We are all known for something whether it is good, bad, or ugly. Actually, I have been known for all of these.
When our sixth child was born we exceeded what was normally thought of as a typical family. I was known as Pat, who has six children. I was fine with that because I love my kids and I am fortunate to be able to stay home and raise them. I do not regret that decision. However, the most frequent asked question I would get is, “Why do you have six children?” my simple response, “Because we don’t want seven.”
My kids from left to right: Lindsey, Selena (Luke’s girlfriend), Lori, Maegen (Caleb’s wife), Isaac, Jessie, Kevin (Lindsey’s husband), Luke, and Caleb
There has been a shift in my reputation. I noticed that when people would introduce me to their friends they would say, “This is Pat,” and they would proceed to say, “tell them how many carrots you go through in a week.” I am known as the crazy carrot lady.
I came upon this title reluctantly. When some of our friends started juicing I was happy for them, but my inner thoughts were I would never do that! They were also excited about the film Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and I really was not interested at all.
One afternoon several of my adult children were scrolling through Netflix choices and they wanted to watch FSND. I had no intention of watching this documentary but I was coerced into it. My first thought as I saw the animation in the beginning of the film was, I am not going to be some weird juicer person. When it was over I was crying and cheering at the same time. I was so impressed with how Joe and Phil were so real and transparent. I do not know many people who would share their story so openly. To let the cameras roll and show all of you takes guts! (No pun intended.)
I was so inspired that I thought if they can do it than I can surely get this fifty-one year old body in shape. So, along with my family, I started juicing. We set a goal for thirty days. The kids had juice every day and I replaced one meal with juice. We bought juice at the grocery store because I wanted to prevent us from being impulsive consumers. I wanted to see if we could form a habit and we DID! We felt great and we celebrated by buying a Breville juicer.
I love the discussions that can occur at Sprouts just for having large amounts of carrots in my buggy. (Yes, I say buggy instead of shopping cart, I am from the South.) The most popular is, “What are you doing with all those carrots?” So, being a weird juicer person, I tell them! The second most popular is not interrogative but declarative, “Did you know that if you eat a lot of carrots it will turn your skin orange?” My response is, “I haven’t noticed orange skin, but I have noticed improved eyesight, better hair, stronger nails, increased energy, mental clarity, and no symptoms of arthritis.” I love talking with people and I hope I never tire of encouraging people to pursue better health. I know what it is like to be sick and it is not fun.
The most wonderful benefit I receive from juicing is that it causes me to crave healthy, real food. The longer I juice the easier it is to say no to the wrong food and yes to the right food. Forget the donuts just give me a banana.
My family loves juice as much as I do. Our favorite juice is carrot, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, and ginger. I juice in the evenings and pour all the deliciousness into mason jars and they are ready to go for the next day. They take them everywhere, to work, the gym, running errands, even when going on a hike.
I am so thankful to Joe Cross and the entire Reboot Team because the film changed my life and their website keeps me informed. Without vision people cast off restraint, they have helped me keep my vision clear and that is why right now I’m raw.
I would love to hear from you guys, what is your favorite juice?
My daughter Lindsey, me, and my sister Paula enjoying a juice at M.A.K.E.
I love shopping on fridays!
Lori’s Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Right Now Raw 
