Quote of the Moment

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

Hippocrates 460 – 370 BC

Ancient Greek physician, regarded as the Father of western medicine.

Juicing

Juicing is the process of extracting water and nutrients from plant tissue and discarding the indigestible fibre, which differs from simply blending produce into a smoothie. Consuming a juice free of fibre means the body doesn’t have to work as hard to breakdown or digest the food and allows for maximized nutrient absorption. Juicing is a clean and delicious way of nourishing the body with phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins.

Benefits of juicing include:

~weight lose   ~detoxifies   ~improves digestion   ~increases energy

~relieves constipation   ~strengthens immune system   ~alkalizing

~improves skin, nails, hair   ~decreases body odour   ~improves sleep

~protects the cardiovascular system   ~reduces inflammation

To get started, you will need a good juicer. There are many makes and models on the market and the one that fits your needs is dependant on the selection of produce you wish to consume. Inexpensive, hand operated juicers are ideal for leafy greens and grasses such as kale, spinach and wheatgrass. A durable electric juicer is required for harder vegetation such as turnip, whole lemons and beets.

It is important to note that fruit juices and certain vegetables such as carrots and beets have a higher sugar concentration, which will quickly increase blood glucose levels. This is counter productive to weight lose and does not support sustained energy. A balanced and stable blood sugar level will keep the body in fat burning mode and offer lasting energy. Select a variety of low glycemic produce such as broccoli, greens, cucumbers, cabbage, celery, onions, peppers, and tomatoes to avoid overly sweet blends. Dr. Oz offers a complete list of low glycemic vegetables at http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/low-glycemic-vegetable-list

When I first started juicing I was surprised by the sweet and spicy flavours raw plant foods offered. I felt immediate energy and satisfaction that kept me going for hours. I experimented with a wide option of organic fruits and vegetables but found my staples included lemons, ginger root, beets, apples, carrots, kale and onions. There is no limitation to the colorful concoctions  availed through juicing.

 Juicing is not meant as a replacement for eating real food, as it lacks sufficient protein and healthy fat requirements. For those with blood glucose issues it is best to consult a qualified health care practitioner prior to any juicing regime.

Before you juice, ensure all your ingredients are thoroughly washed and free of stickers. Trimming edges, peeling or coring is not necessary as a sturdy juicer will easily mulch rinds and seeds. Consume juices immediately, as exposure to air will cause bacterial growth which may be harmful.

Try starting with some of your favourite fruits and vegetables. Once you feel the benefits of raw, plant based foods you will be keen to juice regularly. Be open to experimentation as well to reap the benefits of all types of vegetation. You will find most combinations are delicious and an apple will certainly sweeten any intolerable flavours.

Enjoy, have fun and thanks for reading!