Articles with the health Tag

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First, I’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to Nomi Shannon and her publisher (Books Alive) for not only sending me two of Nomi’s books to review and enjoy for many years to come, but for also generously sponsoring a contest here at Healing with (Raw) Juices, so one of you can also add both books to your raw food library and enjoy more creative raw foods!

Raw Food Chef, Nomi Shannon

“I embraced a 100% raw food program, and over a matter of several weeks said good riddance to fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia, mood swings, allergic sinusitis, digestive disorders, including acid reflux, and in time rid myself of candida (a systemic yeast infection that has multiple symptoms). My physical, emotional and mental energy was so high I had never experienced anything like it. It would be a lie to say that, in my mid-forties, I felt as though I were in my twenties again. I had never felt as good in my twenties.”–Nomi Shannon

How inspiring is that?! Oh my goodness, what an honor for me to be given the amazing opportunity to review not one but TWO of Nomi Shannon’s books! Let’s focus on just one of those books today.

The Raw Gourmet is a delicious UN-cook book. From bright, beautiful photos of RAWsome dishes to health information about various ingredients, you’ll take away much more from this book than tons of new recipes to try.

Nomi Shannon, the author of this fantabulous book, is a Raw Foodist, Gourmet Chef, and a true source of encouragement for anyone who is suffering from health issues, who is looking to clean up their diet.Nomi has been 100% raw since 1987, when she was first introduced to raw foods as a complete lifestyle.

Even if you aren’t looking to convert to a 100% raw food lifestyle, you can benefit from this raw recipe book. You can use the raw recipes Nomi shares as snacks or side dishes alongside your cooked foods if you’re simply wanting to incorporate more raw/healthy foods into your diet. Or you can start creating these raw recipes if you’re wanting to transition to a high-raw or 100% raw food lifestyle. And you don’t have to be a Raw Foodist to enjoy tasty raw desserts. Either way, you can’t go wrong and you’ll enjoy these yummy rawlicious dishes! ;-)

Gorgeous Cover Design!

The Raw Gourmet, Nomi Shannon

Sneak Peek

I knew you’d be trying to imagine what is hidden in the pages of Nomi’s book. So, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek! I took a few photos of the inside, of a few dishes and sections. See for yourself!

Asian Pâté Stuffed Peppers

raw recipes, Asian pate, stuffed peppers

Raw Desserts

raw recipes, desserts

Raw Cabbage Rolls

raw recipes, cabbage roll-ups

Veggie Salads

raw recipes, salads

Raw Juices and More!

raw recipes, juices, blended drinks, smoothies

Yum!

raw recipes, juice

See, I told you there are TONS of fantabulous photos and super healthy raw recipes for you to try. I think it’ll take you a looooooooooong time to wade through all these recipes!

Table of Contents

Want to know what all you’ll learn from this book? Check it out!

Chapter 1. The Basics

Here, Nomi teaches lays the foundation of raw foods. She explains the benefits of eating raw, living food and why you should choose organic. In this chapter, she also shares how for you to make the best use of this book, how to prepare raw foods, and lists ten raw food kitchen essentials.

Chapter 2. Breakfast

Learn to be creative with your raw breakfasts!

Chapter 3. Juices and Blended Drinks

Discover a whole new world of drinks: raw nut milks, grain milks, smoothies, green juices, and other juices.

Chapter 4. Salads and Vegetables

Think salad is just a chopped head of lettuce with some puny carrots thrown on? Think again! Enter the beautiful, creative paradise of these salads: dehydrated, marinated, exotic, sprouted, green, and gourmet specialties!

Chapter 5. Fundamental Flavors

Learn how to make all sorts of neat raw gravies, dressings, soups, sauces, marinades, spreads, toppings, and dips.

Chapter 6. Entrees

Do you hesitate going raw because you love your meat? Check this out: You can prepare raw burgers, roll-ups, mousses, loaves, and also stuffed veggies.

Chapter 7. Desserts

Who doesn’t go crazy for dessert, huh? Love candy? Sauces? Cookies? Ice cream? Pie? Pudding? Snack bars? Sweet toppings? Dive in to this chapter and go wild!

Contest

Love how The Raw Gourmet sounds? You can win your very own copy! Yes, that’s right. But you have to be patient. Why? Because I’m not only giving away this book, I’m giving away a second book of Nomi’s, so this contest will be for a combo prize! You’ll win both books! In the next post, you’ll find a review for a book Nomi Shannon co-wrote: Raw Food Celebrations. You’ll never be left wondering what you can prepare/eat at a party or celebration again!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. ;-)

23 July 2009

I hope you enjoyed following my 30-day juice fast! I know I enjoyed the challenge! :-)

So, what’s next for Raw Juice Girl? Exercise. What kind of exercise? Yoga! Yep, I’ve decided to give yoga a try. After years of having folks tell me I should try yoga to strengthen/possibly heal my back, I’ve made up my mind to just go for it. I’ve started with Polly’s Yoga for Newbies video and am just ecstatic!

Rewind.

Last night, I slept so well! I need that rest after the craziness in my life lately. I woke up refreshed and excited to have my “date with Polly”! :-)

The verdict? I LOVED it!!!

The stretching felt sooooooooooooooooo phenomenal and it was such a peaceful, relaxing way to start my day!

I love the Cow and Child’s poses so far, but all of it was fantabulous! The breathing, focusing, relaxing, stretching… Just perfect!

Tomorrow, I’m considering trying Polly’s Yoga for Low Back.

What do you think? Should I continue with the newbie video or switch it up every single day? Do you practice yoga? Who’s your favorite instructor? Why are they your favorite? Do you practice yoga at home, or attend classes at a local studio? Fill me in! :-)

Want some Futter’s Nut Butter? Enter an awesome giveaway over at Yogiclarebear’s Blog!! :-)

Don’t forget about the other contests I’ve mentioned recently! And catch up on the juicy details of my 30-day juice fast.

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. ;-)

16 July 2009

I previously mentioned Polly’s yoga to strengthen the lower back, but I thought maybe some of you who happen upon this post would be totally clueless about yoga so I decided to share Polly’s Yoga for Newbies video with you. It seems simple enough. (I haven’t tried it yet because I got attacked (and stung!) by a bunch of red wasps and haven’t been feeling too great.) But I’m definitely going to give this a shot.

I’ve never really had an interest in yoga, until lately. A lot of you, my readers, and other folks have recommended practicing yoga as a way to strengthen/possibly heal my back troubles. So, we shall see! :-)

Do check out Polly’s blog: Yoga is Yummy. She also has quite a neat list of yoga videos you can watch (for free!!) and a super cool looking, brand-new yoga DVD you may want to go ahead and purchase if you like her style–a lot of other folks do. (She’s VERY inspiring/motivating!)

Don’t forget about the contests! And catch up on the juicy details of my 30-day juice fast.

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. ;-)

14 July 2009

First, I’d love to take a moment to thank TropicalTraditions.com–and Dawn Campbell, Marketing Managerfor sponsoring this contest and for being so gracious as to send a jumbo size (32 ounces!) jar of Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil–and a book all about it! We appreciate it!

Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil = Heaven on Earth!

I’m serious! Y’all, I am soooooooooo excited to be hosting this contest and have the opportunity to review such an amazing product as Tropical Traditions Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. It’s divine. Not only is the review/contest about the coconut oil itself, but I’ll be reviewing (and the lucky winner of this contest will be getting) a book about it as well! How awesome is that?!

So…. you’ll get to read and learn all about how magnificent coconut oil really is while reaping the benefits (both inside and out)! Fantabulous!!

Take a look at that jar of coconut oil–it’s a whopping 32 ounces!

That’s GINORMOUS!!

michele-tune-freelance-writer-blogger-health

[See my face? That isn't make-up. Nope, it's the glow that comes with applying this coconut oil! Eeek!]

Review of Tropical Traditions Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

I honestly cannot think of ONE thing I dislike about this coconut oil. It’s delicious and when I apply it to my skin, it isn’t greasy–just luxurious! That’s right… I use it both internally and externally for all sorts of reasons. I’m eating 98-100% raw right now so I’ll share how I’m using it and then I’ll add a few more ideas for those of you who aren’t a Raw Foodist. :-)

Internally for a Raw Foodist:

  • drizzled over salad (or any veggies) with a squeeze of lime juice (from a real lime) as a “dressing”
  • stirred in raw oats
  • eaten straight from the spoon
  • added into raw smoothies
  • added to hot tea
  • added to raw soup
  • smeared on raw crackers/breads
  • used in various other raw recipes

Internally for Non-Raw Foodists:

  • drizzled over an omelet
  • added to soups
  • added to breads/biscuits/baking recipes
  • smeared on toast
  • stirred into oats
  • stirred into quinoa
  • used in meat recipes
  • and more

Externally for all of us:

  • on your face (to help prevent wrinkles and moisturize)
  • on your arms/hands
  • on your feet/legs
  • anywhere
  • add a dollop to your bath water
  • make an oil treatment for your hair
  • use to moisten dry lips
  • apply to prevent sunburn and protect against harmful UV rays
  • apply to sunburn, itches, rashes, etc.

See, the possibilities are endless!!

Worried it isn’t raw (for you Raw Foodists)?

See, I thought of everything–that’s why I checked their site (TropicalTraditions.com) and found the following information!

Excerpt from Tropical Traditions:

Characteristics of Our Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

This Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is a truly
unrefined coconut oil. This coconut oil is made on Mt. Banahaw and
surrounding areas from organic coconuts. Coconuts are used fresh
(within 24-48 hours of harvest) from small family farms on Mt. Banahaw
and other rural places in Quezon Province, the coconut capital of the
Philippines. Only the highest quality coconuts are hand-picked from
each harvest. The volcanic soil of Mt. Banahaw makes these organic
coconuts some of the most nutritionally rich coconuts in the world!
Testing done in independent laboratories reveals higher levels of
phenolic antioxidants than other coconut oils. The fresh coconut meat
is shredded (wet milled), and then cold-pressed using the water from
inside the coconuts to make coconut milk. The milk is then allowed to
sit for about half a day, while the oil naturally separates from the
heavier water. The oil is then filtered from the curds (coconut
solids). No chemical or high-heat treatment is used, and this oil
contains no trans fatty acids. We do NOT mass produce this oil. It is
made by families who are coconut farmers using old-fashioned
traditional methods that have been used in the Philippines for
hundreds of years. Our coconut trees and family producers are
certified organic according to strict USDA standards. The families who
produce the oil are also trained according to GMP (Good Manufacturing
Practice) standards and re-certified each year. This high-grade Virgin
Coconut Oil has a long shelf life due to the high antioxidant
properties. The Gold Label standard is our highest standard for Virgin
Coconut Oil. Read more.

Book Review:

As someone who could spend her every waking hour writing and reading, I was elated to receive this book. Not only is it a great gift to receive along with the coconut oil so you can learn fascinating facts about the oil but it has already become one of my go-to reference books. Yes, since I write so often about health, I have been using this very book as a reference in some of my articles!

It is written by Brian (who has a B.A. and M.A.) and Marianita Jader Shilhavy (who is a CND: Certified Nutritionist/Dietitian). Not only will you get to read each of their personal stories, you’ll learn all about coconut oil, how it’s produced, and how it can improve your recipes and your health. You’ll also get to read about population studies, research, and be inspired by testimonials.

Different chapters and pages target numerous illnesses and how coconut oil improves them (such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, thyroid, cholesterol, candida, and more. This book also shares reasons that coconut oil aids in weight loss efforts, why it’s great for your skin, and even how you can use it in your pet’s health care!

And… there’s a whole section in the back of the book dedicated to coconut recipes! They sound delish! At 236 pages, I just know you’ll love what you find in them. I know I’ll keep my copy forever–it’ll always have a cherished place on my bookshelf!

The Contest!!

You’re allowed FOUR entries for this contest:

  1. Leave a comment sharing why you’d benefit from owning a copy of the Virgin Coconut Oil book and the 32 ounce jar of certified organic coconut oil. (DO NOT just say “thanks for the contest” or something like that–I do not publish those type of comments because they seem like spam and aren’t fair to the other contestants who leave a thoughtful, genuine answer.)
  2. Do you Twitter? Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name.
  3. Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as your third entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices@gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.
  4. Add Healing with Juices to your favorites on Technoratori. Comment the fourth–and last–time to let me know, with a link to your technoratori profile to show you added us.

NOTE: ANYONE can enter this contest. You DO NOT have to be in the United States. Oh, and I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner….

Contest ends Monday, May 4th, at 9 p.m. (Central Time) so you have an ENTIRE WEEK to get all your entries in. Have fun trying to win!!


What, can’t wait to see if you win? Visit Tropical Traditions now: they’re having a big sale on their coconut oil. Check it out!

Referral Option

If you’d like to join the Tropical Traditions Healthy Buyer’s Club, visit www.healthybuyersclub.com/orderform.cfm

And enter Raw Juice Girl’s User ID number: 4845073

By following these steps, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy.

Your sponsor (that’d be me! ;-) ) will receive a coupon for a complimentary gift to redeem on their next order.

You may view the current complimentary gift being offered here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com//referral_program.htm

Further instructions can be found here.

Thanks again to www.tropicaltraditions.com!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

After this contest ends, you’ll be competing for raw nuts, goji berries, raw nut butters, and more–so don’t miss out on upcoming posts!

This contest is closed.

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. ;-)

27 April 2009

Raw Success, By Matt Monarch


raw-success-matt-monarch-raw-foodist

“I often dream about what it would be like to meet those Raw Pioneers who have passed on, for whom I have great admiration.”–Matt Monarch

The above quote is the first sentence Matt writes on the dedication page of Raw Success. When I first read that sentence, I immediately thought: what an honor to be able to glean from Matt’s Raw wisdom–while he’s still young and alive! (Matt dedicated Raw Success to Dr. Fred Bisci.)

Matt Monarch is so passionate about Raw Food and health. His enthusiasm is beyond infectious. I’m so blessed that he sent me a complimentary copy of his latest book, Raw Success–and even more blessed that he’s offered to sponsor a contest here at Healing with (Raw) Juices, so you’ll have an opportunity to win your very own copy!! How exciting is that?!

But more about Matt and this “Rawesome” book first….


matt-monarch-raw-success

Although Matt advises against going 100% Raw overnight, he did. He says he went “from burgers to celery” literally overnight. That’s a huge transformation of diet and lifestyle! Can you even imagine the roller coaster of emotional and physical change that brought on?

In Raw Success, Matt walks you through the Raw Food transition, inspiring you every step of the way. It’s such an encouragement to read the words of someone who is where you aspire to be, who has lived EIGHT years eating 100% raw foods only. That’s an amazing accomplishment!

Matt emphasizes living a balanced Raw Lifestyle and not relying heavily on any one fruit, veggie, nut, or seed. Getting colonics is something Matt highly recommends in this book. He says if you’re going to be embarking on a Raw Journey, then you need to continually cleanse your colon because your body will be releasing so many toxins from all those years of cooked and processed foods.

Matt also advises drinking fresh, raw juices every single day so your body will absolutely be getting all the nutrition it possibly can. As I’m always telling you: fresh, raw juices pack a powerful punch! And, get this: Matt’s favorite raw juice is carrot-spinach. Eeek! Mine is, too. I have something in common with Matt Monarch!

I was going to “pester” Matt to do an interview with us, but he’s been so kind and gracious, I decided to direct you to a recent interview he shared at Raw People: In-Depth Interview with Matt Monarch. Enjoy!

Now, on to the contest…

I love how Lori, over at Green Gigs, has chosen to run her current contest. (Go enter her contest!) She’s a great gal offering a great prize!

You’re allowed FOUR entries for this contest:

  1. Leave a comment sharing why you’d benefit from owning a copy of Raw Success.
  2. Visit Matt’s website and leave a second comment about something you read on his site that resonated with your soul. (Make it original. Don’t copy someone else’s thoughts.)
  3. Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as your third entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices@gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.
  4. Add Healing with Juices to your favorites on Technoratori. Comment the fourth–and last–time to let me know, with a link to your technoratori profile to show you added us.


You have until Saturday, April 10th, at 12:00 Midnight (Central Time) to get all your entries in. I’ll be using Random.org once again to randomly select the winner. Nope, you don’t have to have a blog to enter. You can still enter three other ways. That’s it. Easy as pie–raw pie, that is! And… let the contest begin! Good luck!

Oh, and there’ll be LOTS more contests in the NEAR FUTURE!! Coming up next:  awesome DVDs and healthy RAW FOODS (!!!)–so don’t miss out on upcoming posts! Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. ;-)

8 April 2009

By

Michele L. Tune

Raw Foodists

Ever wondered what a Raw Foodist’s life is like? What they eat? How they prepare it? How they’re able to get enough nutrition? If you’re curious about the raw food lifestyle, or if you’ve been considering going raw yourself–even for a few weeks or months, just to cleanse your body–Raw People is definitely worth checking out!

About RawPeople.com

RawPeople.com is a website focusing on the raw food lifestyle. They emphasize that eating raw is not a diet, but a way of life. There, you’ll find articles such as Raw Reality: A Snapshot of a Weekend in the Life of a Raw Foodist. In this article, Katy Joy Freeman (Author of Raw Abroad and Raw Chef), allows us a sneak peek of what it’s like to live a healthy, raw lifestyle.

Check out the Raw People logo below. Isn’t it beautiful?!

raw people, raw food, health, raw living, raw foodist

To give you an idea of what you might find should you visit Raw People, here’s a list of articles already on the site. They’re also diligently adding new topics.

See, there is a lot of great information available, and new articles are published daily!

I’m a Raw People!!

In January, I was welcomed to the team at Raw People. I’m truly honored to be a part of this amazing site. There aren’t enough fantabulous words to describe working with this wonderful team of health-minded people. They are extremely kind, and are such a blessing in my life! I count it a major blessing to be involved in this healthful, raw project. I have eaten 100% raw for a few months at a time during my health journey. I’ve also juice fasted extensively, which most of you know. So, to be on this Raw Lifestyle team and have the opportunity to share what I’ve learned in my own studies and from my own experiences, as well as glean from the knowledge of the other team members, is just awe-inspiring to me…

So, what do I do on this team? I am a contributing writer and have written on a few different topics: juice fasting, (of course!), raw beauty, raw remedies, and am branching out into other topics to be published soon, like organic gardening and weight loss. You can see everything I’ve written for Raw People so far by visiting my list of articles.

The Community

Come and be a part of the Raw People Community. Learn and grow and share with us!

Raw Tweets

You can also follow Raw People on Twitter! Just foll0w @RawPeople to find out when the latest raw articles are published, news about the raw recipe contest, and more!

Raw Radio

Yes, Raw Radio is coming soon!!!

Radio, Raw Foodist, Raw lifestyle, Raw People

And… an Awesome Contest!

Have an original, raw recipe you’d like to share? Enter it in Raw People’s Recipe Contest to win an amazing prize!

recipe-contest

Don’t miss out on upcoming posts! Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. ;-)

Have you ever thought of going raw? Have you ever even heard of a “Raw Foodist”? Do you know anyone who eats only raw foods, or mostly raw foods? Perhaps you’ve already visited RawPeople.com. What are your thoughts about the site and/or eating raw? What’s on your mind? Please share!

Previous Article: Confessions from an Amish Farm


12 March 2009

By

Michele L. Tune

A Little History First…

I’m very honored – and perhaps just a teeny, tiny bit biased – to share with you this fantabulous health site. Why am I biased? It’s my mom’s website – yes! Isn’t that amazing? My mom has studied, used, and taught herbs for 20 years now. As I mentioned before, her knowledge of herbs and natural remedies has been instrumental in my own health journey. For that, I’m forever grateful. She’s my rock, my inspiration, motivation, best friend, and a continuous source of wisdom I am privileged to glean from (thank you, mom!).

Anyway, mom has sold herbs for years now. She loves setting up at farmers markets and festivals, too. She finally decided to go virtual…

Hillbilly Heaven Herbs Comes to the Web!

First, don’t ya just love that name? My mom just had to have this cabin featured on her design. She’s received a ton of positive feedback already and most folks agree the design is truly in keeping with the whole theme and feel of her herb business. I think it’s a way cool design – thanks to Goofy Girl Designs!

Visit the site here: www.HillbillyHeavenHerbs.com

Hillbilly Heaven Herbs Web Site
Hillbilly Heaven Herbs Website

The Herb Lady is Already Blogging!

I’ve been blogging for a while now and I knew when mom finally got a website, she just had to have a blog. Like the above design, folks are loving the blog design, too. It’s fun and it makes ya smile. Although Goofy Girl Designs is behind the technical part of the design, mom had the idea for the herbs and tea cup exploding out of her head like that. It is, she says, because she has so many years of herbal information crammed into her brain!

Visit the blog here: www.HillbillyHeavenHerbs.com/Blog

The Herb Lady's Blog
The Herb Lady’s Blog

Why You Should Visit

Joking – and bias feelings – aside, you really should visit Hillbilly Heaven Herbs and the blog. Why? Because my mom has a wealth of knowledge and she presents it in a down-to-earth, personable way. She has a real knack for breaking alternative medicine down into bite-sized pieces a reader can digest. Go ahead, you’ll love it! Still not convinced?

Here’s a few things you’ll find there:

  • free alternative medicine recipes
  • alternative medicine information
  • snippets of knowledge it’s taken her 20 years to acquire
  • how to care for your body naturally
  • how to build up your immune system
  • it’s fun
  • and much, much more!

Oh, It Runs in the Family

And, so it goes. I have grown up to be like my mother! I now have excessive amounts of herbal information floating around inside my head. What I don’t know, I either ask her or research for myself. I’ve even considered going after an Herbalist Degree! Hey, you never know. ;-)

And, how crazy is it that we’re both blogging?!

I’ll leave you with one last sneak peek. This is a funny picture mom added to her contact page. Don’t worry. We weren’t really in jail! The photo was taken at a festival, just because of our kooky sense of humor. Go ahead and laugh. Yes, I had to play actress and “cry”! :-)

Left: Mom                                                                                         Right: Me

Don’t miss out on upcoming featured health sites (yours just might be one of them)! Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

1 February 2009

By

Michele L. Tune

Featured in Alltop

2009 is really bringing fabulous things to HealingwithJuices.com! First, Wellsphere.com added me to their network – as a Top Health Blogger. Now, you’ll find this very blog listed in the health section of Alltop.com. Yes, I’m serious!

What is Alltop?

Alltop.com tells us on the homepage that they are an “online magazine rack”  of popular topics. They focus on bringing readers all the top stories by bringing the most recent information, updated every hour.

Who Are “They”?

Guy Kawasaki is the Founder of Alltop.

What Can I Find at Alltop?

From browsing around Alltop, I see like a gazillion topics. Seriously. You can’t check everything out in one visit – or even ten!

They’ve listed the following categories:

Once you click on any of the categories, you’re taken to another page where the categories are broken down. Take the Health section, for instance. You’ll find information on addiction, cancer, and nutrition, just to name a few. It’s quite fascinating, really!

I’m truly honored for HealingwithJuices.com to be a part of this amazing network. You’ll see I’ve proudly displayed the Alltop badge in the sidebar, and I’ve even decided to share the following widget that continuously rotates the latest health content available.



Had you already heard of Alltop before reading this? Do you visit the site often? Share your thoughts!

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

24 January 2009

By

Michele L. Tune

Making Up Your Mind to Juice Fast

Okay, so you’ve decided to go on a juice fast. Maybe it’s just because you want to get healthier, or perhaps you’re looking to get a jump-start on weight loss. Let’s hope you’ve decided to sacrifice your favorite foods and survive a few days on raw juices because you want to focus on cleaning your body and helping it get rid of years – maybe even decades – of all the bad stuff that’s caked up inside. Let’s also hope it’s because you’ve truly searched your heart and wholeheartedly decided to lead a lifestyle that promotes life instead of one that promotes sickness, premature death, and obesity.

If you’re only planning on juice fasting to lose weight, you may as well not do it. Yes, most people lose several pounds juice fasting – I have. But weight loss is about so much more than lost pounds. Weight loss is about changing your entire lifestyle – mind, body, and soul. Weight loss is about targeting why you gained weight in the first place and what you’re going to do to prevent yourself from gaining weight again once you’ve lost it. So, although you probably will lose weight during your juice fast, it’s best to think of those lost pounds as just part of the process and not your sole reason for juicing fasting. Trust me; I do know what I’m talking about. I’ve lost over 100 pounds – and kept it off.

Made up your mind yet? Fantabulous! Let’s get started!

A few ideas for that pre-juice fast menu:

Organic Greek yogurt with raw walnuts, and fresh or frozen blueberries

This is a yummy treat you can enjoy any time. I prefer Oikos organic Greek yogurt myself, but you may like another brand. (Nope, I didn’t get paid for saying I love Oikos – it’s delish, filling, and most importantly, healthy!) Besides the protein in the yogurt, you’re getting protein from the heart-healthy walnuts, and loading up on antioxidants in those juicy blueberries.

Oikos Greek Yogurt, blueberries, almonds, Sun Butter, ground flax

Chopped avocado, tomato, red onion, juice from a real lemon

This is yum-o!! Simply cut up a fresh tomato and avocado and toss in a bowl. You can add a homemade vinaigrette if you want to. I don’t. I do squeeze the juice of about a half of a lemon over the avocado. (I wouldn’t use the lemon juice that comes in a bottle.)

Salad: raw spinach, Napa cabbage, carrots, blueberries, raw walnuts, salmon

This is one of my favorite salads ever. You can throw in whatever your favorite veggies are. The blueberries are optional but they are divine on salad! If you’re a big meat eater, adding salmon or tuna to your salad is a wonderful way to still feed your body a protein that will satisfy you while staying away from red meat. I normally don’t eat salmon or tuna within a few days of a juice fast, simply because it’s a little bit difficult for our bodies to adjust to an all liquid diet after consuming a lot of protein each day.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

I’ve mentioned this before but it really is crucial to prepare your body and your mind before setting out on this amazing journey with raw juices.

I’m so used to juice fasting it’s pretty much become second nature for me. I listen to my body – and mind – and I know when both are craving a raw juice fast. You’ll learn to do this too as you become more experienced with juice fasting.

I never, ever recommend that you start a long juice fast right off the bat. Like anything else, you want to ease your body into juice fasting. Think about it. You wouldn’t wake up one day and decide you want to be a runner, hop out of bed, and run the longest marathon there is. No, you’d go buy yourself some running shoes, maybe pick out an area to start running, jump online and study the stretches you need to do to prepare your muscles for a run. You might start jogging and/or doing some other exercises.

The most important message I want to share is that juice fasting is a marvelous way to nourish your body and mind. It’s a beautiful journey between the person who is fasting and the raw food our bodies were made to consume. It’s a great way to slow yourself down and find the calm that lies within you, but is drowned out by all the world’s chaotic noises.

Have you ever juice fasted? Are you just venturing out to try it? What are your thoughts on juice fasting? I’d love to hear them!

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

20 January 2009

By

Michele L. Tune

Health Websites and Blogs

Health sites and blogs are abundant all across the Web, but which ones should you invest your time in? Which ones share accurate information? I’m sure there are a ton of other fabulous health sites out there, and I might have even come across them, but today I want to focus on just three of my recommendations and why I recommend them.

KathEats.com

Health Blog: Kath Eats

Health Blog: KathEats.com

Health is #1 priority with Kath. I’ve been reading this blog for quite a while. I love the fact that Kath reached her goal weight and successfully maintains it by exercising, eating healthfully, and staying focused on ultimate health. Kath isn’t a vegetarian but she doesn’t eat a lot of meat. She also finds ways to incorporate tofu and veggie burgers into her meals. You’ll find lots of salads as Kath loads up on the veggies. And, you’ll be absolutely amazed at her creativity when it comes to eating oatmeal almost every morning! She even has a special Tribute to Oatmeal page that she updates once in a while. Kath is so personable, you can’t help but be inspired to live a healthy life when you read her posts. I can’t say enough great things about KathEats.com (a.k.a. KERF). Enjoy your visit!

Wellsphere.com

Health site: Wellsphere

Health knowledge made personal

I’ve been visiting Wellsphere.com for a while now and recently shared with you that I’ve been welcomed to the Wellsphere Health Community as a Top Health Blogger (which I’m thrilled about!). The variety of topics at this site is simply amazing. From vegetarian to weight loss to sports to fitness and exercise to information on various illnesses and green living, there is a massive amount of resources in the Wellsphere Community. I guarantee you won’t be able to get to it all in one visit – you’ll have to visit time and again and absorb it in snippets. Wellsphere.com is definitely a health site you’ll want to bookmark and return to from now on. You can also join the Wellsphere Community and actively participate in healthy conversations. I’ll see you there! (Add me as a friend if you join.) ;-)

Dr. Emily Kane

Health and Alternative Medicine

Health and Alternative Medicine

This health site is new to me. I discovered it when Esculon Magazine (owned by Alexandra Mihaescu)  mentioned HealingwithJuices.com in an article about juicing: “Learn all about juice fasting and what it can do for you from Dr. Emily Kane and Michele Tune.” I hadn’t heard of Dr. Emily Kane so I went to check her out. Her site is full of alternative medicine-related articles. One of her articles that I enjoyed immensely and find to be a fabulous resource is Tips for Reducing Stress. Be sure to take your time and have a look around, dig through her archives, and gobble up the natural health knowledge she so willingly shares with her readers. You’ll be glad you did!

I’ll be sharing more fantabulous health sites in upcoming posts – including a new one I’ve been working on – so be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and tips to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

Have you ever visited any of these health sites? Did you bookmark them? Did I leave out any important aspects about these sites? So, which health sites do you frequent? Join in (or start up) the conversation and spill the beans!

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)

17 January 2009

by

Michele L. Tune

Healing with Juices Joins the Wellsphere Community

You probably noticed the new badge in the sidebar. I’m excited to share that I’ve been selected as a Top Health Blogger in the Wellsphere Health Community! I was told it’s because of the “quality of this blog and my passion for all things health-related.” Since HealingwithJuices.com focuses on raw fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies and raw juice fasting, my Top Health Blogger badge  is in the Raw Food category.

Top Health Blogger - Wellsphere

An Exciting Adventure

This is quite an honor for me as I’m a passionate health advocate. Raw foods and juices are such a huge part of my life and juice fasting has improved my lifestyle immensely. Most of you know I’ve lost over 100 pounds and overcome many health issues. I am still working to achieve even better health, but I’ve come such a long way I can hardly believe it. I do not take this Top Health Blogger status lightly and have already been focusing on ways to make this blog – and 2009 – even better. I’m also going to set aside time to actively participate in the Wellsphere Community, so come on over and join me. I really look forward to sharing, learning and reaching a bigger audience than I originally imagined possible at this point in this blog’s “life”.

More News in the Blogosphere and Along the Cyber Highway

Healthy Living Today is an amazing site brought to us by Mark Salinas. He shares his most inspiring journey to better health. He recently created a page titled Your Journey where he lists other health-related sites. You’ll find this site featured there. Not long ago, Mark also asked me to share my story with his readers. (I’m going to get to that soon.) Thank you, Mark. I’m so honored!

Esculon Magazine (owned by Alexandra Mihaescu)  mentioned this site in an article about juicing: “Learn all about juice fasting and what it can do for you from Dr. Emily Kane and Michele Tune.” I appreciate that you value my advice, Alexandra. Thank you!

I also just received an assignment to write an article about juice fasting for a popular site. I’ll be sharing the link when it’s published so don’t forget to subscribe!

And a Contest for Fun

OhSheGlows.com is hosting a contest for Honest Foods. Haven’t heard of Honest Foods? Check them out! This mention of the contest is part of my own entry. My entry will be complete when I add OhSheGlows.com to my blogroll (which I have) and when I leave a comment sharing what Honest Foods product I’d most like to try. I personally have my eye on the Blueberry Vanilla Crackle Granola Planks! I’m a blueberry/vanilla kind of gal. ;-) Oh, and the prize? One box of Honest Foods Whole Food Country Squares!

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and tips to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)

15 January 2009

By

Michele L. Tune

Last week we talked about taking our life and health back in 2009. We also looked at how to focus on short-term goals so we can actually reach the health goals we set for ourselves. Today I’d like to talk to you about continuing to make that happen. Choosing health over temptation isn’t easy. In fact, it’s far from it. When everyone else is pigging out on luscious looking deep-fried foods and oversized sodas, milk shakes, or liquor it takes more than a little self-control to be able to sit on the sidelines and eat a salad, sip a water or unsweetened tea, and focus on your health instead of “being in the moment” with the crowd that surrounds you. Right?

I paid my dues doing that. I’ve lost over 100 pounds and it didn’t happen because I joined in with the others at the table who were eating whatever they wanted. Yes, I had to sit through people gobbling up gorgeous chocolate cake or creamy mashed potatoes. But I made it. My sacrifices paid off and I can hardly believe how different my life is now compared to then. My weight loss happened (slowly) because I decided to take my health back.

I’ve only shared a teeny bit of my story but here’s a quick summary: After barely surviving domestic violence, I was in pretty bad shape. My life was in shambles and I honestly never thought I’d see the pieces fit back together again. I was so broken, so depressed, and in such bad health my future looked hopeless at times. In my 20′s, my medical records read like a senior citizen’s (seriously). I suffered all sorts of health issues and was on numerous medications to control them, and required a few surgeries. My weight ballooned up to near 300 pounds and I literally experienced “laying on my death bed” – it was bad…

Raw juices and juice fasting has been a huge part of my healing process.

Someday I hope to publish a book about my journey, but until then I’ll blog and share snippets and I’ll do my best to be that inspiration you need when you’re home alone and you’re only connection with the world is your computer – or when the house is sleeping – and food and unhealthy drinks are calling your name. It’s my desire to be comfort when you need it, a resource for raw juice and smoothie recipes when you want to whip one up, and to be a friendly voice so you know you’re not alone on your weight loss and/or health journey.

Let 2009 be the year you focus on you. If you don’t take care of you, you can’t take care of those you love. You’re worth it. You’re health is worth it. Life is precious. You deserve ultimate health. What is your health worth to you? Mine is priceless.

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and tips to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)

12 January 2009

By

Michele L. Tune

January is a month for resolutions, dreams, promises – to ourselves and others – and a time to reflect on what the previous year held for us, as well as ponder where the new year will take us. Instead of making resolutions that are so hard to keep, why not set some goals you know you’ll actually attempt reaching? How can you do that? Let’s have a look at the following suggestions.

  • Set short-term goals instead of focusing on the overall picture. Have 50 or 100 pounds to lose? Work on losing 10. That’s right. Just 10. If you focus on losing weight in 10 pound increments, you’re more likely to keep going when you reach an 8 pound weight loss. If you lose 8 pounds and keep dwelling on the fact you have 92 more to lose, you might get discouraged and give up. (For more tips on losing weight, read this article.)
  • Work toward your new health regimen gradually. Don’t stop enjoying your favorite foods and drinks cold turkey. If you’re drinking 4 sodas a day, knock off one, then another – until you eventually only drink a soda on occasion, if at all. By easing into your new health regimen, you’ll find yourself being able to stick with it.
  • Not a fan of juice? What about creamy, rich smoothies? Look for a blender so you can make smoothies at home. They’re less expensive and you’re in control of the ingredients. (Check out these smoothie recipes.) You can also toss in ground flax seeds (for Omegas), powdered vitamins, or even nut butters for extra health benefits!
  • Find a fun exercise – like rebounding.  Jumping on a mini trampoline – even for just a few short minutes a day – can help you achieve better health. You’ll be increasing your lung capacity, cleansing your lymph system, and will get those endorphins going. The best part of rebounding? It makes you feel like a kid again!


Don’t spend 2009 being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Take your life – and your health – back. Follow these tips and focus on the short-term, ease into your new health regimen, invest in a juicing machine (or blender) and add just a little exercise so you can be accomplishing your goals by this time next year. Hey, hopefully you’ll reach all your goals before then!

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and tips to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)

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11 January 2009


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