This past weekend I attended a fabulous health conference
sponsored by The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I actively listened to
men and women, doctors of medicine, and accomplished authors, speak about the
importance of real food, mind-body healing, various nutritional theories,
chronic illnesses, and preventing and reversing disease through nutrition and natural methods. When we weren’t sitting, I also had the experience to
participate in cross cultural fitness as we danced to Indian wedding music,
expressed ourselves thru movement and music, and trained for strength with
several well known coaches.
The two full days were awesome and I felt energized in my mind,
body, and spirit.
But, I have to share with you that there was one person, in
particular, one man who really moved me. His name is Joe Cross. He is a 43 year
old, Australian business man who recently documented his journey to health
(titled Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead). He was 100 lbs overweight, loaded up on
steroids, and suffered from a debilitating autoimmune disease. It was an
inspiring film that chronicles his personal mission to regain his health. As he
trades in the junk food, he packs up his car and head across America vowing to
save himself by juicing fresh fruits and veggies for 60 days. He realized that
the only person who can save himself is himself.
I am neither advocating nor opposing juicing. There are
plenty of health benefits that come from juicing. When you squeeze out the
juice of the fruit or vegetable, you receive a concentration of minerals,
vitamins, and enzymes. It could be considered “good” to juice, when for
example, you don’t have the time or motivation to eat your fruits or veggies. A
great benefit of juicing is that it allows your digestive system to rest,
including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. Juicing
allows your body to repair itself (the cells that are always working so hard to
keep you functioning). It also allows you to experience new energy, a clearer
complexion, and clarity of mind and body. Be aware that juicing is not the same
as fasting! Fasting means that you are not eating. Juicing should not be used
as a weight loss technique. It is better to eat the fruits and vegetables
whole, and therefore gain the fiber, and the increased metabolism resulting
from digesting the whole food. It may be beneficial to include a veggie or
fruit juice in your diet, but not as a complete replacement of solid food.
If you do decide to juice for a day or even for a few days
(1-3), you should consult your medical doctor before going on a juicing diet.
It is not an easy task to make something happen. You have to
want it bad enough. Doors don’t open automatically- you have to push the door open.
You have to pursue what it is you want. Living healthy doesn’t come
automatically. You have to learn how to eat, drink, play, love, work, and
breathe.
For more on this, contact me at Rachel@livehealthynyc.com
I am attaching a juice recipe. When you don’t have the time
(or even when you do) it’s a great way to start your day healthy and to feel
good about what you put in your body!
