Day One

Breakfast was the Roots and Fruits Juice. 

I headed to the doctor and was diagnosed with Bronchitis. I was resistant to being prescribed antibiotics but knew that if I didn't take care of it now, that I would end up with Pneumonia which has happened to me in the past. I realized that with the juice that I was off to a healthy start so was a good patient and have agreed to take the medication for 10 days. 

My doctor was impressed and congratulated me. I had chosen to go the juicing route. She is a firm believer of the Hunter and Gatherer diet.  Processed foods contribute nothing to the general well or health of the individual. I have committed to full blood work in three months time to see the results and to review it with her. 

Lunch was Green Carrot and Ginger Juice.  I decided to experiment and made one serving of the Beet-ini. which was fun, i drank half of the serving but within less then an hour I had a reaction that lasted throughout the day. it was definitely cleansing my body! I didn't have fresh mint which would give it a more cleaner taste and it was quite thick in consistency. 

The Beet-tini

Benefits of the Beet

• It contains sodium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, chlorine, iodine, iron, copper, vitamins B1, B2, C. 
• The juice is rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, but low in calories. 
• The protien factors or amino acids are good in both quality and qauntity. Rich in alkaline elecments, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. 
• Beet juice is rich in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, chlorine, iodine, iron, copper, vitamins B1, B2, C 

• Beet juice in combination with carrot or cucumber is on the finest cleansers for the kidneys and gall bladder.  

Rebooting My Life

A week ago, I was given a video to watch by a friend who is currently on a weight loss journey to better health. It was called,  Fat Sick and Nearly Dead. It is a documentary of Joe Cross, an Australian who was on a quest for better health by losing weight, eliminating his medications and dealing with a debilitating disease as he traveled the U.S., his story and inspired Phil, a trucker to lose weight through juicing.

I'm open minded enough to give it a watch and have watched plenty of videos including Food Matters, Supersize Me, Food Inc. and most recently Hungry for Change.  Watch the trailer here http://youtu.be/x9SGWcZwk7c

Fat Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross. 

What impressed me most about this documentary was that it wasn't all soap box and preachy. His thoughts, ideas and logic was something that was easy to.. digest. One of the most simplistic scenes in the movie that resonated with me happened with the idea that as a child you would injure your body and the body's ability to heal itself. In today's society, we are quick to self medicate or see a doctor instead of supplying our body with a wealth of nutrients to basically reset, repair or as a computer does.. reboot!


The idea of juicing appeals to me because it involves no cooking, minimal prep, natural ingredients, no preservatives and improved health. Who doesn't want more energy, better sleep, clear skin, weight loss, and the potential to stop taking prescribed medications?

In December, I was overworked and stressed from a busy Christmas season in retail. On Christmas Day, I was so sick that I could only eat turkey soup and my three 3 day Christmas break that I had been looking forward to was spent in bed with the flu. During that time, I also had emergency dental surgery so in all ways I was very ill. I was tired, sick and not in a happy place. Finally, after all my body had been through, I was starting to feel more like myself.


Then, on the continued path of eating poorly and not getting enough sleep as well as constant contact with the viruses that are circulating, I got hit again. Out of frustration, I went to the doctor instead of medicating from the drugstore. My doctor, was unavailable so I settled for a medi center. There, I was given a prescription and told to get rest.

While resting, I sat down and took the time to watch the video. Juicing is something I want to incorporate into my life. Will I do it for 60 days? No.What I do know is that it is a great way to get me back to optimal health and supplement as well as inspire me to improve my current eating.

I will blog my journey to great health... 

Body For Life

Two weeks ago, a friend who I trust and who has experience in weight loss once again suggested I pick up the book Body For Life. Actually, he suggested it previous to that but because I was in resistance, I chose not to. I told myself stories that I didn't want to bulk up or that's for body builders! He suggested I pick it up for the exercises and strategies within. So, you can have things suggested to you that are for your own benefit but its you who CHOOSE whether or not do then, eh?

I had chosen to change my course of action because after nine months of being on another program it didn't provide my body with what it needed and I was not happy with the results. I wanted to lose more but wasn't there quite yet. Looking back at it now, it was my intention to lose the 25 pounds and I got what I believed I could get! Eighty pounds in my mind at that time was a very lofty target and seemed unreachable. I am very happy that I released 25 pounds and along the way learned more about my body, who I am, what I believe and learned lessons along the way. As I reflect back, it did benefit me.

No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you absolutely, positively have the power to change

This is my new mantra. It can apply to any facet of your life. I am creating mental and physical strength. This means, that along the way I will in fact be releasing old beliefs, thought process and open myself up for change. Kinda scary but also exciting at the same time!

I never want to hear myself say or think that I wouldn't do something because it took too much (physcial) effort or I was "too tired". The last two years were the first time in my adult life that I hadn't checked out of social situations, events, etc. because of those (excuses) reasons. Don't get me wrong, I certainly am not perfect but when this situation arises I ask myself why I really do not want to go out or be there.

There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

After one month of deciding my course of action and getting back on the horse, I did indeed take his advice and buy the book, "Body for Life. 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength". After only three days of implementing the food plan/eating plan I have released almost five pounds without special pills, high cost, and without altering my life! It is indeed early days but I am optimistic, happy and inspired.