Tag Archive | juice

Metabolism Boosting Drink: 5 Foods that Speed Up Metabolism

May7

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A recent focus of mine has been on METABOLISM: What slows it, what accelerates it, how important is it?

One of the conclusions I’ve come to is that

there are certain foods that contain components that actively amp up the body’s metabolism.

That in mind, I decided to create a “Meta Drink” that contains several powerful foods. I drink it in as few gulps as possible, as the taste is INTENSE! (After you read the ingredients you’ll understand).

Metabolism Boosting Drink Ingredients:

(all organic, raw, fresh squeezed)

-Cinnamon (ground)

-Ginger (ground)

-Cayenne Pepper (ground)

-Maca Powder

-Lemon Juice

-Orange Juice

-Grapefruit Juice

-Coconut Vinegar

The liquid ingredients help the ground ingredients come together. Sometimes adding a splash of water helps make this mixture more drinkable. I drink this first thing in the morning and I find it wakes me right up and revs my energy. 

Losing Weight: Keeping a Healthy Mind & Body in the Process of Weight Loss

Apr6

As my wedding day approaches, I am staying mindful of making healthy choices and implementing healthy habits. I find it easy to have moments where I fall into the rut of the “get thin” mindset. I’ve wasted enough time with wedding dress measurement stress. Like everyone else, I’m not perfect. I splurge sometimes, I eat more than I should, I indulge in pizza and ice cream on occasion. I’ve found it’s about allowing yourself to enjoy little indulgences amidst practicing healthy habits the majority of the time.

The words that seem to be discussed most often in this day and age are

“losing weight” or “weight loss” or “lose inches” or “shrink”.

The problem I have with this terminology (even though those words are in the title of this post) is that they scream “lack” and “struggle” and “loss of sanity.”

I prefer to think of the process as GAINING so much, not LOSING. Gaining strength, gaining endurance, gaining health, gaining overall body function (losing fat is just one of many benefits of making healthy food & exercise choices). If the process seems like a terrible struggle, you are surely not doing the most healthful way.

I am in a constant state of balancing: 1. Eating without a restricted feeling and 2. Staying mindful of what I’m putting into my body.

This urge to eat is intensified on days when I run extra mileage. It is even more important on these days that I make healthy decisions so I don’t get deterred from my goal: to eat clean, organic food the majority of the time. My fiancée calls me a “lioness” because of my ferocious appetite. :)

In all of this, I keep these certain things in mind to make sure I am becoming more fit and toned without sacrificing health:

1. Break a sweat once a day.

Most days I’ll run 2-8 miles and some days I will simple do some push-ups and squats at home but either way I’m staying consistent with having my body endure activity every day.

2. Don’t think: Lose weight. Think: Gain Health.

3. Drink a big glass of water.

When I feel my hungriest, I find doing this not only revitalizes me, but it helps me to not be such an animal in the kitchen.

4. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Make them the focus of each meal, not the side. Plants have an incredible ability to revitalize and nourish the body.

5. Drink a daily elixir or detox drink.

My favorite concoctions are 1. lemon juice/coconut vinegar/raw honey/water and 2. spinach & water blended together. Having a routine of drinking this each day helps me keep a healthy focus on food.

6. Buy organic products. Yes, it’s worth the extra money.

7. Appreciate the beautiful body you have.

Might not sound like the first thing on your mind when you’re trying to improve your body. However, I find that becoming healthier and more fit while loving and appreciating your body is the road to success, whereas hating and being overly critical about your body while trying to improve will make your success diminish, as you are then in a negative state of mind. Negative is not productive.

8. Smile! Be happy.

I know that a happy Jesica is an energetic, productive, focused and inspired Jesica.

My ultimate goal is to be the healthiest me–Not the skinniest or thinnest. I think most people perhaps have the same goal, yet they go about it in unhealthy ways that ultimately are detrimental to the body.

Picture yourself where you want to be, live in the moment, focus on health, and don’t sweat the little details. (What I’m telling myself)

Did I mention I’m getting married this year? Wahoooooo :) (I’m so lucky he picked me!)

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My Makeup: Aubrey Organics, Juice Beauty, Emani, Faerie Organic, Larenim

Apr5

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This post will be brief, as I just wanted to share some of the organic makeup/cosmestic products I’ve been using.

I have successfully switched every makeup item in my regimen to an organic alternative.

It’s such a wonderful feeling knowing that I am putting good things onto my face and can recognize the ingredients in each of them.

Here’s the rundown of my organic beauty items that are practical for daily use/wear:

-Juice Beauty Organic Perfecting Foundation in “Organic Sand” and “Organic Ivory”

-Aubrey Organics Translucent Base Powder in “Caramel”

-Emani Pressed Mineral Foundation in “Sienna”

-Faerie Organic Eye Shadows in shades “Cocoa Bean” and “Hush”

-Faerie Organic Bambi Eyes Mascara

-Larenim Cosmetics Powder Eyeliner in “Destiny”

-Aubrey Organics Natural Lips Sheer Tint in “Sheer Pink”

I have two shades of both foundation and powder to accommodate my changing skin (i.e. sun tanned in the summer, lacking tan in the winter). This strategy works perfectly for matching my skin tone as close as possible.

I have reviewed these products in earlier posts, so check them out if you’re curious! Happy “makeuping” :)

Navitas Naturals Organic & Raw Maca Powder Review

Apr3

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Navitas Naturals Organic & Raw Maca Powder

-Navitas Naturals Description:

“Maca is an herbaceous plant native to the high Andean Mountains of Bolivia and Peru. It is one of the only food plants in the world able to thrive at such a high altitude. Maca, and more specifically the root of the plant, has a long history as a superfood. The maca root was prized throughout the Incan empire for its adaptogenic-like qualities that enable it to nourish and balance the body’s delicate endocrine system, and to help cope with stress. It also energizes naturally, without the jitters and crashes of caffeine, and it can aid in reproductive function, helping to balance hormones and increase fertility. Navitas Naturals Maca Powder is the raw and natural form of this special root.”

-My Description & Thoughts about Maca:

I have become increasingly interested in finding foods that can aid and optimize the function of the endocrine system.

I don’t believe I’ve ever sought information before for the sole purpose of bettering this specific pathway in my body. The thing that intrigues me most about the idea of optimizing the system that is responsible for hormone dispersement is this: ample amounts of exercise, heart rate raising and muscle challenging activity can have a decreased effect on the body (for increased athleticism, decreased body fat, accelerated metabolism) when the messengers inside your body, known as hormones, are not doing their job the best they can. Like every other system in the body, food intake effects this.

I love reading and learning more about superfoods like Maca that have the power to elevate the health of the endocrine system, sans hormone injections or other invasive methods.

Maca has an interesting taste to it; it’s hard to even come up with a good description for it. It is a bit earthy, with similar flavors of other roots like beets, carrots or parsnips. I like it best simply mixed with water and gulped down the hatch. Since it has a peculiar flavor, I don’t often put it in smoothies nor fruit bowls. It’s more of a “maca shot.” Sometimes I will add it to another daily elixir I drink that is made of lemon juice & coconut vinegar.

Navitas Naturals products are available at most health food stores like Natural Grocers and Whole Foods. One bag that will last a few months costs about $17.

Juice Beauty Organic Skin Care & Cosmetic Products Review

Mar15

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Juice Beauty Organic Skin Care & Cosmetics

I was extremely curious and excited to try Juice Beauty Products! I had read about this company months before as a top organic beauty brand. Not sure why it took me to long so finally get my hands on these products. Actress Alicia Silverstone helped create this beauty line and also is behind several animal-rights and eco-friendly efforts.

Perfecting Foundation: Organic Sand & Organic Ivory

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“This Perfecting Foundation is packed with organic ingredients that will leave your complexion looking refreshed and perfected. The combination of organic aloe juice, fruit extracts and minerals provides a cream to powder finish that will wear all day, while giving you a perfect airbrushed look and feel.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I cannot say enough good things about this foundation! I absolutely love and recommend this foundation. I am so excited to talk about this product–as I haven’t ever been a foundation wearer before. Because of the unevenness of my skin (due to sun spots, blemishes, etc.) I had recently become open to the idea of foundation to even out my skin tone. While shopping on Juice Beauty’s site, I became increasingly impressed with their make up products and their ingredients. That, along with my recent interest in increased coverage makeup drove me to purchase this foundation.

After buying the “Organic Sand” shade, I figured that my skin’s closest match would be a mixture of “Organic Sand” and the next shade lighter, “Organic Ivory.” So, when I apply it, I mix them together to match my facial skin tone.

It is such a clean, natural looking foundation. I am wearing this foundation in the picture below. I am pleased with how it looks on me.

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PomSmooth Conditioner

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Achieve more silky, hydrated hair with this smoothing blend of organic pomegranate and aloe juices, nourishing organic essential fatty acids and repairing organic olive and jojoba.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This is truly the best conditioner I’ve ever used. That’s the most succinct way to say it. It detangles just as well as it moisturizes. It has a pleasant, light, fruity smell and leaves hair manageable and easy to comb/brush. The clean ingredient list mixed with the effectiveness of this conditioner make it the best I’ve ever tried.

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Green Apple Peel Sensitive

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“This patented organic fruit acid complex with raw cane sugar exfoliates to reduce breakouts, discolorations and fine lines. Heals while hydrating with rejuvenating algae, vitamins and antioxidants for a smooth, glowing complexion.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I enjoyed using this peel; I applied it onto skin like I would a mask. It found that the fruit acids in this peel help revive the skin (a similar effect to what exfoliating has). I was a nice morning pick me up. My skin felt fresh, clean, and detoxified after using this green apple peel.

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Blemish Clearing TRIO Sample:

1. Blemish Clearing Cleanser

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Prevent blemishes, deeply cleanse and remove impurities with this clarifying cleanser of certified organic lemon, cherry and aloe juices. Deeply cleanses, heals while hydrating.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I could tell that there was lemon in this cleanser right away. Lemon has this incredible power of detoxifying skin and acting as an astringent. It gave my skin a thorough, clean, refreshed feeling.

2. Blemish Clearing Serum

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Reduce breakouts, unclog pores, and even skin tone with this powerful serum packed with organic fruit acids and salicylic acid from willow bark; while organic aloe, CoQ10 and fat-soluble Vitamin C renew the skin for a healthy, clear complexion. Heals while hydrates.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This serum is an effective and solid barrier that protects and heals my skin when used in combination with the moisturizer. I could also recognize the fruit acids in this serum immediately because of how it felt it detoxified my skin. Serums are new to me, as I’ve never used them in my skin care routine before. However, this serum seemed to really add an extra layer of “skin food” to my face.

3. Blemish Clearing Moisturizer

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Hydrate, quench and restore your skin’s natural moisture balance with this lightweight oil-free moisturizer that contains a blend of certified organic grape and pomegranate, soothing aloe vera, vitamin antioxidants and nutrient-rich sea algae to restore the skin’s natural balance.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

The texture and moisturizing abilities of this moisturizer are ideal. It is light enough that it does not leave skin goopy and greasy, yet it is substantial enough to effectively moisturize my skin. All three of these blemish clearing products smell pleasant as well.

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Kombucha Brewing

Jan23

My fiancée Paul and I have recently begun to explore our interest in brewing our own Kombucha at home. In short, Kombucha (a fermented black tea with organic fruit flavorings) is a detoxifying drink that we consume daily.

We have been wanting to make our own homemade brew to 1.) Have more creative control over the flavor combinations of our kombucha and 2.) Cut back on how much money we spend on kombucha (it sells at places like Whole foods for about $3.79 per 16-oz bottle).

To create a batch of kombucha, Paul found that you need a S.C.O.B.Y. (A symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). You can either buy one from a distributor online or you can grow your own. We have done both–we ordered one online and are making our own “scoby snack” (as we call it) in the meantime.

A throrough description of the kombucha making process can be found through other kombucha-focused sites, but here I’m just sharing my excitement (& a few photos taken along the way) until I have more experience and knowledge to share about this journey . :)

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Winging It: How I Threw Planning out the Window

Aug30

Warning: Crazy rambles :)

A fellow organic living blogger, Dana, and I had a mini discussion on instagram about the concept of “winging it.” She and I were using it in reference to not using recipes when making homemade deodorant. For the record, she is a phenomenal & helpful lady and you should check out her blog titled Organic Eater.

My style is to “wing it”. Not referring to a recipe, not getting wrapped up in precise measurements and not having any expectations. Just do it. (Thanks Nike).

Disclaimer: If your style is not to wing it, I do not mean to offend. Praise to those who have the patience for recipes, journals, and planners :)

That conversation with Dana sparked a moment of realization:

I wing most things in my life. Workouts, meals, future plans, blog posts, conversations–I do very little planning ahead of time.

From my experience so far in life, especially in college, the common response to this is something to the affect of: “You don’t plan? That’s irresponsible. You have to put time and thought into these things in order to be successful. You should have your plans set out for the future, write down your goals, keep a food journal, write down your exercises.” Blah, blah, blah.

It seems that to a lot of people, a lack of planning is regarded as flippant, irresponsible, and careless.

The reason this hits home for me is because I believe my successes have been a direct result of not planning.

This doesn’t mean I did not imagine myself where I wanted to be in the future: happy, fulfilled, blissful. Rather, I let it happen, versus planning it out.

“Winging it” is liberating to me. It also feels natural, like there’s an innate behavior in me that already knows how to do that. Sometimes, “winging it” puts you in the “rogue” category to others. I’m okay with that. Rogue is good. Weird is good. Different is good. :)

I am currently spending time with my family (I was away from them throughout all of college–about 5 years). The idea of “winging it” reminds me a lot of my Dad, who I think very highly of (I think highly of my Mom too :) ). Dad’s experience in this story, I believe, was a turning point for him mentally, and seeing it happen from the outside has helped my mentality also.

This is the short version: Dad, who is an absolute motorcycle enthusiast, had a dream to ride his motorcycle to Alaska (from Fort Worth, Texas). This would be a long trek, so he bought all kinds of equipment, planned routes, looked up places along the way, etc.–months and months of planning and preparing for this trip. He finally felt equipped and took off on this trip (on a 6-month old motorcycle). When he made it to Wyoming, his motorcycle’s engine failed. He could not ride any farther with his bike in the present condition. The part in the engine of his bike ended up being deemed an assembly line error–a malfunction that was completely unexpected and demoralizing to his psyche.

What I take from that is, Dad put so much time and energy into this trip, all for his bike to fail and cut the trip short. He invested so much time and effort and in the end, his big plan did not work out. Dad says that experience was life changing and it led him to “abandon planning.”

Investing so much in the plan can be a little backwards in my mind. Our lives have an incredible way of surprising us with positive things/adventures/experiences–so why do we forget that and try to plan it all out bit by bit?

Maybe it’s baggage, maybe it’s purely out of fear and stress. It seems clear to me that it is not productive.

I do not suggest that we disconnect ourselves completely from what could happen in the future. Instead, I think it may be much more helpful to live in the present moment and experience it, embrace it, love it, cherish it, let it happen like it will with no expectations.

Planning, to me, is worrying’s cousin. Most of the time it is done because we are fearful, stressed, or intimidated.

All of these ramblings are relevant because I get frequently asked questions like, “How much do you run?” or “Do you run everyday?” or “How much do you eat?”

This is no exaggeration: every single day when I leave the house to run, I truly and absolutely have no expectations or goals set for that run. I don’t have a running log where it says, “Today run this amount.” I just run. It’s simple. Running is not a calculated science for me. It’s an experience, a feeling, a challenging adventure.

That’s worth saying again, running is an adventure! It should be invigorating and stimulating.

I acknowledge that some people relate to goals and they want a target mileage, pace, amount of reps, etc. But, my advice will always be: WING IT! I find that goals limit me more than they help me. The sky is the limit. I will run for as long as I can stand it today; every day that amount is different.

Laird Hamilton says this in his book: “Why not let it rip, at least a little bit? Everyone I know who’s really stoked about getting out of bed in the morning does that to some extent.”

and this,

“I don’t have a set routine. To my mind, thats the quickest route to burnout (and it’s deeply unimaginative besides). To be healthy, to sleep well, to eat well. These things are essential every day…My activities vary daily, weekly, seasonally, geographically, psychologically, depending on who’s in town–you name it. The best way to maximize what a day has to offer is to look outside your window that morning, and then look inside yourself.” -Laird Hamilton

Maybe I should just ask Laird to write my blog, then it would be clear, succinct, concise and poised. :)

Here’s another pretty extravagant random fact: all of these inventions were created accidentally, without planning: Penicillin, the pacemaker and vulcanized rubber. 

Pretty cool. Pretty rad things can happen and will happen when you aren’t planning for it.

“If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.” -Joseph Campbell

My Dad is going to laugh when he reads this because he has said this to me numerous times (while I had an uninterested look on my face), but I find this quote/phrase so powerful: “Follow Your Bliss.”

Here’s the complete quote from Joseph Campbell, ”Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”

(I will not do Joseph Campbell justice if I attempt to describe who he is, so if you’re interested, it would be better and perhaps more accurate for you to look him up).

This post meanders a bit, but I enjoyed writing these thoughts.

I wrote this while hanging out by the window at Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse (my favorite coffee shop in Bloomington, IN) and the combination of the coffee and the ambiance apparently allowed me to speak openly and freely and tap into relating stories and quotes.

Hope everyone has a phenomenal day! :)

What is your “style” (to wing it or not to wing it)? What seems to work for you?

End of 8 Day Juice Fast, Cleanse, Detox

Aug8

This juice fast, cleanse, detox, or feast (as I’ve heard it also called) has ultimately been a great thing for me for several reasons:

-I generally feel better–no digestion problems, alert, capable, refreshed, and lighter on my feet.
-I have learned that it doesn’t require a massive meal full of grains to feel fueled for a run. Maximum nutrient consumption should be key.
-I feel like I have given my body a “reset” and have avoided getting bored with eating and exercise.

Alot of people have asked for “before and after” juice fast pictures…

I didn’t take a before picture, but I took one on my last day (today–day 8). My goal was not solely to lose weight, but I do enjoy feeling lighter when I run with not as much unecessary weight. I’ve noticed I don’t feel as bloated and my stomach feels flatter and leaner.

If you are considering doing a juice fast, I say go for it! Remember to listen to your body and drink lots of water in addition to the juice!

It’s been neat connecting with individuals on instagram that are equally as enthusiastic about nutrition and juicing. Thanks to everyone who has been open minded and encouraging on this juicing journey!

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Juice Fast, Feast, Detox, Cleanse

Aug3

I’m on day 3 of a juice fast.

Wanted to share some photos of what I’ve made so far and share my thoughts.

The first 48 hours have been the hardest. I am a healthy snacker throughout the day normally (to fuel up and satisfy cravings before and after runs), so I’ve had to retrain my brain to stay preoccupied while on this fast. I figured by day 3 I would feel depleted and exhausted. But I’m not–I feel like a wave of healthiness has come over me. My normal diet already contains a lot of fruits and vegetables, but it seems like limiting my intake to just that for several days has given me that extra boost. I feel vibrant, healthy, and still capable of running several miles a day. It feels like smooth sailing at this point.

Just for clarification, while on this fast, this is what I am allowing myself to ingest:

-juice from fresh fruit and veggies using my GE juicer
-the fiber & pulp that the juicer discards (I throw it in a blender with water and drink that to help me maintain a full feeling)
-a cup of black coffee if I feel I want it. (a lot of people cut out caffeine while on this fast, but since I am keeping up my running routine, I am allowing myself coffee if I develop a caffeine withdrawal headache)

I’m not sure how many days this will last, but I am enjoying the challenge of sticking to the juice!

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Products of the Day – Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice, Taste Nirvana Coconut Water + Pulp, Coco Exposed Coconut Water + Aloe

Jun12

 

Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice

Contains: Certified Organic Aloe Vera Fillet Juice

Description: This pure aloe vera juice is an excellent detoxifying drink that benefits your body in several ways. It has a light fresh taste and is a great addition to smoothies! When taken on a daily basis, this juice provides consumers with numerous clinically-proven health benefits including: promote a health digestive system, helps to balance stomach acidity, helps to boost the immune system, increases vitamin and supplement absorption when taken with the juice, supports reduced inflammation throughout the body while promoting healthy joint and muscle function.

Purchase & Work Cited: I’ve used the descriptions on Lily of the Desert website to help me convey the quality of their products on this blog. You can purchase any and all Lily of the Desert products on http://www.lilyofthedesert.com. These  products are also found in some specialty health food stores. Call ahead to see if your local place carries it!

Taste Nirvana Coconut Water + Pulp

Contains: Coconut water and coconut pulp chunks (these coconut tidbits are absolutely delicious!)

Description: Coconut water with pulp is a great source of healthy fiber, electrolytes, potassium and iron. With no added preservatives this All Natural Real Coconut Water with Pulp is a great hydrating drink that can be a healthy and delicious part of your daily routine.

Purchase & Work Cited: I’ve used the descriptions on Taste Nirvana’s website to help me convey the quality of their products on this blog. You can purchase any and all Taste Nirvana products on http://www.tastenirvana.com. These  products are also found in some specialty health food stores. Call ahead to see if your local place carries it!

Coco Exposed Coconut Water + Aloe

Contains: Coconut Water, Aloe Vera Juice, and an all natural fruit juice that depends on the flavor

Description: this line of drinks is made with pure water from young coconuts, real Aloe Vera juice & pulp, and all natural fruit juices. Coconut water, a great source of potassium to support your active lifestyle, combines with all of the goodness of real Aloe Vera juice and bits of aloe pulp straight from the Aloe Vera plant (never from powder) for something totally different, super revitalizing and immensely hydrating. Comes in all sorts of juice flavors, so pick your favorite flavor and try it out!

Purchase & Work Cited: I’ve used the descriptions on Coco Exposed’s website to help me convey the quality of their products on this blog. You can purchase any and all Coco Exposed products on http://www.alodrink.com. These  products are also found in some specialty health food stores. Call ahead to see if your local place carries it!