know sometimes it just don't taste good but play with it and you will find combinations that are yummy. Plus you will feel so much better thats a guarantee.

Mangoes are full packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and contain like all fruits very few proteins, fats and calories. They are perfect to replenish salts, vitamins and energy after physical exercise.

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Mangoes are full packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and contain like all fruits very few proteins, fats and calories.

Mangoes are perfect to replenish salts, vitamins and energy after physical exercise.

The famous Unani physician Hakeen Hashmi teaches that mangoes strengthens and invigorates the nerve tissues in muscles, heart and brain and other parts of the body.

The enzymes of the Mango, such as magneferin, katechol oxidase and lactase, clean the bowel of the "filth" within and are an ideal antidote for all toxic effects inside the body. They provide also sufficient resistance to fight any germs and afflictions.

Hartwell claims in his book "Plants Against Cancer," that the phenols in mangoes, such as quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat, as well as the abundant enzymes, have healing and cancer-preventing capacities. In gall bladder cancer a protective effect of mango consume has been proven (Pandey).

Mangos contain also a lot of tryptophan, the precursor of the "happiness-hormone" serotonin.

A pap made of Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), peanuts (Arachis hypogoea), and mango (Mangifera indica) has been proven to be a good complementary food for children of weaning age. It meets the vitamin and energy requirements of children of 6-24 months of age at three servings a day and at the FAO average breast-feeding frequency (Mbithi-Mwikya)

Mangiferin from the leaves has been reported to possess antiinflammatory, diuretic, chloretic and cardiotonic activities and displays a high antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria. It has been recommended as a drug in preventing dental plaques.

Mangiferin shows antiviral effect against type I herpes simplex virus which could be useful in anti-herpes ointments (Unani Herbalist).

The bark of the mango tree contains 16 - 20% tannin and also mangiferine. It acts ad stringent and is believed to possess a tonic action on the mucous membrane. It is anathematic, useful in hemoptysis, hemorrhage, nasal catarrh, diarrhea, ulcers, diphtheria, rheumatism and for lumbrici. It is also used in diphtheria and rheumatism (Unani Herbalist).

The average content of one Mango (250 g) is (compared with other fruits):

1,5 g protein

1 g fat

30 g carbohydrates

3 g carotenes (only muskmelons have more). One Mango supplies more than the daily need of this precursor of Vitamin A

110 g vitamin B1

125 g vitamin B2 (only passion-fruit has more)

2 mg vitamin B3 (only passion-fruit and guava have more)

90 ?g folic acid (only oranges and grapes have more)

90 mg vitamin C (only orange and papaya have more)

30 mg calcium (only mandarine and orange have more)

45 mg magnesium (only papaya and banana have more)

1 mg iron (granadilla, grapes, banana, guava and apricots have more)

295g zinc (muskmelon, watermelon, papaya, guava, granadilla and bananas have more)

0,5 g potassium (muskmelon, granadilla and banana have more)

Vitamin A deficiency

The FAO estimates, that about 250 Million people - mainly small children and pregnant women - are threatened by vitamin A deficiency. Lack of vitamin A is associated with malnutrition and leads to break down of body defense and partial or full blindness (Xerophthalmia). Dysenteria or measles complications and mortality decreases significantly when vitamin A is given. The WHO advices the supply of vitamin A in every case of measles.

Vitamin A plays an important role in the development of the placenta and the fetus. It influences the growth, the metabolism of skin, mucus membranes, teeth and retina.

Mango is an excellent natural source for pro-vitamin A; the content rises even after being picked before ripening (Aina). Improving the consumption of mangoes would cover the needs of the population in third world countries (Favaro). The content of carotenes is very high also in the dried fruit, and retains high levels over at least six months after harvest (Pott).

The FAO and the WHO use three strategies to fight lack of Vitamin A:

Food fortification - e.g. margarine containing vitamin A in the Philippines

Supplementation: Administration of high-dose vitamin A-capsules twice a year

Food based projects - e.g. in Bangladesh (vines, beans, pumpkins, bottle-gourds), in Thailand (ivy gourd) an in many African countries (dried mango slices).

Carotenes are a strong antioxidants and scavenges radicals which otherwise could lead to cancer.

Anemia from lack of iron

The vitamin C in the mango enhances the absorption of iron from vegetable food like e.g. rice, and so prevents anemia in vegetarians (Ballot)

The following mango remedies are partially adopted from the Unani medicine system:

Beauty Aids

Taking Mango regularly makes the complexion fair and the skin soft and shining

Bleeding

Because of it's content in Vitamin C and Calcium the Mango tightens the capillary vessels and prevents oder cures bleedings of inner parts.

Burns

Burnt ashes of Mango leaves applied on the burnt parts give quick relief

Children's eating soil

Feeding the powder of dried kernel of Mango seeds with fresh water cures the habit of eating soil in kinds

Diarrhea

Sun dried Mango leaves powdered, 2-3 x a day half a teaspoon with water

Dry cough

Roast a ripe Mango on hot sand in a pan. Draw out the the juice of this Mango eliminates all the bronchial congestion and gives relief in cough. According to Hakeem Hashmi sucking the juice and not eating cut mangos is better for health and some note of caution about Mango eating

Fever

Paste of Mango roots applied on palms & soles cures fever

Gall & Kidney Stones

Dried and powdered Mango leaves, 10g a day in water (kept overnight in a tumbler) helps throwing stones out

Gastritis

In India a decoction of the mango peel is given to people with inflammation of the stomach mucus membranes.

Mental Weakness over come with mango juice

Mango contains a lot of glutamine acid - an important protein for concentration and memory. Taking _ cup sweet Mango juice with 25 grams curd and tsp. Ginger juice 2 or 3 times a day controls loose motions. Boil 20 grams powder of Mango bark in a liter of water and reduce it to 250 gram. Taking this decoction with 1 gram of black salt cures diarrhea.

Pregnancy

A pregnant woman should eat at least one mango a day - the calcium and magnesium of the mango relaxes the muscles, relieves stress and prevents abortion.

Teeth Problems

Dried Mango seeds is a good toothpaste, strengthens the gums and helps in curing dental problems foul smell pyorrhoea

Let me know if your juicing and what struggles you have come across. For my friends in Florida Publix sometimes has a 25 lb bag of organice carrots for only $14.99. They are very sweet and make juicing taste much better lol just and FYI.

My Fresh Start Journey: Day 17 - Why Is Cantaloupe called "The Wonder Foo...

2011-08-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

My Fresh Start Journey: Day 17 - Why Is Cantaloupe called "The Wonder Foo...: This is not going to be my regular blog. I took a day off from juicing but I kept on my diet. I did not lose any weight but I stayed th...

2011-08-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

10 Juicing Tips You Need To Know

Juicing is about changing your lifestyle to improve your health, prevent disease, heal degenerative health conditions and live a longer, happier, healthier and more fulfilling life.

Whether you are new to fresh fruit and vegetable juicing or are a seasoned juicing veteran.

Here are a few tips you need to know in order to enjoy a lifetime journey of successful fruit and vegetable juicing.

1: Important—Seek a physician's advice prior to juicing if you have blood sugar or yeast infection problems.

Very important of the juicing tips. Drinking fruit juice causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. In a healthy person, drinking fresh fruit juices should not pose a problem since the sugars in fruits are easily assimilated and digested.
However, if you have low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) or are diabetic do not juice fruits without consulting your doctor. There is a risk you could have a blood sugar crisis or even fall into a coma and die.
If you are diabetic or have yeast infections such as thrush or Candidiasis you should not drink fruit juice until these problems are resolved...you should only drink vegetable juice instead. Vegetable juicing should actually help to heal these problems.
Pay attention of this of all juicing tips.

2: What to expect as you continue juicing:

Pay attention to this and all the other important juicing tips. If you have been eating processed and cooked foods for years and years, your body likely has a serious nutritional deficiency and as this deterioration has been happening, it is likely that your body has been diverting energy away from cell and tissue repair to simply digesting and eliminating the foods you do eat. You may feel exhausted most of the time or have begun the decline.

When you begin ingesting the superior nutrition of fresh fruit and vegetable juices your body may first go through a detox reaction as it gets to work eliminating toxins with its new nutritional building blocks and energy sources.
You may feel increase fatigue initially headaches, or feel increased joint pain, or even muscle weakness. Any such symptoms are due to your body detoxing itself.
Just know that these symptoms are temporary and will eventually disappear altogether leaving you in a state of greatly improved health. Ultimately due to the superior nutrition your are now providing your body with it will begin building new and healthier cells, glands, organs and tissues.
When you encounter "detox" symptoms, do not give up. Your body is going through a regeneration process, which on average may take about seven days to a couple of weeks, depending on the toxicity level in your body. Take this period to rest, as your body recuperates and prepares for better health ahead.
Be patient and persistent and wait out this period. When these symptoms happen, know that your choice to improve your diet is the right thing to do, and that a renewing is happening within you. If it should get too intense, reduce the amount of juice you are drinking and even stop if you are feeling sick as this is a sign that you are detoxing too fast and are overloading your liver and kidneys.
Your success starts here, and as you understand the process which likely will include this detox phase, you can be confident that you are on the way to a new and healthier you.
This is very important among juicing tips, but don't let it stop you.

3: When to drink your juice:

Big among juicing tips that affects your success. The best time to drink your fresh juices is on an empty stomach—at least half an hour before a meal.

This is when your body is most able to absorb all this fantastic nutrition.
When you drink a nutritious healthy fresh juice, your body quickly absorbs all that you drink, wasting nothing and doing so with the smallest amount of digestive energy taken from your body possible. Likewise, when you eat something harmful on an empty stomach, it would all be as quickly absorbed. So choose wisely.
You may have been told not to eat a citrus fruit or drink its juice on an empty stomach in the morning, because of its acidity I suggest you try a little bit and see if it does give you any problem. But I can assure you that once your stomach is conditioned to drinking fruit and vegetable juices, you should not encounter any problems drinking citrus juices.
As a general rule, drink fruit juices mostly in the morning up until Noon or 1 pm since this is when your digestive energy is the lowest it will be until just before bed when it is low as well.
I repeat myself here from other pages, but Fruit juice virtually digests itself, since it contains all the the enzymes it needs to digest itself. So, you gain in energy via the juice and your body does not expend energy in digestion...So, guess what? You gain energy big time!

4: Drink your juice emmediately for better nutritional value:

With good juicing equipment, preparation of fruits, cutting them up, juicing and washing up should take only about 15 minutes (not including any "de-pesticide" soaking, washing and rinsing time).

Once juiced, fruit and vegetable juices do not keep as long as when in their natural whole form. When juice gets exposed to the air, it starts to lose its nutrients rather rapidly and begins to spoil, so must be consumed almost immediately after being juiced.
If you must juice and keep it for 'later', (and I often do this myself) you can do so by keeping the juice in a thermos flask, or an air-tight glass jar. Fill the juice to the brim, leaving very little space for air as the oxygen in the air can oxidize the juice.
If using a glass jar, store it in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. Take the juice out 15 to 20 minutes before drinking as it will absorb better if it is not real cold.
If you are busy like me...do what I do. I make a quart of juice every-other day. I put half the juice in the refrigerator.
Hey, you may want to be a purist and if you do and have the time that is wonderful. But again, if you are busy like me...I think you can rest assured that even drunk on the day after they were juiced you will be getting vastly more nutrition than you would if you bought and drank any supermarket juice even if it is "all-natural".
Because most of supermarket or store bought juice is pasteurized and the heat of the pasteurization process destroys all enzymes and most of the nutrition.
Don't forget this among juicing tips. Each of these tips is important.

5: Can you atrt juicing without a juicer?

Don't wait to get started you can start your juicing program by making Fruit Smoothies using an inexpensive blender.

You may already have a blender. You can make smoothies out of peeled bananas, pineapple, strawberries, peeled and cored apples, lemon and orange juice fresh squeezed preferably, just make sure not to include any seeds as they won't enhance your smoothie experience.
And perhaps you could afford to get and use a less expensive centrifugal juicer to begin the vegetable juicing part of your "Juicing For Health" program and still greatly enhance your nutrition and improve your health.

6: Juice what you like most first:

If you are new to juicing, try to start with the fruits you already enjoy eating.

Step 1: Start with the more common fruits first which are easier on your stomach, like apples, bananas, pineapple, oranges or watermelon.
Step 2: After juicing these fruits a few times, and when you feel ready to add something new to your menu of fruit juices, try adding lemon, and some of the more exotic fruits you enjoy.
Step 3: When you are ready to start juicing vegetables or vegetable fruit blends start with carrot, celery, cucumber, and or Romaine lettuce. Vegetable juices may not be palatable to some people in the beginning and takes some time to get used to, but their health properties are immense.
Step 4: You are well on your way when you have achieved Steps 1, 2 and 3 above. You may now start to experiment with all other kinds of fruits and vegetables. But first, check out the list of fruits/vegetables and their health benefits; then try out the combination recipes.

7: Mix up your juicing routine:

To maintain and promote optimum health, our bodies need adequate amounts of the following:

Essential amino acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Enzymes
Essential fatty acids
Carbohydrates
Fiber
Water

We need all these sufficiently, constantly, and varied in order to help accelerate and enhance the process of restoring nutrients to our nutrient-starved tissues.
When we regularly eat a mixed-variety of these fruits and vegetables, the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and all the abundance of health-building elements from these juices work together in a synergy. The results of these combinations on your health can be simply amazing!
While we may not get all the above-mentioned essential nutients from fruits/vegetables alone, there are some other healing foods that you may add to your dietary to ensure balance.
Here are some suggestions of other healing foods that you can add to your diet:
Cod liver or fish oil: The green vegetable juices that you drink is abundant with vitamin K which helps to "stick" the calcium to your bone matrix. But, in order for this to happen, you need some fats (from cod liver or fish oil) to assist with the vitamin K absorption.
Chlorella and spirulina: Fruits and vegetables contain very little or no vitamin B. You may add Chlorella and/or Spirulina in tablet or powder form as a supplement. These two algae have very high vitamin B content.
Seeds and nuts: Many seeds and nuts contain protein and fats that are needed to fuel the body. They also contain important amino acids for the brain and the immune system. These can be eaten as they are, or ground and blended with your juices.

8: Brush your teeth when juicing:

Natural fruit sugars and acids can, if left in your mouth and on your teeth, soften and even erode your tooth enamel.

Therefore, it's important to brush your teeth or wipeyour teeth after drinking fruit juice as soon as possible.

9: Listen to your body:

Juicing should be a pleasant experience. The juice should taste pleasant and not not be nauseating. You really must listen to the feedback your body gives you after drinking your juice, especially some new combination or recipe.

After drinking juices, your stomach should be calm the whole day long, not churning and growling and leaving you with a queasy feeling.
If this happens, your body is telling you that you have consumed something which your stomach is not accustomed to.
You can condition your stomach by taking the same thing in smaller amounts in the future, and slowly increasing the amount.
When you start noticing pains and aches with your new juicing dietary, do not stop juicing. Read Tip 2 again and understand what your body is doing.

10: Clean your juicer after every use!

One of the more important juicing tips...factors when you choose a juicer, is that it must be easy to assemble, dismantle and clean.

Fruit/vegetable residue left behind on your juicer can be easily contaminated with mold growth. To prevent this microbial proliferation, clean your juicer as soon as you can, after use.
To clean, dismantle the juicer parts and brush them with a vegetable brush and rinse them under running tap water.
For the strainer, use an old toothbrush to get the remnants out.
If your juicer has a stainless steel basket like most centrifugal juicers do, clean it with a vegetable brush and rinse it with tap water.

When you juice citrus fruits, the juicer tends to have a slight oily feeling. Simply clean this with a mild detergent solution. Rinse well.

Need a juicer here is one on Ebay that I use and works great, easy to clean and inexpensive. Retail cost is $269.00 save $180.00 Look here ONLY $89.99

My Fresh Start Journey: Day 11 - Why Is Mango Called The "King Of Fruits" ...

2011-08-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

My Fresh Start Journey: Day 11 - Why Is Mango Called The "King Of Fruits" ...: This is wonderful news..I lost another pound. Total now is 11 lbs in 11 days. I seem to be keeping that record. Will see how tomorrow go...

Lemon Ginger Green Beauty Tonic

2011-08-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

At first sight this juice appears intensily green, but it's mild and delicious! (In a healthy way). Both cleansing and fotfying, this tonic flushes and hydrates the system to grow bautiful skin, hair and inner glow.

Romaine lettuce is ild and juicy, parsley is rich in antioxidant vitaminC, minerals and chlorophyll: cucumber is full of silica for beautiful skin and hair: celery contains an optimum balance of potassium and sodiumto promote nutrient uptake in cells: ginger fires up digestion: and lemon is full of vitamin c and electrolytes to hydrate the body. Some may prefer tart green apples for their bright taste and lower sugar contant, although any firm, organic apple will work.

1/2 head f romain lettuce
3 celery stalks
1/2 cucumber
1/2 bunch parsley
2 organic apples
1/2 lemon
1 inch fresh ginger

Drink it while juice is fresh this is not good to keep fo long. It will loose it nutrients quickly.

Health Benefits Of Eating Romaine Lettuce

Romaine lettuce contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are highly beneficial for the heart. It prevents the oxidation of cholesterol, which builds up in the artery walls in the form of plaque and blocks off the blood flow. This creates a clot, which leads to heart attack.
The lettuce has fiber elements, which help in keeping the digestive system healthy. It helps in lowering the cholesterol level by helping the body make more bile. It does so by binding to the bile salts in the colon and removing them from the body, which in turn gears up the bile production.
Romaine lettuce contains folic acid, which is as much beneficial for the heart as vitamin C, Beta-carotene and the fiber elements. It helps the body convert homocysteine into other benign substances. Homocysteine is a dangerous chemical, which if not converted, can directly hamper the blood vessels. This can, in turn, enhance the risk of heart attack.
The lettuce is rich in potassium, which helps in bringing down high blood pressure, another cause of heart disease.
Romaine lettuce is extremely helpful in fighting the fatal disease cancer. The American institute for Cancer has listed it in its group of foods that fight cancer.
The lettuce is extremely low in calorie content and has high water volume. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, manganese, chromium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and the minerals like potassium, molybdenum, iron and phosphorus. Romaine is, thus, rich in so many vital elements for the body and is a highly nutritious food.

Caution

Romaine lettuce may contain a considerable amount of pesticide residues, which are highly detrimental to health. They can seriously affect the liver’s function of processing other toxins. They also affect the cells’ production of energy and hamper the nerves’ capacity to send messages. In order to avoid the pesticide-related deadly effects of the lettuce, it is advisable to consume only the ones that are organically grown.

Choose wisely only use organic when juicing or make sure you thouroghly wash and clean all veggies and fruits and remove skin if not organic.

Amazing Grass... Wheatgrass restores aalkalinity to the blood!

2011-08-16T03:40:00.000-07:00

This was yesterdays meal. It was on the bitter side but I added some green apple and lemon.

4 leaves red kale
bunch of wheatgrass
2 golden beets
1 carrot
1 celery stalk
half cucumber
1 scallion
1 inch of ginger
some chinese herbs I do not know the names of lol

This was a power house of nutrients! Yesterday I also had some bean sprouts and yellow squash with portabella mushrooms.

I sauted the sprouts and mushrooms with alittle sesame oil and soy sauce just alittle. It was a delicious meal.

I lost 3 1/2 pounds just unbelievale how much better I feel after one day of fresh organic fruits and veggies. My ankles are skinny again. One thing I did notice was I was urinating alot yesterday lol So these foods pulled alot of water out of me. I did also do my workout with Just Dance 2 a 2500 calorie burn felt good!

Look at how amazing Wheatgrass is... This is definitely one of the Super Super powerful plant foods!!!

Benefits of Wheatgrass

WHEATGRASS JUICE...

Increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. It cleanses the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris. Wheatgrass also stimulates metabolism and the body’s enzyme systems by enriching the blood. It also aids in reducing blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways throughout the body.

Stimulates the thyroid gland, correcting obesity, indigestion, and a host of other complaints.

Restores alkalinity to the blood. The juice's abundance of alkaline minerals helps reduce over-acidity in the blood. It can be used to relieve many internal pains, and has been used successfully to treat peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, constipation, diarrhea, and other complaints of the gastrointestinal tract.
Is a powerful detoxifier, and liver and blood protector. The enzymes and amino acids found in wheatgrass can protect us from carcinogens like no other food or medicine. It strengthens our cells, detoxifies the liver and bloodstream, and chemically neutralizes environmental pollutants.
Fights tumors and neutralizes toxins. Recent studies show that wheatgrass juice has a powerful ability to fight tumors without the usual toxicity of drugs that also inhibit cell-destroying agents. The many active compounds found in grass juice cleanse the blood and neutralize and digest toxins in our cells.
Contains beneficial enzymes. Whether you have a cut finger you want to heal or you desire to lose five pounds...enzymes must do the actual work. The life and abilities of the enzymes found naturally in our bodies can be extended if we help them from the outside by adding exogenous enzymes, like the ones found in wheatgrass juice. Don't cook it. We can only get the benefits of the many enzymes found in grass by eating it uncooked. Cooking destroys 100 percent of the enzymes in food.
Has remarkable similarity to our own blood. The second important nutritional aspect of chlorophyll is its remarkable similarity to hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen in the blood. Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara, president of the Hagiwara Institute of Health in Japan, is a leading advocate for the use of grass as food and medicine. He reasons that since chlorophyll is soluble in fat particles, and fat particles are absorbed directly into the blood via the lymphatic system, that chlorophyll can also be absorbed in this way. In other words, when the "blood" of plants is absorbed in humans it is transformed into human blood, which transports nutrients to every cell of the body.
When used as a rectal implant, reverses damage from inside the lower bowel. An implant is a small amount of juice held in the lower bowel for about 20 minutes. In the case of illness, wheatgrass implants stimulate a rapid cleansing of the lower bowel and draw out accumulations of debris.

Externally applied to the skin can help eliminate itching almost immediately.

Will soothe sunburned skin and act as a disinfectant. Rubbed into the scalp before a shampoo, it will help mend damaged hair and alleviate itchy, scaly, scalp conditions.
Is soothing and healing for cuts, burns, scrapes, rashes, poison ivy, athlete's foot, insect bites, boils, sores, open ulcers, tumors, and so on. Use as a poultice and replace every two to four hours.
Works as a sleep aide. Merely place a tray of living wheatgrass near the head of your bed. It will enhance the oxygen in the air and generate healthful negative ions to help you sleep more soundly.
Enhances your bath. Add some to your bath water and settle in for a nice, long soak.
Sweetens the breath and firms up and tightens gums. Just gargle with the juice.

Neutralizes toxic substances like cadmium, nicotine, strontium, mercury, and polyvinyl chloride.

Offers the benefits of a liquid oxygen transfusion since the juice contains liquid oxygen. Oxygen is vital to many body processes: it stimulates digestion (the oxidation of food), promotes clearer thinking (the brain utilizes 25% of the body's oxygen supply), and protects the blood against anaerobic bacteria. Cancer cells cannot exist in the presence of oxygen.

Turns gray hair to its natural color again and greatly increases energy levels when consumed daily.

Is a beauty treatment that slows down the aging process when the juice is consumed. Wheatgrass will cleanse your blood and help rejuvenate aging cells, slowing the aging process way down, making you feel more alive right away. It will help tighten loose and sagging skin.
Lessens the effects of radiation. One enzyme found in wheatgrass, SOD, lessens the effects of radiation and acts as an anti-inflammatory compound that may prevent cellular damage following heart attacks or exposure to irritants.

Restores fertility and promotes youthfulness.

Can double your red blood cell count just by soaking in it. Renowned nutritionist Dr. Bernard Jensen found that no other blood builders are superior to green juices and wheatgrass. In his book Health Magic Through Chlorophyll from Living Plant Life he mentions several cases where he was able to double the red blood cell count in a matter of days merely by having patients soak in a chlorophyll-water bath. Blood building results occur even more rapidly when patients drink green juices and wheatgrass regularly.

This is some powerful grass did you have yours today?

I was a bad Girl.....

2011-08-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was so depressed at myself. I totaly just wrecked 15 days of super foods, feeling great and exercising! Friday night is poker night, I planned to just drink water but I didn't get enough juice in me so I was hungry and that started the bad weekend. I ate chese and salami and crackers,,,felt like crap! Then Sat we went to Port St Lucy for a Birthday party and I had sweets, MD hamburger and fries and a Pina Colada! It didn't end there...then leaving and on our way home we stop to get gas and right next door was Burger King,,,(Yep I got a Whopper and Fries) I thought it was going to taste sooooo good but it didn't and Sunday I felt sick all day! That is why I did not blog I was a bad girl. I got more down on myself because I gave into temptation. My lack of will power was gone. I was defeated by food. OMG, this can't be so. I watched another documentary Food Matters and you know what? IT DOES! I am back to my juicing and healthier choices and so what I had a bad weekend it's ok as long as I get back up and start again. So, todays blog is going to be about the documentary Food Matters. It really woke me up as far as how important fresh organic foods are to rebuilding our bodies cells and curing many sickenesses without using chemical drugs!!

Here is a little clip you can watch it for free on Netflix.

Using cutting-edge technology you can watch the feature length documentary film 'Food Matters' online. In a collection of interviews with leading Nutritionists, Naturopaths, Scientists, M.D.'s and Medical Journalists you will discover...

How to use food as medicine

Who needs vitamins

Is organic better

How safe is our food

Natural treatments for lowering Cholesterol

Foods that fight Anxiety and Depression

Natural therapies for Cancer

Which drugs might do more harm than good

The best ways to detox, lose weight and keep it off!

About the Film

"Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food" - Hippocrates. That is the message from the founding father of modern medicine echoed in the controversial new documentary film Food Matters from Producer-Directors James Colquhoun and Laurentine ten Bosch.

With nutritionally-depleted foods, chemical additives and our tendency to rely upon pharmaceutical drugs to treat what's wrong with our malnourished bodies, it's no wonder that modern society is getting sicker. Food Matters sets about uncovering the trillion dollar worldwide 'sickness industry' and gives people some scientifically verifiable solutions for overcoming illness naturally.

In what promises to be the most contentious idea put forward, the filmmakers have interviewed several world leaders in nutrition and natural healing who claim that not only are we harming our bodies with improper nutrition, but that the right kind of foods, supplements and detoxification can be used to help with chronic illnesses as fatal as terminally diagnosed cancer.

The focus of the film is in helping us rethink the belief systems fed to us by our modern medical and health care establishments. The interviewees point out that not every problem requires costly, major medical attention and reveal many alternative therapies that can be more effective, more economical, less harmful and less invasive than conventional medical treatments.

I will continue to post my recipes this morning I had green juice.

2 Kale leaves

1 cup baby spinach

1 carrot

half cucumber

I small apple

1/2 small lemon

Was delicious! I feel I need another detox from all the garbage I ate. Back to my dancing as well!

Vitamin C is such a crucial vitamin in our lives. Even if you are juicing you should still take 100 natural vitamins such as vita c , d, b they promote new cell growth and strengthen your body!

Day 14.... Juicing Fast Again...Pineapple heaven!

2011-08-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today is solo juicing once again. It is so amazing how great I feel when I do this and I am making it a part of my life. Swelling is still down in my legs and I want to keep it that way. Today I will start off with the collards form yesterday and mix in some cucumber, spinach and green apple and pineapple.

Pineapple is one of those foods that is heaven to eat. A good, juicy ripe pineapple can satisfy a sweet craving as well as any chocolate bar. In addition to being a delicious food, there are many health benefits of pineapple.

Pineapple Strengthens Bones
One of the benefits of pineapple is that it helps to build healthy bones. Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese. The benefits of pineapple can effect the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people.

Pineapple is Good for Colds and Coughs
While many people often take extra vitamin C or drink extra orange juice when they have a cold, few consider eating pineapple. The benefits of pineapple when you have a cold or cough are the same as the benefits of orange juice, but there is an additional benefit of pineapple. Bromelain, which is found in pineapples, has been found to help suppress coughs and loosen mucus.

I will continue my just dance workout today!!! God Bless and love to all!

Need a juicer ........... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320738653529&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

This is on Ebay and shipping is 2-9 business days normally get it within 5 days in USA ONLY.

Please check out one of my FaceBook Friends who just started her 3 day juicing!!! Please support and help her with her journey!
http://myfreshstartjourney.blogspot.com/2011/08/preparing-for-my-first-day.html?showComment=1313072356407#c3784364336303057396

Good Luck Senaf!!

Day 13.... Collards promote brain function

2011-08-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

Ok so, today I had juice in the morning and ate chicken, mixed berry nut salad and collards and a mix of baked potatoe, carrot and sweet potatoe. The Idea is to fill your plate with 3/4 veggies and 1 quater protien or starches. I also made fresh bread and corn bread....MMMMMM I prepared a yummy desert Chocolate to die by... (Sugar free pudding was used in recipe) I had a little tablespoon size taste lol

Weight is the same no loss today still down 15.5 poundls in 13 days. Day 14 I will fast with just juice again.

I also did not work out it was my day off...(plus I had company and I slaved in the kitchen all day and sweated enough lol

Collards, I put the stems aside for juicing...

Citrus chicken in the Newave machine!

Carrots, sweetpotatoes, and potatoes... in lemon, tyme and rosemary with a little olive oil.

Chocolate to die for...Kaluha fudge cake, chocolate putdding, cool whip, fudge frosting, cocoa powder and confectionay sugar with shaved dark chocolate!!! Gazillion Calories lol this is a treat... Can only have it once a year lol

Baked fresh artisin bread and corn bread!

Collards, also called collard greens, have a mild flavor that becomes more bitter as they grow. They also become more bitter once they begin to wilt.
Collards can last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. To prevent wilting, store them wrapped in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag.

Collard greens are packed with nutrition. As other vegetables in the cabbage family,
collard greens provide anticancer properties. They offer an excellent source of
vitamins B6 and C, carotenes, chlorophyll, and manganese. One cup of collard greens
provides more than 70 percent of the RDA for vitamin C. Collard greens are also a
very good source of fiber, and several minerals, including iron, copper, and calcium.
They also offer a good source of vitamins B1, B2, and E.

Serving size:	100 g (about 3 cups)
Region:	Brazil, Portugal, Brazil, Portugal, the Southern United States, many parts of Africa, Montenegro, Spain, Africa, and the Southern United States

Health benefits of Collard greens

Wonderfully nutritious collard leaves are very low in calories (provide only 30 cal per 100 g) and contain no cholesterol. However, these greeny leaves contain very good amount of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre that helps control LDL cholesterol levels and also; offers protection against hemorrhoids, constipation as well as colon cancer diseases.
Widely considered to be healthful foods, collards are rich in invaluable sources of phyto-nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties, such as di-indolyl-methane (DIM) and sulforaphane that have proven benefits against prostate, breast, cervical, colon, ovarian cancers by virtue of their cancer cell growth inhibition and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
Di-indolyl-methane has also found to be effective immune modulator, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties by potentiating Interferon-gamma receptors and production.
The leaves are also an excellent source of folates, provides about 166 mcg or 41.5% of RDA. Folates are important in DNA synthesis and when given during peri-conception period can prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
Fresh collard leaves are also rich in vitamin-C. Provides about 59% of RDA per 100 g. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural anti-oxidant that offers protection against free radical injury and flu-like viral infections.
Collard greens are also an excellent source of vitamin-A (222% of RDA per 100 g) and flavonoid poly-phenolic anti-oxidants such as lutein, carotenes, zea-xanthin, crypto-xanthin etc. These compounds are scientifically found to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
This leafy vegetable contain amazingly high levels of vitamin-K, provides staggering 426% of recommended daily levels per 100 leaves. Vitamin K has potential role in the increase of bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bone. It also has beneficial effect in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in their brain.
Collards are rich in many vital B-complex groups of minerals such as niacin (vitamin B-3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and riboflavin.
The leaves and stems are good in minerals like iron, calcium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc.

Culinary uses

Both stalks and leaves are edible. Tough stalks and thick leaves are trimmed using paring knife. The leaves should be chopped in to smaller sections to aid quick cooking.
Extensive cooking may result in loss of some amount of vitamins like folates and vitamin-C.

Here are some preparation tips:

Collard greens blend very nicely with either salads or with cooked meat or fish dishes.
The fresh leaves can be also used as fresh juice along with fruit juice.

Safety profile

Like other members of the brassica family, collards may contain goitrogens which may cause swelling of thyroid gland and therefore, should be avoided in individuals with thyroid dysfunction. However, it may be used liberally in healthy person.

Should be used sparingly with people suffering from oxalate kidney stones.

100 g of raw collard greens provide more than 500 mcg of vitamin K well above daily recommended value; it is therefore, should be used cautiously in people taking anticoagulants like warferin.

This information is not to treat any medical issues someone may have it is only to help you understand the importance of power foods and how they work.

Avocado a day keeps the doctor away!

2011-08-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'm still juicing although I am eating now as well and I have lost another 1/2 lb! My day consisted of Carrot, Orange ginger juice this morning, snacks I had some cut up red, yellow and orange mini bell pappers. Then at lunch I had some chicken and veggie straws. For super tonight I just had an Avocado! I am continuing my dance did the 2000 work out this morning. I think I may try to change up things with jucing one day then eating the next to keep th goodness flowing. It feels good to feel light. So today it's all about the avocado, I never realized just what a power food they really are. You can add them to salads, pizza's, sandwiches they just brighten it up as well as taste scrumptious!

Calorie count on 1 medium size avocado is 276 calories.

Why you should eat an avocado a day! The health benefits are so good for us.

Prostate Cancer Prevention
Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.
Oral Cancer Defense
Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.
Breast Cancer Protection
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.
Eye Health
Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.
Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.
Heart Health
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.
Stroke Prevention
The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don't.
Better Nutrient Absorption
Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn't include avocados.
Glutathione Source
Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease.
Vitamin E Powerhouse
Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.

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I lost 14.5 pounds in 10 days.....Juicing

2011-08-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

WOW can you say WOW? Jees I have tried diet pills , drinks fads you name it never have I lost this much weight so quickly and feel good. Understanding this is a life change decision. You cannot juice for 10 days and think Ok now I am going to eat whatever I want you WILL gain it all back! I will continue juicing but I will be adding salads and fruits as a meal as well. I am going to introduce food back to my system slowy with a variety of delcious greens and fruits and nuts. Today is day 11. I am starting my day off with a glass of water and lemon and then a glass of carrot and celery juice. Don't forget you cannot change your way of eating and not exercise as well. I am not a big fan of exercise and could never stick to a program before, I always had an excuse to quit. But now with WII Dance it makes it fun and challanging! Sunday I took off from dancing but I still got my 10000 calorie burn in for the 5 days! If you are anything like me trust me on this one it is a lot of fun.

My blog is not only to keep me motivated but is is to help educate myself as well as everyone reading why the food choices we make are so good for us or bad. Each blog will have details on a certain food and what the pros and cons are mostly pros! Thank you for taking this journey with me and enjoy!

1 green apple
2 carrots
3 celery stalks with leaves
1 orange

about 210 calories

Orange fruit nutrition facts

Delicious and juicy orange fruit contains an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals for normal growth and development and overall well-being.
Botanically; orange is the citrus fruit belonging to the family of Rutaceae of the genus; Citrus (which also includes pomelo, tangerine (mandarin orange) and grapefruit). Scientifically the fruit is named as "Citrus sinensis".

Orange is a tropical to semitropical, evergreen, small flowering tree growing to about 5 to 8 m tall and bears seasonal fruits that measure about 3 inches in diameter and weighs about 100-150 g. Oranges are classified into two general categories, sweet and bitter, with the former being the type most commonly consumed. Popular varieties of the sweet orange include Valencia, Navel, Persian variety and blood orange.
Fruits belonging to citrus group are described as “hesperidium”, (A hesperidium is a scientific term to describe the fruit structure belonging to citrus group. In fact, the fruit is a modified berry with tough, leathery rind. Oranage peel contains many volatile oil glands in pits. Interior flesh is composed of segments, called carpels, made up of numerous fluid-filled vesicles that are actually specialized hair cells).

Health benefits of oranges

Nutrients in oranges are plentiful and diverse. The fruit is low in calories, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber, pectin, which is very effective in persons with excess body weight. Pectin, by its action as bulk laxative, helps to protect the mucous membrane of the colon by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing its re-absorption in the colon by binding to bile acids in the colon.
Oranges, like other citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C (provides about 60% of DRI); Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and also, scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood.
Orange fruit contains a variety of phytochemicals. Hesperetin and Narigenin are flavonoids found in citrus fruits. Naringenin is found to have a bio-active effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator. This substance has also been shown to reduce oxidant injury to DNA in vitro studies.
Oranges also contain very good levels of vitamin A, and other flavonoid antioxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
It is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, pyridoxine and folates. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish.
Orange fruit also contains a very good amount of minerals like potassium and calcium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood pressure.

Citrus fruits, as such, have long been valued for their wholesome nutritious and antioxidant properties. It is scientifically established that citrus fruits, especially oranges, by virtue of their richness in vitamins and minerals, have many proven health benefits. Moreover, it is now beginning to be appreciated that the other biologically active, non-nutrient compounds found in citrus fruits such as phyto-chemical antioxidants, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber have been found to be helpful in reduction in the risk for cancers, many chronic diseases like arthritis, and from obesity and coronary heart diseases.

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Orange you glad I didn't say banana!!! LOL

Today is day 10 I want Pizza,,,but Instead I have my Papaya....

2011-08-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

I am craving pizza because last night I baby sat for my dearest friend and took her two kids to downtown disney for some fun (also figured good way to get in some more excercise with all the walking). Well, we got as far as T Rex and Lego world before the clouds got really dark and the thunder rolled in. Oliver (the 3 year old) was so afraid of the thunder so we had to make our getaway. We stopped at super walmart on the way back for some more veggies this time I picked up some papaya's and collards and some more peaches. We also ordered a pizza because Oliver said we had to it's his favorite lol. They totally enjoyed their pizza as I had my juice. So today is day 10 WOOO HOOO I cannot believe it! I am starting my day off with some Papaya inspired goodness.

This combination is awesome and so healthy!

1 carrot

1 papaya

1 peach

1 orange

1/2 green apple

Toatla calorie count for this drink is about 269 calories

Good points

Very low in saturated fat
No cholesterol
Very low in sodium
High in dietary fiber
High in potassium
Very high in vitamin A
Very high in vitamin C

Bad points

Very high in sugar

Papaya health benefits. Apart from the excellent taste and the digestive enzymes, the benefits of papaya fruit are many. Papayas are bright yellow or orange in color and therefore are rich sources of beta carotene. They are also rich in vitamin C, folates, vitamin B, and flavonoids. There are many minerals in the fruit as well. In addition to soluble fiber, papaya also contains potassium, magnesium, and pantothenic acid. This amalgamation of nutrients helps in improving cardiovascular health and can also help prevent cancers. The enzyme papain could be used to treat sports injuries and is also beneficial in case of trauma and allergies. Papaya fruit benefits come from all the various nutrients that the fruit contains. The fruit is low in sugar and therefore is excellent for diabetics as well. Regular consumption of papaya can help in the prevention of diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Papayas contain a high concentration of provitamin A carotenoid phytonutrients. These are very powerful antioxidants and are very good source of vitamins A, C, and E. All these vitamins act as antioxidants in the body and are able to get rid of free radicals to prevent cancer. The antioxidants also prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. This is important because if the cholesterol becomes oxidized, it may begin to stick to the walls of arteries, making them smaller and causing hypertension. Cholesterol can form plaques in the blood vessels causing blood clots to form or forming arterial blockages themselves.The fiber present in papayas can help bind the toxins that cause cancer. In the colon, these toxins help in keeping the cancer causing toxins at bay. The other nutrients contained in papaya are also known to reduce the risk of cancers, especially that of colon cancer.

Papaya juice benefits can also not be ignored. Papaya juice has many anti-inflammatory properties due to its enzymes papain and chymopapain. Both these enzymes can together lower inflammation in the body. For a person healing from burns, papaya can be an excellent remedy for fast recovery. Apart from the cosmetic papaya skin benefits, the juice of the fruit can also help in healing of flesh wounds. The antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, together act as anti-inflammatory agents. These are good at reducing both external and internal inflammation. In diseases which are worsened due to inflammation, like asthma, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis, the papaya fruit can be really beneficial. If you are wondering what is papaya good for, the answer is everything. Papaya can be an excellent ‘sick food’. This means that the nutrients present in papaya can speed up convalescence in sick patients. People with inflammatory diseases can actually be aided in their treatment by consuming papayas. The vitamin A rich papaya can also help you avoid the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

The benefits of papaya juice and the benefits of papaya leaf extract are similar. Among the many benefits for the health and skin, papaya’s nutrients can also boost immunity. Both vitamins C and A, which are found in abundance in papayas, are excellent for the body’s immune system. Together, these nutrients can help prevent illnesses such as cold, flu, and other recurrent infections. As we age, macular degeneration is one of the side effects that many experience. Macular degeneration is a natural degenerative disease that can be prevented by consuming at least three servings of papaya every day. The antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, are strongly related to the prevention of vision loss and therefore are excellent when it comes to having good vision. The benefits of papaya seeds are also similar because they have similar concentrations of the nutrients that the fruit and the papaya plant contain. However, papaya seeds are considered healthier than the fruit itself because of the high bio availability of the nutrients.

It is known that papaya extract is excellent for the skin. The benefits of papaya for the skin can be utilized in the form of papaya soap. Papaya soaps are made from the extracts of the papaya fruit. The vitamins A, C and E in the papaya soap help in improving the overall texture and tone of the skin. In particular, vitamins A and E help in repairing and rebuilding tissues, whereas vitamin C helps in improving overall skin texture and complexion. Bathing with papaya soap, which contains natural extracts of the fruit, can help make your skin appear more youthful and beautiful. Papaya enzyme benefits for the skin are also similar. These enzymes help the dead skin slough off naturally, revealing beautiful, younger skin underneath.

I wasn't to sure about the seeds but look what I found out (just alittle to late because I through them away next time I will keep them)

Not only are papaya seeds edible, but they are also good for you. Here are four health benefits of papaya seeds.
Antibacterial Properties
Research has found that papaya seeds are effective against E. coli, Salmonella, and Staph infections.
Kidney Protection
Research has found that papaya seed extract may protect the kidneys from toxin-induced kidney failure.
Eliminates Intestinal Parasites
There is evidence that papaya seeds eradicate intestinal parasites. In a study done on Nigerian children with intestinal parasites, 76.7% of the children were parasite-free after seven days of treatment with papaya seeds compared to only 16.7% of the children who received a placebo.
Liver Detoxifier
In Chinese medicine, it is believed that a teaspoon of papaya seeds will help detoxify the liver. Papaya seeds are often recommended by natural doctors in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver

I did not weight myself today because my scale broke lmao ha ha so until I get another scale I will not know! But I feel amazing and I will keep going for another 5 days!

Need a juicer get it at wholesale here ..... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320738653529&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Off to dance see you tomorrow!

Love and God Bless!

Day 9 Holy Tomatoe I made it......

2011-08-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

This screen shot above is of my Lets Dance Intense workout I do everyday! The number 7876 is the calorie burn I did since thursday. As you can see I am actually doing more then 2000 a day woo hoo. I am feeling so much better my energy level is higher then its been in years and I am not starving! I have lost another 2 lbs total weight loss now is 13 lbs in 9 days!! Can you say motivated?? Jees I never thought I could lose this much weight in so little time and feel so good without starving myself. YES I do get very tempted to eat food and I am wanting alot of things like bread and cheese but I don't need it and my will power is stronger then ever to say "No thank you".

Tomorrow will be my 10th day and I think I will continue juicing for another 5 days since I got this far I figure let me take baby steps and keep going. I think if I keep it up I will train my body and mind to change my lifestyle so I can continue a healthier way a living from now on. I will be 50 in 3 years and I want to be the healthiest I have ever been that is my goal. So this will be a long journey that I am will to take on the challange for ME.

Today I have made myself a Bloody Mary Twist:

I didnt have any fresh tomatoes so I had to cheat alittle I used a can of peeled whole plum tomatoes and added parsley, basil and lemon.

Total calorie count is about 210 calories

1 can whole plum tomatoes - ( I used tutorusso)
1 lemon
1/4 cup of basil
1 sprig of parsley

Now later you can always add some ground pepper and hot peppers but I didnt want to go over board lol. Shot of Vodka and now we are talking lol Maybe another time ha ha ha.

The amazing health benefits of the tomatoes:

Tomatoes, which are actually a fruit and not a vegetable, are loaded with all kinds of health benefits for the body. They are in fact, a highly versatile health product and due to their equally versatile preparation options, there's really no reason to neglect the tomato as part of a healthy diet.

One of the most well known tomato eating benefit is its' Lycopene content. Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that helps in the fight against cancerous cell formation as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases.

Free radicals in the body can be flushed out with high levels of Lycopene, and the tomato is so amply loaded with this vital anti-oxidant that it actually derives its rich redness from the nutrient.

Lycopene is not a naturally produced element within the body and the human body requires sources of Lycopene in order to make use of this powerful anti-oxidant. While other fruits and vegetables do contain this necessary health ingredient, no other fruit or vegetable has the high concentration of Lycopene that the tomato takes pride in.

Studies involving the tomato have cropped up all over the world of medical science. There are more health benefits derived from eating a tomato than the scientific community is able to print, at least yet.

These studies have proven not only the benefits in preventing cancer, heart disease as well as high cholesterol are also in the tomato's sights.

This is really exciting information. The health benefits of tomatoes are becoming more and more documented every day as we learn new uses of this amazing fruit.

Cancers such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and cancers of the stomach, mouth, pharynx, and esophagus have all been proven to be staved off by high levels of Lycopene.

Researchers introduced Lycopene into pre-existing cancer cellcultures and the Lycopene prevented the continued growth of these cultures. This is pretty powerful evidence that the health benefits of eating a tomato are really quite phenomenal.

It takes as little as 540 milliliters of liquid tomato product to get the full benefits of Lycopene. This means that a daily glass of tomato juice has the potential to keep a person healthy for life.

Tomatoes are equally as nutritious fresh as they are in other variable forms. When tomato products are heat processed the bioavailablity of the Lycopene actually increases rather than the anticipated decrease.

Even with all the plentiful research that has gone into the health benefits of tomatoes, there is still more research being conducted as the medical science community understands that we have not fully tapped into the potential presented by a tomato just yet.

Research is now slowly proving that there is a high likelihood that the consumption of tomatoes and tomato based products actually may prevent serum lipid oxidation and reduce the risk of macular degenerative disease.

Tomatoes are by far the healthiest of the fruits and vegetables with the power to ward off some of the worst known diseases to man. With the vast variety of tomato products on the market, it really shouldn't be difficult to get the full health benefit of tomatoes but, if you would like to get the full health benefits of tomatoes and have some fun at the same time, consider raising your own organic tomatoes. It would be a lot of fun, get you outside for some vitamin D and best of all reward you with great taste and vibrant health.

Juicing has been a lifesaver for me and anyone interested in starting should seek a doctor’s advice before doing so although I haven’t it is a wise choice to make sure you are healthy enough to take on the challenge.

Another important factor is making sure your fruits and vegetables are clean and fresh and preferably organic. By using more cucumbers and celery and other high water content vegetables and fruit you can make more juice on a lower budget. Be sure to juice the leafy vegetables first so that when you juice the cucumbers it will push out the goodness from your juicer.

Having a support system is also crucial. I know I couldn’t have done this on my own. My daughter and cousin and husband have been very supportive as well as many people I have met through Facebook and here. You need that support to keep going!

Please comment would love to know your thoughts.

Next time I will try green tomatoes!! Off to my Island paradise with my Bloody Mary in hand and the sunshine on my face.

P.S reminder if you need a juicer check this one out. Click on the picture it will take you to Ebay auction only $89.99 retail price $269.00!

Day 8 ... Pineapple bliss and a special note...

2011-08-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Ok , so yesterday I had to cook spaghetti with meat sauce and made corn bread while 4 people enjoyed it as I sat there with my green juice lol. That was HARD! I have 3 more days thats what I was thinking. Skinny ankles, feeling good and just need to keep the momentum. Well now I am on day 8. Got up a little late this morning. I went inside to make my morning juice thinking only 2 more days. Time seems to go by slow when you have food on your mind lol. No weight loss this morning! So how can that be? Maybe I got more calories in my juice yesterday then I should have? Not sure, or maybe I am building muscel from my dancing...whatever it is I can still feel the difference when I put on my cloths and it feels great. So let the battle continue and this is truly a life change just not a 10 day thing. It is helping me to see I can make the right choices just need to stay strong and not give in to temptation! I found a special note this morning on my juicer see photo for what it says!

Todays breakfast:

Pinapple Bliss

2 cups of fresh pineapple

2 peaches

3 carrots

1 orange

5 strawberries

Fresh tropical take me away flavor this is a treat!!

Pineapple is a tropical fruit, it contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which helps in the digestion of protein. Pineapple can prevent blood clot formation because of its bromelain content.

Nutritive Value : Per 100 gm.

Vitamin A : 130 I.U.
Vitamin C : 24 mg.
Calcium : 16 mg.
Phosphorus : 11 mg.
Potassium : 150 mg.
Carbohydrates : 13.7 gm.
Calories : 52

Pineapple is Beneficial also in the following condition :

It is regulates the gland and found to be helpful in cases of goiter(enlargement of the thyroid gland).
Dyspepsia (chronic digestive disturbance).
Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes.)
Catarrh (secretions from mucous membranes).
High Blood pressure.
Arthritis (diseases of the joints)
Fresh pineapple juice is also used in removing intestinal worms.
Fresh pineapple juice has been used to combat diptheria and other infections of the throat or other parts of the body.
Prevents nausea (includes morning sickness and motion sickness), Take 230 cc. of pineapple juice or papaya juice.
Constipation

Don't forget if your needing a juicer you can find one here .. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320738653529&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Have a wonderful Friday until we meet again ...It's 5 O'clock somewhere!!!

Still juicing - Day 7 down 11.5 lbs

2011-08-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

Day 6 came and went I couldnt get on to post my blog so this will be day 6 & 7! On day 6 I woke up and I had so much on my mind I forgot to weigh myself. I then made my morning carrot juice and then started to prepare my lunch and dinner juice when i got about a quart of juice my juicer died!... I was so worried I couldnt juice again lol but I had to visit with Mom and Dad so i couldnt worry about it on day six. Went to my sisters and had my green juice in the afternoon then at supper time when they put all the food out I only had sliced reb peppers and few slices of tomatoes. Still feeling great! I'm not sure how many calories I am taking in but I hope it is enough. I do not feel like I am starving.

Day 7 today! I woke up three time in the middle of the night with my back pain from my OA. I also broke out in hives. Now don't think this is from juicing because it is not lol My cousin is staying with us and has a small dog. I am allergic to animals. When we left to go to my sisters on day six we put him in my bathroom (because it big to give him enough room to move around) well.... The little sucker managed to open my bathroom sliding door and was out and in my bedroom. So, I'm thinking he must of gotton on my bed. Todays mission steam clean all the floors and beds and disinfect my house lol.

So everyone ready for this I lost another 2 lbs I am now down a total of 11.5 lbs in 7 days!!!

My juicer is working again I guess the motor needed to reset itself lol.

Ok so here is what I had put together:

1 bunch of spinach
2 stalks of bok choy
1 cup of broccoli
5 Strawberries
1 lemon

Benefits of Bok Choy:

The tasty, mild plant known as bok choy is a great option if you are looking to add fresh produce to your diet in order to promote a weight loss or fitness meal plan. This vegetable has a lot of positive health effects, and provides a great alternative to lettuce or other kinds of cabbages. Bok Choy is sometimes called “Chinese white cabbage.” It comes in tightly packed heads with white and green coloration. It’s popular in stir fries and similar hot dishes. Use this exotic plant food, and you’ll find its crispness compliments a lot of the healthy cuisine that gives you the best chance of slimming down through good diet choices.

Health Benefits of Bok Choy

Here are some of the major health benefits that bok choy provides in a diet plan.

1. Calories

Bok Choy is a low-calorie food. As a green vegetable, it doesn’t contain a lot of the fats and sugars that push calorie counts through the roof. That makes it a good way to bulk up a meal without adding a lot of calories to your plate.

2. Carbs

When it comes to carbohydrates, or carbs, it’s really hard to keep this element of your diet under control. You can lower your calorie count, cut out red meats, and avoid cheeses and fatty foods, but those carbs still creep in. After all, carbs are in almost everything, right?
Bok Choy is one of a few select foods that has a low carb value, making it a prime candidate for a low-carb diet. However, nutritional advice on carbs varies. Ask your doctor about how to get your carb levels right with a daily menu.

3. Antioxidants

The general category of vitamins called antioxidants help to ward off a wide range of diseases. Antioxidants help to prevent some kinds of cancers. They also protect the heart against some kinds of illness. Basically, these elements help the body fight off illness and pack a powerful health punch. Bok choy is high in antioxidants and will that’s another reason why it can be so helpful to add this plant to your dinners.

4. Vitamin C

Another vitamin that bok choy has is vitamin C. This vitamin, also found in citrus fruits, helps to prevent you from getting health conditions like scurvy, where a deficiency leads to skin problems and other illnesses.

5. Folic Acid

Bok choy is a source of folic acid, which is something pregnant women generally need in their diets. Talk to your doctor about a specific diet plan if you are pregnant or nursing, and ask about all of the risks and benefits of foods including bok choy for a specialized maternity menu.

6. Potassium

Potassium is another thing that your body needs in specific levels. Bok choy can deliver this nutritional element as well, although again, you should talk to your doctor about how much potassium you need depending on current medical conditions or medications that you are taking.
All of the above are great reasons to include bok choy in your diet. Get this and other green plants into your meals, and you’ll be following the time-tested strategy of eating better to feel better, promote longevity, and generally keep yourself healthy and happy.

____________________________________________________________________________________

It was good but I think it was missing alittle something lol

This morning drink was:

1 grapefruit
1 green apple
1 orange
3 carrots

Ok so last night I also had some slced red bell peppers and a cup of raw spinach and half of florida avocado. I had to eat something lol

I feel like I am wasting all this great food juicing it all so I tried juicing the peppers and I like them raw so much better lol

Ok time to go start cleaning stripping the beds first! Have a great day all and thanks for reading my post!

I just realized I have these juicers available in my warehouse that I sell on Ebay so I listed them on Ebay! If you need a juicer check out these... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320738653529

Day 5 ....can you say EMOTIONAL...What's Up Doc??!

2011-08-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

WOW this is definitely a journey an emotional one!!! All I did last night was dream of food. I am not starving at all or have hunger pains. My brain just is on over kill thinking I am being starved. Well as soon as I got on the scale BAM no more food thoughts I lost another 2.5 lbs!!!! Total now of 9 lbs in 5 Days ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME!!! I know most of it has to be water weight. I have to say I like not being swollen all the time. I now can see the veins in my hands and feet lmao. I have a long journey ahead of me there is much much more I have to lose. This is the begining and thanks to my daughter for being my biggest fan and making feel quilty if I didnt juice because she went and bought me all the veggies lol. Kidding aside I do have much more energy that I can't believe. I use to take naps during the day and now I have not napped in 5 days..

So this morning I will have a Carrot Ginger Juice to start off my day!

4 carrots
4 celery Sticks
1/4 inc piece of fresh ginger root

My power food today in my juicing is the CARROT!

Apart from that, carrots are also good sources of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin K, biotin, fiber, potassium and thiamine. Here are 7 health benefits of carrots for human body:

Prevent Cancer
Many studies shown that eating carrots may help lower the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. Recently, researchers have isolated a compound called falcarinol in carrots that may be largely responsible for anti-cancer benefits. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide found in carrots that protects roots from fungal diseases. In daily diet, carrots are almost the only source of these compounds. A study conducted on mice found that they were fed with either raw carrots or falcarinol have one-third lower risk of developing colon cancer than mice not fed by them.
Improve Vision
The retina of the eye needs vitamin A to function, lack of vitamin A causes night blindness. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a substance which converted into vitamin A in the liver. In the retina, vitamin A is transformed into rhodopsin, a purple pigment that necessary for night vision. In addition, beta-carotene help protect against macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat most Beta-carotene had 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.
Prevent heart disease
Studies shown that a diet high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Also, it is believed that regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber in carrots can help lower blood cholesterol levels by binding with and removing bile acids, cholesterol triggers would be pulled out from the bloodstream to make more bile acids.
Reduce the risk of stroke
According to research from Harvard University, people who ate more than six carrots a week are much less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or more.
Nourish Skin
Carrot has a strong cleansing properties that are effective in detoxifying the liver, so that the overall effective for acne that is caused by toxins from the blood. Carrot is also useful for treating uneven skin tones because of pigmentation. The vitamin A and other nutrients contain in carrot efficiently nourish the skin, prevent dry skin and other skin blemishes.
Anti-aging
Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene, which serves as an antioxidant that helps the body to fight the cell damage done to the body with dirt in the bloodstream and even oxygen. It also help slows down the aging of cells and various negative effect associated with aging.
Dental Health
Carrots can even help clean your teeth, and is the best way to keep your mouth clean after meals. They act as natural abrasives, help in eliminate the sticky dirt from the teeth and stimulate gums. They also trigger a lot of saliva, which helps to scrub away stains on your teeth. Minerals in carrots helps to kill germs in the mouth and prevent tooth damage.

Carrot are really an amazing vegetable. There are many benefits of carrots and they are easy to add to your diet without much extra preparation. Carrots, as raw fruit juice or in cooked form are good for health.

That's all Folks!