You know me by now.  I get so many of my “ah ha” moments from what happens to me and who comes into my life.  It’s all about the lessons we learn every day.  Not just on the day we want or the time we want.  Being open to what presents itself to you on a daily basis is truly living in the present moment.   Last week I heard a story about a woman who had gained some weight, but only in her stomach.  She thought it was age and started a diet, but when her stomach didn’t shrink at all, she thought about another symptom she had (I didn’t find that out) and decided to get a colonoscopy.  Jump to the end of this very sad story, that doesn’t happen too often in this small town I live in, she had a massive tumor in her colon that was causing her stomach to protrude.  Her surgery was yesterday.  I heard that and I immediately said to myself, “I need to do a liquid fast.”

I’ve fasted many days in the last 5 years or so.  Usually I do a one day fast.  That’s no food, no chewing, just liquid.  The liquid varied depending on whatever I felt like that day.  The day after the fast, was usually light or all raw food.  Wikipedia defines fasting as this “the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time.  A fast may be total or partial concerning that from which one fasts, and may be prolonged or intermittent as to the period of fasting.  Fasting practices may preclude sexual activity as well as food, in addition to refraining from eating certain types or groups of foods…..A complete fast in its traditional definition is abstinence of all food and liquids except for water.”  If you are healthy, a one or two day liquid fast could be something to try. 

Here’s what I did the other day: The first day I juiced one cucumber and one long stalk of celery and then drank nothing but water or water with fresh squeezed lemon for the rest of the day.  Was it difficult?  To be honest, it usually is.  I typically will fight it the whole day and think about food all day.  But this time, it wasn’t.  I kept saying to myself, “I’m not going to die if I don’t eat.  I’ll be fine.  The food will still be there tomorrow.”   The “feeling” of not having enough is pretty common.  And to top it off?  They had a going away party for me that night at the yoga studio where I teach, complete with many treats, even raw treats.  I felt fine not eating and I wasn’t guilty about the food that was brought and I didn’t partake in.   I knew if I started chewing anything, even raw food, my mind would want more.  I was determined to go the whole day and then see what tomorrow would bring.  I had some emotional stuff to go through that night and it was all very clear.  Without my body having to digest food, my mind was totally supported in processing the “stuff” of the day.  The next day I had another cucumber/celery juice and drank water.  I ate some nuts and a peach in the afternoon and then I had a tuna sandwich that evening.  The next day (that’s today) I have had only lemon water.  And that is my plan for the rest of the day. 

You see?  Whatever you can do, whatever it is, your body will be very happy with it.  The body could sure use a rest from digestion.  Parts of the nervous and circulatory systems play major roles in the digestive process.  Here’s a great site for reading about the digestive process: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/yrdd/  Just reading what food and drink have to do to get through the body made me tired.  And our goal is to eat the right food, so that the correct nutrients can be absorbed and used by the body.  Fasting is a perfect way to give the body a rest in order for the mind and body to be able to do what it is inherently supposed to do, and that is to HEAL ITSELF.

There are many different kinds of fasting and cleansing.  I just heard about a book that talks about taking out 5 things from your diet for a 21 day cleanse.  They were dairy, alcohol, coffee, sugar, and gluten.  Whatever you can do for however long you can do it.  There isn’t a right or wrong when it comes to fasting.  Don’t put that judgement on yourself.  It’s ok.  Think about more raw food, less processed food.  How about just a one day fast?  I’m right there with you.  Today’s the day for you…or maybe tomorrow. 

What can you do when the end of the day comes and you really want to eat something?  I do these things:  Go upstairs and read a book, get as far away from the kitchen as possible. Take a walk.  Drink a very large glass of water.  Brush your teeth.  Talk to a friend.  Play with your cat.

Sending you feelings of health and well being.

Please consult your primary health care physician for fasting lasting more than two days or if you are suffering from any medical problems for which you are under the care of a doctor.

Stress……some of us deal with it better than others, some have more stress than the rest of us, and some have stress thrust upon them!  Stress can show up in many different ways; upset stomach, tension headache, acid reflux, neck pain, eye strain, panic attacks, feeling frazzled, high blood pressure, forgetfulness, sadness, anger, overeating, undereating, increased smoking or drinking, worry, depression, skin disorders, sleep problems and ultimately heart disease and autoimmune disorders.

“Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way. When you sense danger – whether it’s real or imagined – the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, or the stress response”, says healthguide.org.  We all have some version of stress.  Some is ok, stress can help you in times of emergency or when life requires you to be on your toes.  Chronic stress and emotional stress are the triggers for health problems.  The body doesn’t know the difference between physical and psychological stress, so it will react the same way to everyday stress as it would to a life or death situation.  

How do you react to everyday stress?  Do you hold it in, you know, way down in your stomach, do you react or do you respond to the situation?  There is a difference between reacting and responding.  Reaction is just the way it sounds….you react.  That could be with anger, frustration, yelling, blame, or any of the symptoms listed above.  A response is a conscious solution to the problem.  When something frustrating happens, taking a deep breath, looking at the problem and thinking…”OK, this just happened.  What am I going to do now”? 

But it doesn’t always work that way, does it?  The body responds to stress quickly.  Negative thoughts creap in, the tension starts.  So how about some alternatives for the moments when the answer isn’t there right away?  Here are some things that I always work for me for those “life’s uncertain” moments. 

Change your mind:  Change your mind, change your life.  Positive thinking can go a long way.  Fake it till you make it.  Change the negative thoughts in your head to positive ones.  Yes, you can!

Laughter:  Watch a classic comedy movie.  Laughter can stimulate your organs, soothe tension and stomachaches and activate and relieve your stress response.

Have a good social support: Friends and family who are there to give you a sense of belonging, self worth and your friends can be there to alert you to potential stress situations.  Be grateful to your friends and family for “being there” for you.

Relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, and tai chi can slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase blood flow, improve concentration and reduce anger and frustration.  If you can’t make the time for a class, just sitting still and closing your eyes and counting will help. That old saying, “count to ten” when you are ready to explode, is a great way to go.

Exercise:  A simple 20 minute walk can go a long way to relieve stress and its effects.  I just got back from my walk and my mind is fresh for writing. 

Healthy eating: Wheatgrass juice will clear the mind, clear the fog of the day.  Eating a living food diet gives the body the energy to heal. 

Understanding your sources of stress can lead you to the solution.  Will the above work for you or do you need something more?  Seek help from a physician or therapist when it seems life’s ups and downs are just too much for you to handle alone. 

Here are some natural alternatives to take for stress relief:

Nux Vomica: can help with irritability, sleeplessness and headaches.

Bach’s Rescue Remedy:  Natural stress relief.  I always have this on hand.

Find out what works for you.  Daily stress can be reduced in intensity.   Listening to a stress reducing cd in your car on the way to and from work can help to alleviate the stressors of the day.  When you arrive home, changing out of your work clothes and just spending 5 minutes or more sitting and breathing. 

Relax, breathe….I wish you peace

The holiest day of the Jewish year is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement; a day spent in prayer, penance and among other things, fasting. How grueling it was to me as a child. Of course I rarely made it through and the few times I did I would break fast (no not “breakfast” spellcheck) with something like a cheeseburger and a milkshake. Nowadays it’s become popular for people feeling a bit guilty about their sinful diet to do a little atoning of their own with a variety of juice fasts. Maybe my ancient ancestors were on to something.

Anyway, this fasting is a risky business and really not necessary for those with a healthy diet already. Nonetheless, the benefits are compelling. In addition to getting rid of toxins built up throughout the system from a poor diet it can decrease congestive symptoms; eliminate food allergies and sensitivities; reduces the burden on the digestive system, allowing it to heal; release pesticides, drugs, and other chemicals from stored fat, which can then be eliminated; enhance mental, physical, and spiritual well-being; increase energy and mental clarity; promote glowing skin; prevent chronic diseases caused by poor diet and lifestyle; and clear mucus discharge.

A juice fast is just what it says; a short-term intake of raw vegetable and fruit juice and water ONLY. This is done because juice is an incredible source of vitamins and antioxidants. Fasts typically last for one to three days but some people go longer. I wouldn’t recommend that without some type of medical supervision and monitoring to ensure that nutrient deficiencies don’t result.

So here’s a basic outline of a fast although many variations are possible. Do your research and find one that’s right for you. It’s suggested to fast during the warmer months with Spring being the best time of the year for juice fasting. For seven or more days before the fast, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, dairy, wheat, animal meat, fish, and eggs should be reduced or eliminated from the diet. During this time eat mainly organic fruits, vegetables, and beans. During the fast between 32 and 64 ounces of juice is recommended and should be sipped throughout the day. Typical fruits and vegetables include celery, carrot, kale, cabbage, apple, pineapple, cranberry, spinach, beet, and greens. Citrus fruits are often avoided. In addition to the juice roughly 6 glasses of room temperature or warm filtered water is recommended. GO ORGANIC! And if you absolutely, positively cannot, peel the skin off the fruits and vegetables or wash them with a non-toxic produce cleaner like the Cuisine Clean. Fresh juice is a must so the best alternative to juicing at home with a centrifugal juicer and masticating juicer is to buy it from the health food store. Be sure not to skimp on the wheatgrass, green vegetables and sprouts because they contain the chlorophyll, which is especially beneficial during a juice fast. These must be juiced in a masticating juicer. Be sure to combine both fruits and vegetables as they each have their own unique benefits and finally, when you break the fast, return to solid foods gradually.

Certain fruits and vegetables and their parts should not be juiced, like the pits of peaches, apricots, cherries, and other fruits, apple seeds, citrus peels, carrot and rhubarb tops, tough skins (such as kiwi, pineapple, mangoes), and bananas and avocados. Some people can’t handle complete abstinence from solid food so it’s ok if you eat one meal a day in addition to the juice.

Pay attention to your body while you fast. Keep an eye on your weight, symptoms and degree of congestion, tongue coating, degree of hunger, and energy level. If energy level drops for more than one day, if weight becomes too low, or if any symptoms become particularly intense, just break the fast for God’s sake. This isn’t a punishment after all. Please note that a certain amount of tongue coating is normal. It may become thicker or have a more pronounced color (yellow, white, grey) as the body eliminates toxins.

Certain people should not do this. Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn’t try a juice fast. As well, people with diabetes, low blood sugar, eating disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, addictions, underweight, anemia, impaired immune function, infection, nutritional deficiency, low blood pressure, ulcerative colitis, cancer, terminal illness, epilepsy, or other chronic conditions shouldn’t try a juice fast or should do so only under strict medical supervision. People shouldn’t try a juice fast before or after surgical procedures. Remember, a juice fast can reduce blood proteins and change the way prescription drugs react in the body so people taking prescription medications should consult a health professional skilled in detoxification before trying a juice fast, and should never discontinue or reduce their medications on their own.

Be well,

JuicyJosh

www.877myjuicer.com

Now that you’ve researched juicers, read up on organic fruits and vegetables and (hopefully) purchased your very first juicer, you might be asking yourself; just exactly what can I do with this new appliance? Do you make a smoothie, throw a juicing party or do you try out one of the expected juice fasts you’ve heard so much about from your friends and legions of committed juicers? If you decide a juice fast, just might be the answer, you may want to start with understanding the basics of juicing for detoxification.

WHY DETOX?

First of all, many doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists and juicers consider detoxification an important corrective and restorative process in our cycle of nutrition. It is a time when we allow our cells and organs the chance to clear out waste and take in new oxygen and nutrients. While we do not necessarily need to fast to experience some cleansing, (minor shifts in the diet such as including more fluids and more raw foods will encourage detoxification), juice fasting is an advanced detox method designed to speed the elimination of toxins from the body. Freshly juiced fruits and vegetables provide calories and nutrients on which to function and build new cells, and also provide vital enzymes.

Juice fasting essentially refers to the avoidance of solid foods and the consumption only of liquids. Water fasting is popular, but juice is often chosen over water as a way of fasting because of its many benefits. Juice requires minimal digestion, improves energy, is easily absorbed and assimilated by the body and it supplies nutrients and calories to maintain energy, while it stimulates our body to clear waste. Fasting also increases the release of toxins from the colon, kidneys and bladder, lungs and sinuses, and skin. While this process may generate discharge such as mucus from the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, sinuses, or in the urine, it is helpful in clearing out the problems that have arisen from overeating and a sedentary lifestyle.

BEFORE YOU DETOX

Since we are all different from age to body type to health conditions, it is recommended that you consult your primary care provider before trying a juice fast for detox. Fasting can reduce blood proteins and change the way prescription drugs react in the body. If you are taking prescription medication make certain to consult a health professional skilled in detoxification.

Moreover, if you have one of the following conditions do not try juice fasting: diabetes, hypoglycemia, eating disorders, anemia, epilepsy, kidney disease, impaired or weak immune system, cardiac arrhythmias, weak heart, candida, cancer, peptic ulcer, malnutrition, pregnancy, nursing, gout, lactation, asthma, terminal illness, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, any condition that causes depletion and weakness, underweight, chronic infection, nutritional deficiency, low blood pressure, epilepsy.

JUICING GUIDELINES

Once you’ve received the go-ahead and are ready to begin your juice detox, it is best to start slowly and to avoid being excessive or impatient. Make sure to get good nights sleep and follow some of these practical tips:

Begin slowly with a three or five day juice fast and graduate to a longer fast from there.

The basic procedure is to use between one and three parts distilled or filtered water to one part fresh juice. Between 32 and 64 oz. of juice is usually recommended per day. The juice is sipped throughout the day. Approximately 6 glasses of filtered water should be consumed (including the water used to dilute the juice) to flush out toxic substances.

· Low-allergen protein supplements can be added after the third day. They provide protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the detoxification process. The powder can be mixed into juices.

· Keep warm. Nurturing and relaxing are important during this time. Breathing exercises, yoga and/or meditation are some optional suggestions.

· Add blue-green algae, spirulina, or chlorella to juices to provide more energy.

· Be sure to drink plenty of warm water in addition to juices..

· Good choices for detox are celery, carrot, kale, cabbage, apple, pineapple, cranberry, spinach, beet, and greens.

· Apples, grapes, oranges, and carrots are caloric and should be minimized if weight loss is desired while grapefruit, lemon, cucumber, and greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or parsley, are recommended for weight loss.

Fruit Juices

Lemon—liver, gallbladder, allergies, asthma, cardiovascular disease (CVD), colds
Citrus—CVD, obesity, hemorrhoids, varicose veins
Apple—liver, intestines
Pear—gallbladder
Grape—colon, anemia
Papaya—stomach, indigestion, hemorrhoids, colitis
Pineapple—allergies, arthritis, inflammation, edema, hemorrhoids
Watermelon—kidneys, edema
Black cherry—colon, menstrual problems, gout

Vegetable Juices

Greens—CVD, skin, eczema, digestive problems, obesity, breath
Spinach—anemia, eczema
Parsley—kidneys, edema, arthritis
Beet greens—gallbladder, liver, osteoporosis
Watercress—anemia, colds
Wheat grass—anemia, liver, intestines, breath (remember you have to use a masticating juicer for this.  No other juicer will work!)
Cabbage—colitis, ulcers
Comfrey—intestines, hypertension, osteoporosis
Carrots—eyes, arthritis, osteoporosis
Beets—blood, liver, menstrual problems, arthritis
Celery—kidneys, diabetes, osteoporosis
Cucumber—edema, diabetes
Jerusalem artichokes—diabetes
Garlic—allergies, colds, hypertension, CVD, high fats, diabetes (use a garlic keeper to keep it fresh)
Radish—liver, high fats, obesity
Potatoes—intestines, ulcer

Enjoy and Be Well,

Juicy Josh

www.877myjuicer.com