Juice. Cleanse. Heal. Live.
Photo credit: Quanthem via Fotolia.com
In February 2013, I began experimenting with raw foods and juicing after watching 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.' Joe Cross documented his journey through sixty days of juice fasting to address being obese, being dependent on medications and being "one cheeseburger away from a heart attack." Some amazing stories came out of his Reboot program. Several people have eased or even turned around chronic degenerative illnesses, diabetes and anxiety/depression by cleansing and completely revising their nutrition. The key to everything is not specifically the Reboot program, but the fact that all of these people removed processed foods from their diet and started over with nothing but fruits and vegetables. This is food in its simplest expression. It's what should form the foundation of the human diet. Our guts are not made to process large amounts of fake foods, meats, dairy and fatty things efficiently. Part of the reason obesity develops is because our brains and stomachs are not wired for much of today's average Western food selections.
I'm not juicing three to four times a day as described in the Reboot program. I started at once or twice per day just to feel better. It's slowly working. Some days, I do juice for the full day, and other days, I don't. I still see benefits from it. As a lingering side effect from my diagnosis and treatment, I've been dealing with problems like skin issues (open sores/excessive scarring/eczema/thin skin), intermittent abdominal pain (shooting pain from left kidney spanning to spleen), digestive issues and hot flashes/headaches/nausea due to hormone tinkering. Since I started juicing even once per day, the pain in my abdomen is much less frequent and it doesn't last as long. My skin is making a better attempt to repair itself. The headaches and hot flashes still come and go but they are nowhere near as disruptive as they were.
One of the first things I noticed since starting to juice is my taste and texture preferences are changing. For example, I used to eat Chobani in the morning. Now I can't stand it. I florify with kefir and kombucha, so it's not a problem. It's just interesting. I am also not as fond of sweet snacks like caramels, candies or popsicles. I used to have one or two cans of diet soda per day and now it tastes vile to me. Heavy rich things like chocolate truffles, cheesecake or pumpkin pie sit at the top of my stomach for hours. The tummy does not like them. I still eat some meat, but it's down to two or three times a week. I keep any meat intake to clover and grass-fed chicken or wild-caught fish. I eat avoid factory farmed items as much as I can.
Even if there is nothing wrong with you, it's worth looking into protecting your health by detoxing, switching your nutrition to an organic uncooked plant-based diet, and cutting out as much flavored, sweetened, processed and inorganically-produced foods as you can. People like Kris Carr, Joe Cross, Dr. Max Gerson, and Dr. Andrew W. Saul are on to something.
I'm not juicing three to four times a day as described in the Reboot program. I started at once or twice per day just to feel better. It's slowly working. Some days, I do juice for the full day, and other days, I don't. I still see benefits from it. As a lingering side effect from my diagnosis and treatment, I've been dealing with problems like skin issues (open sores/excessive scarring/eczema/thin skin), intermittent abdominal pain (shooting pain from left kidney spanning to spleen), digestive issues and hot flashes/headaches/nausea due to hormone tinkering. Since I started juicing even once per day, the pain in my abdomen is much less frequent and it doesn't last as long. My skin is making a better attempt to repair itself. The headaches and hot flashes still come and go but they are nowhere near as disruptive as they were.
One of the first things I noticed since starting to juice is my taste and texture preferences are changing. For example, I used to eat Chobani in the morning. Now I can't stand it. I florify with kefir and kombucha, so it's not a problem. It's just interesting. I am also not as fond of sweet snacks like caramels, candies or popsicles. I used to have one or two cans of diet soda per day and now it tastes vile to me. Heavy rich things like chocolate truffles, cheesecake or pumpkin pie sit at the top of my stomach for hours. The tummy does not like them. I still eat some meat, but it's down to two or three times a week. I keep any meat intake to clover and grass-fed chicken or wild-caught fish. I eat avoid factory farmed items as much as I can.
Even if there is nothing wrong with you, it's worth looking into protecting your health by detoxing, switching your nutrition to an organic uncooked plant-based diet, and cutting out as much flavored, sweetened, processed and inorganically-produced foods as you can. People like Kris Carr, Joe Cross, Dr. Max Gerson, and Dr. Andrew W. Saul are on to something.
Subversive Nutrition
I use 'subversive' because it is. I'm not listing conventional diet sites which follow the USDA's Food Pyramid, assign points to things, or make comments like, "We don't care what it is. Just eat less of it." Four grapes, 1/2 of a kiwi or 1/3 of a banana are not servings of these fruits. Diet programs that make statements like that are selling a lie, especially when their food system pushes reliance on pills, powdered shakes, broths and prepackaged dehydrated or frozen meals. That's a sure sign a program you're following is only about lining someone else's pockets. Failure is built-in, so you blame yourself and fork over more money to try again.
Even if you are overweight, your goal is NOT weight loss. Your goal is health. Fat loss will happen on its own when you exercise within your ability, hydrate, and feed yourself consistently and correctly. You must give your body the opportunity to normalize itself and take advantage of the bounty of nutrients you'll start eating. If you think I'm full of it, watch 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.'
Important Note - If you are being treated by a doctor and you are dependent on medications, make sure you keep your doctor in the loop. Do not suddenly stop taking your current prescribed drugs. Let your doctor continue monitoring your progress and decide when it is appropriate to wean you off or switch you to lighter medications. Suddenly stopping certain drugs can lead to chemical imbalances within the body, withdrawal symptoms or even potentially fatal heath events. I also want to clarify that none of the links or info that I post is intended to diagnose or cure any condition. If you are dealing with symptoms from an undiagnosed illness, or you are preparing to make a significant nutrition/lifestyle/fitness change; your physician is the first person to consult.
Even if you are overweight, your goal is NOT weight loss. Your goal is health. Fat loss will happen on its own when you exercise within your ability, hydrate, and feed yourself consistently and correctly. You must give your body the opportunity to normalize itself and take advantage of the bounty of nutrients you'll start eating. If you think I'm full of it, watch 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.'
Important Note - If you are being treated by a doctor and you are dependent on medications, make sure you keep your doctor in the loop. Do not suddenly stop taking your current prescribed drugs. Let your doctor continue monitoring your progress and decide when it is appropriate to wean you off or switch you to lighter medications. Suddenly stopping certain drugs can lead to chemical imbalances within the body, withdrawal symptoms or even potentially fatal heath events. I also want to clarify that none of the links or info that I post is intended to diagnose or cure any condition. If you are dealing with symptoms from an undiagnosed illness, or you are preparing to make a significant nutrition/lifestyle/fitness change; your physician is the first person to consult.
Healthier Eating Links
Forks over Knives - In 2011, I had a run-in with serious illness. This happened after living with chronic health problems spanning back to my early teens. I strongly believe it all came from years of poor food choices, work habits, stress and lifestyle. Our current Western diet makes our environment and our bodies sick. You don't have to go totally raw, but don't let yourself live in ignorance. Know what you're eating, what's in it, where it came from and that there are better options. If you get the time, check out Food Matters and Hungry for Change. These titles are sometimes available on Netflix. They can also be found on their associated websites and YouTube.
Crazy Sexy Wellness - Kris Carr is an inspiration. After an inoperable cancer diagnosis in February 2003, she used nutrition and radically shifted personal paradigms to manage and thrive with stage IV cancer for over a decade.
The Gerson Institute - Described as the most imminent genius in medical history by Dr. Albert Schweitzer; Dr. Max Gerson is often listed as a dispenser of quackery by many in Western medicine. He believed the body, even when faced with serious illness, has an enormous capacity to heal and restore stasis when detoxified and flooded with organic, plant-based nutrients. I am not posting this link as a plug for the institute, but I do believe Dr. Gerson made a valid point that support for healing processes begins with food and lifestyle changes. Ignoring those factors is the equivalent of celebrating a successful heart transplant or quadruple bypass with four Big Macs, a trough of fries and a case of cigarettes. Don't miss the message, and don't place allopathic (Western) medicine entirely at fault. I do not advocate turning away from doctors. Instead, I believe in seeking an integrative approach which combines Western medical treatment and monitoring with supportive holistic practices (nutrition, detoxification, meditation, forgiveness, lifestyle improvement, prayer, etc). Quality of life is just as important as the fight for life. You must take an active role in your health.
The Importance of Water Consumption - Fitness.com hosts an excellent article on how the body needs and uses water for optimal performance. Water makes up a large portion of cells, tissues and organs. It lubricates and cools the body and it is an important part of waste elimination. Don't forget water in your quest for better health.
Healthy Eating - Helpguide.org offers several easy ways to add healthier foods to your lifestyle. Curious about the nutritional contents of your favorite recipes? You can calculate them and even find some new ones at SparkRecipes.
How to Read Food Labels - Real Simple offers an easy guide to food labels. Start reading labels when you shop and find those sneaky sources of excess fat, sugar and sodium.
Carbohydrates Explained - The Harvard School of Public Health hosts a very informative article on the body's first energy source: carbs.
Glycemic Index - A free online reference for determining the glycemic index of the foods you eat.
Processed Foods - Prepackaged foods are designed for convenience, but they are not designed for health. Here is a list of common ingredients in prepackaged foods which may be sabotage your journey back to health. Don't forget to pay attention to artificial sweeteners.
Best vs. Bad Sweeteners - Rodale's Leah Zerbe gives the truth on common natural and artificial sweeteners.
Addicted to Sodas? - Sparkling, sweet and tickly on the palate, soda is America's most common addiction. Rodale's Emily Main discusses nine disturbing side effects of sodas. Apart from high fructose corn syrup and other sugar substitutes, caramel coloring and brominated vegetable oil are other great reasons to avoid them.
Best and Worst Meat Choices - Lauri Watson goes beyond the butcher to compare types of meat while giving tips on selecting healthier cuts. Hosted by SparkPeople.
Stress-Proof your Diet - Is stress eating undermining your attempts at healthier eating habits? Everyday Health's Stacey Colino writes about stress eating and ways to curb the habit.
Allergies - Food allergies can throw a wrench into otherwise simple cooking and food choices. If you're new to cooking for allergies or celiac disease, this site is a great place to start.
Healthy Choices When Dining Out - WebMD discusses healthier strategies when ordering in a restaurant. You can also find quick reference guides to popular restaurant offerings at SparkPeople.
Dining out vs. Dining In - West Virginia University offers a quick picture of what frequent eating out does to your budget.
Crazy Sexy Wellness - Kris Carr is an inspiration. After an inoperable cancer diagnosis in February 2003, she used nutrition and radically shifted personal paradigms to manage and thrive with stage IV cancer for over a decade.
The Gerson Institute - Described as the most imminent genius in medical history by Dr. Albert Schweitzer; Dr. Max Gerson is often listed as a dispenser of quackery by many in Western medicine. He believed the body, even when faced with serious illness, has an enormous capacity to heal and restore stasis when detoxified and flooded with organic, plant-based nutrients. I am not posting this link as a plug for the institute, but I do believe Dr. Gerson made a valid point that support for healing processes begins with food and lifestyle changes. Ignoring those factors is the equivalent of celebrating a successful heart transplant or quadruple bypass with four Big Macs, a trough of fries and a case of cigarettes. Don't miss the message, and don't place allopathic (Western) medicine entirely at fault. I do not advocate turning away from doctors. Instead, I believe in seeking an integrative approach which combines Western medical treatment and monitoring with supportive holistic practices (nutrition, detoxification, meditation, forgiveness, lifestyle improvement, prayer, etc). Quality of life is just as important as the fight for life. You must take an active role in your health.
The Importance of Water Consumption - Fitness.com hosts an excellent article on how the body needs and uses water for optimal performance. Water makes up a large portion of cells, tissues and organs. It lubricates and cools the body and it is an important part of waste elimination. Don't forget water in your quest for better health.
Healthy Eating - Helpguide.org offers several easy ways to add healthier foods to your lifestyle. Curious about the nutritional contents of your favorite recipes? You can calculate them and even find some new ones at SparkRecipes.
How to Read Food Labels - Real Simple offers an easy guide to food labels. Start reading labels when you shop and find those sneaky sources of excess fat, sugar and sodium.
Carbohydrates Explained - The Harvard School of Public Health hosts a very informative article on the body's first energy source: carbs.
Glycemic Index - A free online reference for determining the glycemic index of the foods you eat.
Processed Foods - Prepackaged foods are designed for convenience, but they are not designed for health. Here is a list of common ingredients in prepackaged foods which may be sabotage your journey back to health. Don't forget to pay attention to artificial sweeteners.
Best vs. Bad Sweeteners - Rodale's Leah Zerbe gives the truth on common natural and artificial sweeteners.
Addicted to Sodas? - Sparkling, sweet and tickly on the palate, soda is America's most common addiction. Rodale's Emily Main discusses nine disturbing side effects of sodas. Apart from high fructose corn syrup and other sugar substitutes, caramel coloring and brominated vegetable oil are other great reasons to avoid them.
Best and Worst Meat Choices - Lauri Watson goes beyond the butcher to compare types of meat while giving tips on selecting healthier cuts. Hosted by SparkPeople.
Stress-Proof your Diet - Is stress eating undermining your attempts at healthier eating habits? Everyday Health's Stacey Colino writes about stress eating and ways to curb the habit.
Allergies - Food allergies can throw a wrench into otherwise simple cooking and food choices. If you're new to cooking for allergies or celiac disease, this site is a great place to start.
Healthy Choices When Dining Out - WebMD discusses healthier strategies when ordering in a restaurant. You can also find quick reference guides to popular restaurant offerings at SparkPeople.
Dining out vs. Dining In - West Virginia University offers a quick picture of what frequent eating out does to your budget.
Recipe Links
Reboot with Joe - Joe Cross has a large variety of recipes on his site. He also gives free juicing advice, produce prepping, juicer info and shopping tips.
The Juice Master - Jason Vale's site offers a delicious selection of juice, smoothie, soup and salad recipes. He also has a YouTube channel with many useful tips and tricks.
Natural Juice Junkie - Neil Martin offers recipes, juicer/blender recommendations, challenges, a blog and many personal stories of change and success. His website also hosts helpful tips for juicing on a budget.
Death to Diabetes - Juicing, smoothies and raw food diet to help manage health and diabetes. This site is also affiliated with Reverse Type 2 Diabetes in 90 Days.
Diabetes.co.uk - A global diabetes community. Provides health information on Prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, juicing for diabetes recovery, lifestyle resources and message boards for information and support.
Juicing for Diabetics - Hosted by Healthy-Vegetable-Gardening.com. Features a list of healing foods and how they affect diabetes.
Green Smoothie Recipes for Type 2 Diabetes - A nice collection of green smoothie recipes people are using to heal and keep blood sugar from spiking too high. Hosted by IncredibleSmoothies.com.
Food Matters Recipes - Hosted by Food Matters. Recipe index of salads, snacks, drinks, juices, smoothies and foods featuring ingredients, like matcha. This whole site is worth checking out. It's also free to register if you'd like to archive recipes and articles for easy reference.
Rawmazing - If you're curious about trying raw foods, Rawmazing is a nice place to start. Susan Powers is a trained sommelier and gourmet foods expert who uses a raw food diet to restore and protect her health.
Golubka - Beautiful raw food blog. Golubka means 'dove' in Russian. Lots of recipes and links to explore.
Raw is Sexy - Lauren DeYenno helps people transition to a raw food lifestyle with meal plans, fitness advice and delightful-looking recipes.
Raw and Radiant - Ashley Chong switched to a raw vegan diet to lose weight and take control of her health. Her site offers recipes, challenges, meal plans and nutritional counseling.
Goddess in the Raw - Athena writes about her adventures in raw cuisine. Her blog is chock full of interesting and tasty looking recipes. If you are interested in going raw, this blog is definitely worth a visit. Athena also posts recipes to a new vegetarian blog called Easy Peasy.
My Whole Food Life - Melissa King writes a creative healthy recipe blog for cleaning up your diet while tantalizing taste buds.
The Juice Master - Jason Vale's site offers a delicious selection of juice, smoothie, soup and salad recipes. He also has a YouTube channel with many useful tips and tricks.
Natural Juice Junkie - Neil Martin offers recipes, juicer/blender recommendations, challenges, a blog and many personal stories of change and success. His website also hosts helpful tips for juicing on a budget.
Death to Diabetes - Juicing, smoothies and raw food diet to help manage health and diabetes. This site is also affiliated with Reverse Type 2 Diabetes in 90 Days.
Diabetes.co.uk - A global diabetes community. Provides health information on Prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, juicing for diabetes recovery, lifestyle resources and message boards for information and support.
Juicing for Diabetics - Hosted by Healthy-Vegetable-Gardening.com. Features a list of healing foods and how they affect diabetes.
Green Smoothie Recipes for Type 2 Diabetes - A nice collection of green smoothie recipes people are using to heal and keep blood sugar from spiking too high. Hosted by IncredibleSmoothies.com.
Food Matters Recipes - Hosted by Food Matters. Recipe index of salads, snacks, drinks, juices, smoothies and foods featuring ingredients, like matcha. This whole site is worth checking out. It's also free to register if you'd like to archive recipes and articles for easy reference.
Rawmazing - If you're curious about trying raw foods, Rawmazing is a nice place to start. Susan Powers is a trained sommelier and gourmet foods expert who uses a raw food diet to restore and protect her health.
Golubka - Beautiful raw food blog. Golubka means 'dove' in Russian. Lots of recipes and links to explore.
Raw is Sexy - Lauren DeYenno helps people transition to a raw food lifestyle with meal plans, fitness advice and delightful-looking recipes.
Raw and Radiant - Ashley Chong switched to a raw vegan diet to lose weight and take control of her health. Her site offers recipes, challenges, meal plans and nutritional counseling.
Goddess in the Raw - Athena writes about her adventures in raw cuisine. Her blog is chock full of interesting and tasty looking recipes. If you are interested in going raw, this blog is definitely worth a visit. Athena also posts recipes to a new vegetarian blog called Easy Peasy.
My Whole Food Life - Melissa King writes a creative healthy recipe blog for cleaning up your diet while tantalizing taste buds.
Unless otherwise noted, stock images appearing on Moskevyu.com were sourced from either Fotolia.com or Dreamstime.com.
These images were legally purchased for use on this site.
Please note that any information or advice found or interpreted from this site is to be used at your own risk. I am not responsible for ideas, decisions or actions taken by site visitors regarding food/nutrition, health, disease/diagnosis, legal, wealth, debt, investing, safety, writing or any other aspect of your personal, physical, professional, financial, spiritual, or otherwise, lives.
You are in charge of your own self, whether you accept responsibility or not.
These images were legally purchased for use on this site.
Please note that any information or advice found or interpreted from this site is to be used at your own risk. I am not responsible for ideas, decisions or actions taken by site visitors regarding food/nutrition, health, disease/diagnosis, legal, wealth, debt, investing, safety, writing or any other aspect of your personal, physical, professional, financial, spiritual, or otherwise, lives.
You are in charge of your own self, whether you accept responsibility or not.