Weird Juicer Person

I never thought I would be a weird juicer person, but I have become that person! Replacing a meal with juice every day for one year helped me transition over to raw veganism. Oh how I love the raw vegan side of life! My food is amazing, my body is healed, and I never want to go back to my old lifestyle. I take my juicer everywhere!

Support is key when you are trying to pursue health. The film Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead is the main reason why I became a weird juicer person. This documentary is worth watching. I found myself drawing support from their blog post and success stories. I was so inspired by their lives that it helped me to continue eating clean. If you feel like you have no support, and you keep taking one step forward and three backward, try plugging into http://www.rebootwithjoe. These guys helped get me started as well as getting information out there that encouraged me to keep juicing.

They just recently had a one day showing of Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 in theaters. Wonderful husband took the kids and me to see the sequel. This movie has more information along with really great stories of people just like us who desire to change their lives. I hope you find time to watch this, I am confident it will motivate you to incorporate juicing into your lifestyle.

If ever you feel discouraged, a great thing to do is watch films like this about real people who are changing their lives and gaining health. We are not alone in this, thank God, there is a health focused community out there that is continuing to grow daily. This is a great time for you to jump in and be a part.

The insane amount of nutrition you gain from juicing organic fruits and vegetables will be quickly noticed, and that is the beginning of  not wanting to live without juice.

Juice On, Right Now Raw

 

Support Your Local Juice Bar

 Do you ever wish you lived in another city because you long to have an abundance of healthy places to shop? I know I find myself feeling like this often. This emotion usually overtakes me when I am in the beach cities. Too bad we can not afford to live down there because I feel good vibes like I belong there as I stroll down their streets and happen by a fresh juice bar.

Nekter caught me by surprise. The atmosphere when you walk in is fresh, clean, and relaxing. The staff was super chill and helpful as we began to explore their menu. I was able to build my own juice which of course is my favorite kind of place. I enjoyed an orange, pineapple, carrot, and ginger juice. The response of all who tried it was that it was the best juice they had ever had. WHAT? I make juice DAILY! I felt a little betrayed by this comment, but I quickly decided to get over it and acquiesced for my taste buds agreed!

Now for the best news; I was sitting in an Upland parking lot trying to decide between Jamba Juice and Chipotle, all the time wishing I had more options like a Whole Foods, as I looked around the shopping center I was right in front of a huge glass of juice, “Coming Soon.” YAY! My Tuesday and Thursday evenings are spent in Upland and they just got healthier! Nekter is opening 23 stores in 23 weeks and Riverside is also another location. I am one happy raw vegan!

If you have a Nekter in your area definitely check it out. I love that healthy juice bars are invading our cities. One day Starbucks just might start juicing fresh vegetables!

Living Right Now Raw In Cali

 

 

Fresh Friday – Green Juice and Fudgesicles

I know green juice and fudgesicles seem like an odd combination for this Fresh Friday, but it is hot in Southern California! Fresh juice is the best way to stay hydrated and nourished during hot summer days. My fresh juice is tasting even better because we have lemon cucumbers growing in the garden, and they are so delicious in juice, salad, and sandwiches. Our favorite green juice taste incredible thanks to the garden in the backyard.

BARNES GREEN GOODNESS

• 3 pears
• 3 apples
• 1 lemon peeled
• 1 bunch kale
• 3 lemon cucumber (substitute any cucumber)
• thumb size ginger

MAKES 3 PINTS

Vegan daughter, Lori, is always helping me!

 This recipe for fudge pops was inspired by Pinterest . Lori tweaked it a little for her preferences. The family loved them! It was odd for them at first because they are made with avocados and not ice cream, but soon that passed and now they disappear as quickly as they are made! When you make these it not only is a treat, it is a healthy choice. Even kids love them, until you tell them what they are made of! (shhh don’t tell them!!!!)

Veganlicious Fudge Pops

POPS

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup full fat coconut milk
• 1 tsp instant coffee
• pinch of salt
• 3 drops vanilla extract
• dash of cinnamon

Use all organic ingredients, put in blender and blend till creamy. Pour into BPA free reusable popsicle molds. (don’t over fill) Freeze overnight. MAKES: 6 POPS 

Have a great weekend. I hope you get out and enjoy the outdoors and make healthy choices all weekend long!Staying cool and hydrated living right now raw!

 

Fresh Friday – Vegan Beet Burgers

Biggest problem I face on Fresh Friday is what to have for lunch. There is so much fresh fruit to choose from I don’t know which one I want more. I narrowed it down to strawberries or peaches. The southern blood in me took over and peaches won. (I ate 10) They are perfectly ripe and delicious. The farmers’ markets are full of them, you should treat yourself to some healthy goodness!

 White Northern Bean and Beet Burger

Summertime is always a fun time to eat burgers. Almost every restaurant we dine at has a vegan burger, so they must be easy to make. I decided to give it a try and guess what? The family LOVED them. Don’t be taken back by the color, they are vegan, the beet pulp gives them a beautiful color. Three simple ingredients, a little bit of time, and you will have yourself a healthy burger.

• BURGERS
• 2 cups cooked White Northern Beans
• 1/4 cup beet pulp
• 1/4 cup carrot pulp
• hamburger seasoning

Cook beans. I like to soak overnight and then transfer to crock-pot, cover with water, add bay leaves, onion, and pepper. Once beans are tender (4-6 hours) add seasonings to taste. My choice is cumin, chili powder, garlic salt, and pepper. Remove 2 cups of cooked beans and mash them with a spoon. Add the pulp, mix together, roll in ball, and make patties. Use your favorite hamburger seasoning from your past life and ENJOY! We cooked ours in vegan butter until crispy. MAKES 5 PATTIES

We have fresh juice everyday at our house. With all the markets brimming over with peaches it’s time to toss them in your juicer, they add luscious sweetness! Beets are known as beauty foods so for sure we will be adding these to our juice and using the pulp for some great vegan burgers.

CARROT JUICE

• 18 carrots
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 beet
• 8 oranges
• 1 pink grapefruit

ORANGE JUICE

• 12 oranges
• 1/2 beet
•  handful strawberries
• 2 peaches
• 1 pink grapefruit

This fills the large 3 pint jars.

I hope you have a great weekend, enjoy healthy food, and surround yourself with people you love. I am off to a great right now raw start as I am drinking some mouthwatering orange peach juice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bringing Healthy Back

I have recently talked to several people who have told me that they are going back to juicing on a regular basis. I LOVE hearing this! I get excited, because obviously they know the benefits that juicing brings to their health.

For some of my friends they were pulled off of their regular juicing routine for one reason or another. To hear that they want to start over is such a positive move! Who cares how many times you quit, the important thing is to start again! Drinking fresh organic juice is key to finding your way back to healthy!

I want to share some questions with you that people ask me often about juicing.

1. What kind of juicer do you have? The Breville multi-speed. I LOVE it!!! We use it more than your average family and we have had no problems! It is a small investment that brings large health benefits.
2. Why take the pulp out, doesn’t a blender work better for keeping fiber in? Using a blender does keep in tons of fiber from the skins and flesh of the fresh produce. Smoothies contain lots of phytonutrients, which is AWESOME! I like smoothies, but I LOVE juice more! Fresh juice is loaded with digestive enzymes, micronutrients, and phytonutrients. The insoluble fiber is removed, but the soluble fiber remains. When you have a great juicer you will not lose the nutrients due to heat. There is no way I could eat enough fruits and vegetables to receive this much nutrition, and I eat a lot of fruit, this is why I prefer juicing my fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. What can I do with all of the pulp? Pulp works great for composting, you can make veggie burgers, and it’s great for making veggie stock.

If I miss a day of juicing (rarely happens) the entire family notices. My family has become accustom to drinking juice daily. I love that they miss it, because like my friends who took time off, they know the perks of being properly nourished!

I hate to say I don’t have time for something, more often than not I have the time, I simply didn’t make time! Preparing juice for our clan is a small task that reaps great rewards. The benefits are too rewarding for me to neglect the foundation that juicing brings to our health!

Fresh juice has become a go-to food for me because I’m right now raw! I hope you get back to juicing, or start for the first time. You will LOVE it!

In Sickness Choose Health

 

This oxymoronic title was brought on by a conversation I had with a new acquaintance. We found ourselves paired up as climbing partners at a gym neither of us belonged to. Our common denominator was that we both wished to climb easy routes.

This lovely woman was sweet, intelligent, and easy to talk to. During our climbing time her husband shared with me that she was on a special diet. That aroused my curiosity, I love talking with people about life changes. So, I began asking her questions.

Come to find out she is on some kind of a fast diet where she drinks prepackaged bars and protein shakes. Her caloric intake is 800 to 1000 calories a day.(YIKES! I consume more calories than that just  in bananas) I asked her if she felt better and had more energy, but to my surprise she said, “NO!”

She was excited about getting back to loosing weight after a vacation took her off course. The most self disciplined of dieters can be thrown off by a vacation. That is why I’m an advocate for lifestyle changes. When your lifestyle has changed you pack it up and take it with you, because it is who you are .……HEALTHY!

I really wanted to talk with my new friend about the benefits of juicing, but she wasn’t interested in what I was doing. (DANG IT) I know how annoying it can be when you are trying hard to reach your goal and someone comes along and points out that your way is inferior, but try this. I don’t want to be that person. I never want to forget where I came from. I was sick and I chose health. That is what turned my life around.

Until we walk in someone else’s shoes we will never understand where they are at, but I am convinced that eating organic fruits and vegetables fits any shoe size and will help us walk a path to good health.

I did some research and the typical diet shake last for years. On the label it is advertised best if used by 12 months, but it is still considered safe to drink after the expiration. It looses potency and taste, all of which they say is benign. The convenient nutrition is what is tempting with these products, but in my opinion it is really hard to transition this diet into a lifestyle change.

The nourishment you get from making your own fresh organic juices is worth the work you put into it. You are worth the extra effort! I love knowing that the juice I make for the family is good for 72 hours. Although it never last that long at our house. Fresh juice is loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that our bodies will thrive on.

I know we are all at different places on the spectrum of health. I don’t want to be one who sings songs to a heavy heart. It is difficult when you keep falling back and others are succeeding. If you are battling with weight or sickness, keep fighting! I know you can do it! I entreat you to choose health by eating right, loving yourself, and never quit… just start over.

Choosing to be right now raw has been the best decision for my health!

 

 

 

A First For Everything

There is a first time for everything, and I would like to share one of my “first” with you. Recently I had the pleasure of teaching at a women’s study. This particular study was about your body as a temple. (I Cor. 6:19) I was excited to share about this because, you know, I am so into pursuing a healthy body by changing your lifestyle!

The lovely friend that invited me assured me that I could be as raw as I wanted. With that declaration, I decided to bring along my juicer and share some juice together with the Word. This is the first time I ever did a food demo with a teaching. It was so much fun! The women were gracious, and I loved their questions. My favorite part of this day was when they tasted my fresh carrot juice…..they LOVED it!

I felt a bit like Mary Poppins when I pulled out what I eat in a day out of a canvas bag. I have, over the years, taught a lot of classes, but this was super enjoyable for me and my vegan daughter! We both enjoy connecting with people and encouraging them to add more fruits and vegetables into their lives. It is so rewarding to spend time sharing with people about nutrition and showing them how simple it is to have healthy foods in their diets.

I have learned that all though it is simple to make the right choice it is not always easy. This is why it is important to share with others. The more informed we are the easier it becomes to choose right.

It could seem to some that health is like a “god” to me, in reality, I love that the Bible teaches that our bodies are a temple because God wants our bodies to be fit for His service. Being healthy for God is totally different from health being a god.

With that said, I am thankful to be right now raw because that is what is keeping this temple sound mentally and spiritually!

Fresh Friday-Valentine’s Day Strawberries

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s day than with fresh picked strawberries from the farm! Beng a raw vegan, living in Southern California, strawberries make wonderful mono-meals. I can’t imagine my life without them! 😉

Lori’s Strawberry Orange Juice

3 oranges, 1 beet, and 10 strawberries!

Since this day is all about LOVE, I must share my favorite raw cabbage salad with you.

Raw Asian Cabbage Salad

1/2 head of cabbage shredded, 2 handfuls of arugula, 1/2  avocado, 1/4 cup chopped purple onion,  5 radishes chopped, and one handful of raw sunflower seeds. If you like a sesame ginger salad dressing, Annie’s organic is delicious. Drench this on your salad and enjoy!

I am enjoying my Valentine’s Day being right now raw! Have a wonderful weekend!

Fresh Friday – Raw Tomato Garlic Soup

I love when I get to go directly to the farm and bring food back to our table. It makes the weekend start off fresh and clean. This week our local farmer shared with us about fresh garlic. So, you know I must pass it along to you!

First of all I thought these were onions, but I found out it was garlic. We learned that if it stays in the ground for another 6 months then it would look like the garlic we typically see. This local farmer shared that when it is harvested early it is great in soup, stir-fry, and salads. You can also use the greens as well as the bulb, the greens smell like delicious garlic. I was eager to give this garlic a try so I made my very first raw soup. Raw soup seems a bit odd because most soup is cooked, but if you are a raw vegan, I really think you will like this. Are you ready for it?

Raw Tomato Garlic Soup

• 5 Tomatoes
• 1/2 Red bell pepper chopped
• 1 Fresh green garlic
• 1 Carrot
• 3 Brussels Sprouts
• 2  Kale leaves
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Juice tomatoes and pepper, then pour through strainer.  Next, add all other ingredients and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Enjoy!

Rainbow Chard Juice

It is important to eat the rainbow so what better way to take care of yourself than to juice rainbow chard! We added this to our favorite juice, leaves and all and it was delicious! 12 carrots, 5 oranges, 1/2 pineapple, 1 grapefruit, and 3 leaves of rainbow chard.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and do some shopping at the farmers’ market. I will enjoy mine because I’m right now raw!

Fresh Friday- Juice

Nothing starts the weekend off better than juice! I love making juice with family and friends. I want to share a few tips with you to make your juicing experience easier. My friends shared with me that they were peeling their oranges by hand, but using a knife to cut off the rind is faster.

Now we can not forget about the pineapple, we add pineapple to all of our juices because it is delicious! Also, use a serrated knife for this to make it easier to cut off the top, bottom and then sides. If the core is soft it will juice just fine, if it is hard cut it out.

I was super excited to find organic mangoes at Sprouts this week. A great way to cut mangoes is in this square pattern.

One thing about hanging out with me is that you will either be in pictures or you will be taking pictures. I want to thank my girls for always being patient with me and my friend, Gretchen, for being a beautiful model. My photos are better this week thanks to my friend, Pam! I hope you make your weekend more wonderful by enjoying some fresh juice with friends! I know I will be drinking lots of juice because I’m  right now raw.