21 January 2010
by 
12 Comments
I’ve blogged about yoga before. It complements raw living so well in my life. I honestly feel like it is wholesome for me, like it grounds me, and brings me full circle from deep within. It’s still amazing to me how many differences there are when I compare the times I’m practicing yoga, and when I am not.
Doesn’t the gal in this photo look so at peace? Of course, there were lots of other cool yoga photos I could’ve chosen for this post, but I thought the hay was the best fit – considering I’m in Amish country. 
I’m going to share the pros and cons of yoga vs no yoga in my life later (below) but first, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite go-to yoga resources.
YogaisYummy.net – I came across this gem a while back. I immediately loved Polly’s bright, sunny, positive attitude and her fun yoga videos. I continue to use her videos – especially if I’m short on time (her videos are each 10 minutes in length).
Stacy McCarthy’s Yoga Body Lean & Defined Total Body Workout DVD
“Be slow to judge and quick to acknowledge your efforts toward a healthy life.”
That’s a difficult thing to do, but so rewarding!
The Bolder Mat Company – I love this company! They’re passionate about the environment and they make beautiful mats that are not only inspiring to practice yoga on, but they’re actually sticky mats that are good quality and serve a purpose. They’re cushy, too!
Ali MacGraw – Yoga Mind & Body DVD 
Where the Lemon Water Comes In
A lot of you have asked why I love drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach). I shared my answer on the FAQ page but I’ll paste it here for your convenience. 
Lemons are loaded with goodies your bodies need such as Vitamin C and heart- and cancer-fighting compounds like limonin and limolene. I love them. I have been drinking warm lemon water each morning before breakfast for a long time now. My Mom is a HUGE advocate of lemons and we have been having them in our iced tea for oodles of years. The warm lemon water (drank on an empty stomach) helps alkalize the body, jumpstarts your liver and bowel and flushes your kidneys and bladder. It’s very cleansing to your body. Lemons boost your immune system, lower histamine levels, and help give your skin an overall healthy glow. I definitely feel less energetic and have less “umph” on days I don’t get my lemon!
Hope that helps you understand my obsession with warm lemon water.
Warm Lemon Water Recipe
Ingredients:
- a slice of lemon (you can use up to a half of a lemon)
- a cup of hot water
- a drizzle of (raw) honey or organic stevia (optional – I drink mine plain, without sweetener)
Directions:
- Add some water to your tea kettle.
- Heat the water (don’t let it boil).
- Squeeze the lemon slice/wedge into your cup.
- Pour hot water in to cup (about 3/4 full).
- Sip and enjoy.
Tip: Don’t chug this down. Slip it slowly. I eat about half an hour (sometimes up to 45 minutes) after I’ve drank all my warm lemon water.
Back to Yoga
So, when I’m not practicing yoga and drinking warm lemon water every morning, I feel:
- stagnant
- stiff
- lethargic
- moody
- out of balance
- hungrier
- sleepy
- blocked on my writing/blogging
- etc.
When I am practicing yoga and drinking warm lemon water every morning, I feel:
- stronger
- happier
- more grounded
- more alert
- healthier
- less hungry
- more radiant
- more confident
- like I’m bursting at the seams with words to write
- and much more
I sleep better, too, when yoga and lemon water make their way into my day!
What about you? What grounds you and makes you feel more centered and just healthier and better? Is it yoga? Raw foods? Smoothies? Running? Please share!
Photo Credits:
jhoc (yoga)
spakattacks (lemon)
Hi Sweetie,
Youve just reminded me to add honey lemon water to my diet..I used to drink it a lot…but pff lately have become so preoccupied with life in general…I am going to start now! Now !
Oh…also i think about starting everytime…go buy a huge bag of lemons and shove it in the fridge..adn thenw ell I forget..so I am off to dig up that lemon bag..adn make myself some yummy lemony water…mmmmmmmm
Much Love,
Z~
[Reply]
Raw Juice Girl Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:04 am
Hi, Z!
I’m glad this post reminded you to bring lemon water back into your diet. Yes, life can pull us off track sometimes but that’s okay – we can just hop back on and go again!
Hugs,
Michele
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Hi Michele!
Funny you should post about this topic today as I was just searching for info on Lemons yesterday… I had heard about drinking it first thing and was looking for info. So now because I need to have specifics (it’s just my nature…) How much lemon? How much water?? and do you add anything else in??
Also… I’ve been meaning to ask you- any progress on the ‘Amish living blog’ that you’ve mentioned in the past??? I am FASCINATED with the Amish and their lifestyle and would love to read about it!!!! I think I was supposed to be born into an Amish family but something got mixed up….and I’m stuck in the city.
xoxo
[Reply]
Raw Juice Girl Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:06 am
Hi, Bernadette!
Isn’t that amazing that you were just thinking about lemon water?! So cool. Glad I posted about it, and that you stopped by!
If you’ll look at the post, I updated it with that info (sorry I forgot earlier).
Ah, the Amish blog. It’s on the backburner right now. Things have been hectic in our lives (and the Web Tech) so it’s a slow process right now. I do apologize for the delay – it’s coming, though! Promise!
Hugs,
Michele
[Reply]
Great post, Michele. Obvi it’s music to my ears
I was just getting ready to release the details of my yoga & raw foods retreat later today AND soon I plan to do a “yoga stuff” post kind of like this but more…so that my inbox does not overflow and I dont have to answer the same question daily, x10 times over LOL
Congrats to the winner of Lisa’s giveaway!
And I couldnt imagine my life without yoga. I also drink lemon/water from time to time. It’s a bit too “flushing” for me, so I need to be careful on it. All that raw food, me and fiber are already BFFs LOL
xoox
.-= Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)´s last blog ..Grocery Store & Mailbox Finds and Organic or Not? =-.
[Reply]
Raw Juice Girl Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:07 am
Thanks, Averie!
I saw that post – awesomeness! Wow, it sounds sooooooooooo amazing!
Yes, some people just don’t care for lemon water – it just gives me strength and I love it.
I love all your yoga tips, too!!
Hugs,
Michele
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Hi, Just found you through Averie…and am so glad I did. What a beautifully written and informative post. Love it. I am under-taking a “personal journey” of my own, and also partaking in yoga…blog of it and its principles at times…of course it’s always easier to write about it than to actually practice it and adhere to it isn’t it? But you seem to have it so well together….my relationship with myself and food is “wounded” to say the least – and I am extremely hard on my myself and judgemental – or so I am told…hence I really appreciate that quote you gave above from Stacey…will have to post that where I can see it everyday..I will have to add you to my blogroll. Namaste girl.
.-= eatmovelove´s last blog ..Book Review: enLIGHTened =-.
[Reply]
Raw Juice Girl Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:11 am
Hi, Jen!
Thanks for stopping by! Welcome to Healing with (Raw) Juices – you’re welcome anytime here!
I’m so glad this post helped you. Yes, it is SO easy to judge ourselves harshly (I’m guilty myself!). I suppose I do “have it together” a lot better than I used to, but of course, I’m not perfect. I still mess up. I blog about it when I do.
I enjoy sharing my journey. I look forward to your future visits! Thanks for adding me to your blogroll – I’ll add you to mine as well.
Namaste – and hugs!
Michele
[Reply]
Ah! You’re absolutely right. When I’m doing yoga regularly, there is a world of difference in how I feel. Lately, I’ve gotten way off my routine, but maybe these yoga links will get me motivated again. I’ve always heard lemon is good for you, but I didn’t know it had so many health benefits. I’m going to stock up on lemons next time I go to the store! Thanks Michele!
.-= Melissa Donovan´s last blog ..Who Has the Best Writing Ideas? =-.
[Reply]
Raw Juice Girl Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:13 am
Hi, Melissa!
Yes, total difference. I’m still sore right now because I got away from my routine as well. I’m less sore than I was yesterday so I’m getting there. I’m going to do my best to stick with it more often. Life does happen, but just because something happens and I have no choice but to miss a day or two (like some family emergency or something), that doesn’t mean I have to let weeks slip by before I get back to it.
Oh, lemons are soooooooooo fantabulous! I’m glad you’re picking some up. Enjoy the links – and the lemon water!
Hugs,
Michele
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My grandmother use to make me drink this whenever I look bloated. To this day I drink this like once a week. I drank some last night, and I was peeing the whole night! It felt better, and my feet which were swollen from relapsing and having something to salty. It works for real. I think I may try doing this every morning! Lemons are cheap enough! It do feel way better, and it def gets all my digestive system together.
Now I just need to get into the yoga! I feel so crazy lately after getting laid off, and i oftentimes find myself drifting off and thinking about things that make me stressed.
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