Green Juicing It.

Green. Not particularly the color you envision when dreaming of a cold, refreshing, thirst-quenching, typically fruity and sweet, concoction of liquid goodness - Juice.  However, its probably the most health-enhancing, de-toxifying, weight-loss-inducing, makes-you-feel-all-kinds-of-good-inside beverage you'll ever drink.

I'm talking about vegetable juices. Made with the freshly extracted vitamin-packed juice that is found in many leafy, green vegetables as well as non-leafy vegetables alike.  Green juices contain chlorophyll, the main ingredient found in green vegetables. The reported health benefits of chlorophyll consumption are quite numerous. Taken consistently in sufficient amounts, here are some of the powerful remedial effects of this amazing substance:


Increases blood count

Detoxifies and cleansing

Alleviates blood sugar problems

Reduces or eliminates body odors

Relieves gastric ulcers

Greatly relieves respiratory troubles like asthma and sinuses

Kills bacteria in wounds and speeds up healing

Reduces inflammation pain

Improves bowel functions

Improves milk production in lactating mothers

Soothes painful hemorrhoids.
 
Not to mention these kind of juices aid greatly in breaking up fat and alleviating water retention.
 
But let's not leave it at "green" juices,  for vegetable juices come in all colors of the rainbow. Take for instance this beautiful purple-hued beverage below. This I made with 3 raw organic beets, one carrot, a broccoli stem, slice of apple and a little bit of ginger. This is  excellent for building up iron levels and cleaning out the gallbladder.

This other purplish-looking juice contains one of my favorite juicing ingredients: Red Cabbage. Cabbage has been  used to treat a number of health conditions including colitis, constipation, hair loss, skin problems but it is probably most well known for its ability to heal ulcers. It is believed that the glutamine content of cabbage is the main driving force behind the use of cabbage juice to heal ulcers. It is excellent to maintain a healthy digestive system and encourages digestive enzymes after a good meal.

Finally, this light-green mixture contains quite a bit of a another excellent juicing ingredient. One that has enough anti-oxidants that if taken daily can guarantee not ever developing cancer cells, it is that powerful!!  I am talking about none other than the miniature tree itself - broccoli. This particular juice contains a lot of broccoli, cauliflower, green cabbage, apple and cucumber.
 
How does one juice you may ask? With the help of a handy dandy machine like this one - The Jack La Lane's Power Juicer. Hands down one of the best anniversary gifts I ever received (thank you my wonderful in-laws.) This gadget is super duper powerful and extracts the vegetables almost dry. No need to cut or peel the veggies either, the machine is designed to do this for you. The only minor inconvenience is the cleaning process, a little cumbersome having to take it apart and make sure all the vegetable residues have been eliminated, but its worth it when drinking that glass of marvelous healing liquid.
 
I hope those of you that are a bit skeptical to the taste of these beverages give it a chance. You'd be amazed at what a little bit of apple can do to cut down the intensity of the other less "sweet" ingredients. I've actually gotten to the point of yearning for my green juices, developing an affinity for the drink. I typically drink one green juice a day, it has aided so much in feeling and looking better and I encourage you to do the same!
 
As a weekly recap, here is how I am doing with  my 2010 goals:  

• Weight-loss has been minimal these past few weeks.  I am still in maintain mode. I did lose about 2lbs a few weeks ago and am still in the same vicinity. Of course I did go on holiday and enjoyed a little bit (and a lot of bit:)of all kinds of delicious food. Also, this week was the anniversary of a very unwanted "visitor", fortunately Aunt Flo is gone and with her goes the bloating, water retention and naughty food cravings. Always a good thing!  Therefore, my total weight-loss up to this point is 32lbs (Jan 2009 to March 2010.) I am Really hoping to increase this number at least by 5lbs by the end of April.
• My water intake has been really good. Happy to report. I have been O’Ding on water, as well as drinking my green juices often.
• My exercise and activity schedule has been somewhat affected by AF, but today I was able to get back into the swing of things and had a nice, intense workout outdoors.  By Monday, my plan is to resume my schedule of exercising two times a day. Hoping the beautiful Spring weather cooperates.

And there you have it. Next up, tons of yummy-licious recipes coming your way...