Just stopping by? Have you tried my coconut peanut butter honey overnight oats yet? Or maybe you’d like to try your hand at my chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls or raw tuna fish-less salad.  Check out my interview with ShimmerOrganics owner, Lisa Ann Turkel, or read my thoughts on Julie & Julia.

Remember a while back when I shared Eli’s story with you? You know, the young guy pictured below?  The inspiring fellow with a heart of gold – yet a heart that wouldn’t work correctly?

Well… I have a fantabulous update to share with you!

Juicer for Eli

First of all, a juicer was anonymously – and very generously – purchased for Eli by one of YOU not long after I posted about his situation. What a blessing!!!

The juicer made it safely to Eli’s family and they’ve been juicing for him non-stop ever since. And… Eli is getting stronger!!!

Enthusiastic Eli

I know a friend of the family and she keeps me posted on Eli’s progress as often as she can.

Here’s the latest:

"He’s been through the mill, testing wise, but is finally coming out of it. He had to have a bone marrow tap three weeks ago and the results aren’t fully in yet – but so far, so good. His echo has shown quite a bit of improvement over the one done last month. He has also been able to keep his blood cell counts up.

This is AFTER receiving the juicer and juicing DAILY.

He will get to go home for Christmas, pending his heart cath on the 22nd. Eli is telling everyone: Never give up and always look for the positive in every situation. When the road gets rough, stand your ground and fight!"

The family friend also says:
"And Eli wants that passed along. He is truly thankful and can’t wait to feel even better as time progresses."

Isn’t that RAWsome?!

The healing benefits of raw juices are AMAZING! Those fresh juices Eli’s family is making for him is helping to strengthen his weak, little body. It’s such a JOY to know that Eli is most likely going to have the opportunity to wake up on Christmas morning in his own bed, in his own home!!!

And even through the most difficult times of his little life, Eli has a positive attitude. What a precious soul he is!

My heart and prayers are with Eli’s family, friends, and Eli himself…

And, in honor of Eli’s courage and determination, I leave you with a few of his words that touched me the most:

“When the road gets rough,

stand your ground and fight!”

Amen, Eli! Amen!!!!

Latest Update (as of 12/24/09)

“"Eli’s Cath went GREAT yesterday so he is FREE for the next 2 1/2 weeks!" He is home with his brother and Dad for the holidays!”

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ELI AND HIS FAMILY!!! AND MY 2010 BE THEIR YEAR OF ABUNDANT HEALING AND HEALTH!!!!!

As I was writing this week’s articles, I realized that you might like to have a list of the juice fasting articles I have written for Raw People so far. On days I don’t post here, you can re-visit this post  and peruse the juice fasting information I’ve shared on RawPeople.com.

All you have to do is click on the title of the article and that link will take you to the article. I’ve included an excerpt from each article so you can have a sneak peek of each article….

Enjoy!

Raw Juice vs. Bottled

Freshly squeezed orange juice tastes so much better than store-bought, doesn’t it? There’s a reason. Know what it is?

Raw, Real, Rewarding: Juice Fasting 101

Sick? Tired? Overweight? Unhealthy? Out of shape? Stressed? Allow yourself to escape from the world’s noise by drifting into a juice fast—an experience that is serene and healing…

Raw Juice Fasting Journey: Part 2

Last week I introduced you to raw juice fasting. We discussed preparing your mind and body, why raw juices and fasting are beneficial to your health, some things you might expect during your raw juicing journey as your body begins to clean and rid itself of accumulated toxins, and more.

Raw Juice Fasting Journey: Part 3

“It is often the last key on the ring which opens the door” – Proverb  Is Your Health Last on the List? I chose the above proverb because it truly resonated with me. Its words rang true as I reflected on life and health and searched my heart and soul for direction for this article. I realize that, for many people, juice fasting or converting to a raw food lifestyle is a last-ditch effort to rebuild their lives and improve the health they’ve taken for granted for way too long. Is that the situation you’re in?

Help: Juice Fasting is a Headache!

Why the Headache? Frustration has set in, right? You’ve spent money on a juicer, carefully shopped for beautiful organic produce, searched deeply and mustered up all the motivation you can, only to discover you’ve awaken with a splitting headache on day two of your juice fasting attempt.

Juice Fasting Minus the Juice

“Instead of using medicine, rather, fast a day.”—Plutarch  Tired of Juicing? Switch Up! If you’re ever in the midst of a juice fast and are either a) tired of cleaning, preparing, and juicing fruits and veggies or b) would like to go into a deeper cleanse for a few days, you can switch up! Just eliminate the juices and enjoy ionized alkaline water and herbal tea for a few days.

Juicing—Without the Fasting

Success with Juices, No Fasting It’s quite interesting how many benefits you can get from juicing—without even fasting. Don’t take me wrong. I’m absolutely for fasting. I fast on water and herbal tea alone and I juice fast as well. But you don’t have to miss out on the nutrition raw juices provide simply because you misunderstand the concept and think you have to fast to reap the rewards. Drink your fresh, raw juices!

Raw Juice Ideas from Sunup to Sundown

Whether you’re juice fasting or just want to incorporate more raw juices into your day-to-day lifestyle, here are some juice combinations you can use in the morning, at lunch, and/or in the evening. These juices can absolutely take the place of your meal(s) or snacks. They can also just be a healthy beverage to enjoy along with your meal.

Juice Fasting for Weight Loss

Fantasizing for Freedom from Fat You’ve tried low-fat, low-calorie, low-carb, cabbage soup, and many other numerous diets to no avail, right? I understand your struggle. No, really, I do: I’ve lost over 100 pounds and it didn’t happen overnight.

Wonderful World of Wheatgrass

Grass is Greener Remember the old saying “the grass is greener on the other side”? Unless you’ve tasted the benefits and/or already know the true power of wheatgrass, you will be astounded! What’s that? You don’t know what the benefits of wheatgrass are? Well, let’s find out…

Raw Juices (and Smoothies) for Weight GAIN

We’ve looked at the pros and cons of juicing for weight loss, but what about weight gain? Yes, those of you who have struggled with losing weight might cringe or feel a tad bit jealous of those who strive to gain just a couple of pounds, who fantasize about gaining 10, even 20, pounds. But it’s a serious issue that affects many people.

Juice Fasting on Your Birthday—Or Someone Else’s

You’re more excited than you’ve ever been before: You’ve embarked on a juice fast and you have so many visions and dreams of vibrant health, a long, active life, and glowing skin. You’ve researched and read everything you can on juice fasting and its benefits, until you’re sure this is the right step for you. You’re confident that a journey filled with raw juices—and not one bite of food—is exactly what your body needs, craves even.

Juice Fasting: The Eco-Friendly Cooling System

Juice Fasting to Cool Off This Summer Think you need an air conditioner to beat the heat and cool your sizzling body temperature down this summer? Think again! While juice fasting may not have been the first thing to come to mind when you envisioned yourself cooling down, it is most certainly an eco-friendly way to beat the heat.

I also contribute to Raw People in the following categories:

• Health and Beauty
• Raw Remedies
• Weight Loss
• Organic Gardening
• Lifestyle and Meditation

I hope you enjoy RawPeople.com as much as I do!

Don’t forget to enter the Navitas Naturals contest! You have until Monday, June 15th, at 9 p.m. (Central Time) to get your SIX entries in!

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.

I’d like to take the time to send out a very warm thank you to Alex Ortner, Executive Producer for the film Raw for Thirty, who was so kind as to sponsor this contest so you’ll have an opportunity to win and watch these DVDs and start down your own (raw) journey to better health!

What You’ll Be Getting

The winner of this contest will receive the following DVDs. There are 3 DVDs total. The first is Simply Raw and the others come in a 2 disc set as part of Raw for Life: The Ultimate Encyclopedia Of The Raw Food Lifestyle. This is such an amazing set of DVDs!

On to the review…

Simply Raw

First, let me tell you: The information in the DVDs you’ll be winning in this contest is unbelievable. Talk about inspiring, motivational, heartfelt, sincere, educational…. The list just goes on and on!

The DVD, Simply Raw, is about reversing diabetes in just 30 days. How? By eating only Raw for Thirty days. The theory is that by consuming 100% raw foods, your body will find a harmonious balance and then your blood sugar will stabilize itself–at minimum improving significantly.

Simply Raw gives you a peek into the journey of six Americans who are battling diabetes. Some of them are also battling obesity. While staying at The Tree of Life in Arizona, under the supervision of Dr. Gabriel Cousens, the six individuals (with various diabetes levels and insulin problems) were carefully monitored and cared for.Looking into the lives of these people and watching their struggles, their honest attempts, and then more struggles as they tried to make it through the 30-day program just broke my heart. I’ve been obese morbidly obese. I know the pain. I know how discouraging it can be to wake up every morning with a heavy person weighing your life down and feeling like life is hopeless and like you can never, ever achieve the healthier, slimmer body you so desire.

I also used to be on diabetic medication because my blood sugar was atrocious. I related so much to the stories these people shared in this DVD. It was almost as if I were living my own morbid obesity and blood sugar problems all over again!

So, I absolutely believe in the power of raw foods and know from personal experience and my own journey that blood sugar can stabilize. I’ve lost over 100 pounds and am now eating 100% raw food–no more diabetic medication for me!

Let’s learn about the other 2 DVDs….

Raw for Life

Wow, let me just say that I’m so glad I had the opportunity to watch these two DVDs in the Raw for Life set. I love gleaning from the wisdom of anyone who has been on a path I’d like to travel. In these two DVDs, you’ll learn from 30 Experts including: David Wolfe, a Raw Food Expert, hear from Woody Harrelson (yes, actor Woody Harrelson!!) about his opinions of raw foods, and even Dr. Fred Bisci shares an incredible about of his wisdom and beliefs (he’s Matt Monarch’s inspiration, remember??).

There’s no way to cover everything in these 2 DVDs so I’ll just highlight some of what you’ll be watching below:

Disc 1:

• Starting Out on the Raw Food Diet
• Weight Loss
• Detox and Cleaning
• Raw for 30 trailer
• Wisdom of Eating Raw
• Photo Gallery

Disc 2:

• Nutrition
• Rejuvenation and Longevity
• Spiritual Aspects
• Recipes from Leading (Raw) Chefs (Not only do you get to see the recipes, you get to watch Raw Food Chefs prepare them!!)
• Photo Gallery

If you’ve been stuck in an unhealthy rut, whether it’s diabetes, obesity, blood pressure problems–or even if you’re thin but just want to feel healthier, be more fit, and have more energy you will probably never be the same after watching these 3 DVDs.

I also want to add that I simply ADORED the colorful graphics, photos, and music!

Contest Rules

You’re allowed FOUR entries for this contest:

1. Leave a comment sharing why you’d benefit from owning a copy of this Simply Raw and Raw for Life. (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.

Contest ends Sunday, April 19th, at 9 p.m. (Central Time) Get all your entries in and have fun trying to win!!

After this April 15th contest ends, you’ll be competing for raw nuts, goji berries, raw nut butters, and more–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.

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.

Michele Tune Raw Food

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!)

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.

• Invest in a quality juicing machine so you can experiment with fresh, raw fruit and vegetable juices. Not only are these raw juices filled with living enzymes and vitamins that are beneficial to your health, they taste delicious! Also, be sure to check out: “Creating Juice Recipes for Weight Loss“.
  

• 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!)

By

Michele L. Tune

The thought of juice fasting can be a scary one. It might seem like folks are always trying to talk you out of trying it. “Oh, you need to eat!” or “You can’t live on liquid alone.” are things you might here if you mention you’re thinking of going on a juice fast.

What they don’t understand, though, is how beneficial raw juice fasts actually are. In my experience, I have slept more soundly and woke up more rested, gained better vision, thought more clearly, and I simply love how “light” and healthy I feel while juice fasting.

One thing that did surprise me is that juice fasting really becomes a spiritual experience - whatever that means to you. It’s like you’re more in tune with yourself, your goals, your dreams, your visions. I love that feeling and personally take the opportunity to pray more, reflect on my spiritual walk and absorb all the peace I can, while in that quiet, still place juice fasting brings me to.

So, how do you start a juice fast? First, you need to do a little research. What types of fruits and vegetables do you like? What are the benefits of those particular fruits and/or vegetable juices? Do you have any health issues? If so, would certain juices interfere or cause problems? For instance, if you’re a diabetic (and, I’ll tell you that it isn’t recommended for diabetics to juice fast; however, I was on diabetic medication when I started juice fasting.)

If you’re trying to control your blood sugar, and you do decide to try a short juice fast, (or even if you’re just juicing for health), focus on the dark greens: spinach, turnip, beet, etc.

I learned to listen to my body, I stayed away from too much fruit (because the fruit/fruit juice turns to sugar in your bloodstream), and I had to accept that I wasn’t physically able to do a 30- or 40-day juice fast at the beginning.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a freelance writer. Two articles I’ve written recently that will be of great benefit to you before you begin your juice fast is:

How to Prepare Your Mind for a Juice Fast

and

How to Prepare Your Body for a Juice Fast

With a new year fast approaching us, it’s a great time to focus on improving your health by juice fasting. It’s not necessarily a great idea to write a long list of new years’ resolutions because, let’s face it, most of us never keep them and it only makes us feel worse about ourselves. No need for negativity when 2009 can be the best year of your life!

Here’s to health!

Posted Sunday, August 17, 2008

By

Michele L. Tune

Many people don’t realize skin problems can come from within. Instead of reaching for the telephone to order the magic chemical cocktail you’ve just watched on the latest infomercial, why not reach for fresh fruit and veggies and make yourself a juice?

I’m a big fan of juice fasting. I love how my skin looks and feels during and after (and I get compliments on my skin all the time), but you don’t have to juice fast for your skin to reap the natural benefits. Simply incorporate fresh juices with your meals.

Pick up an inexpensive juicing machine from your favorite store, flea market, or even a garage sale. If possible, shop your local farmer’s market for the fresh fruits and veggies you’ll be using to create the following delicious drinks.

Not only does the healthy extracted freshness tickle the taste buds, it also purifies your blood (which affects your skin’s appearance) and rejuvenates your complexion.

Here are a few simple recipes to begin with.

If you have a lot of breakouts, you may want to cleanse your blood.

For this, you’ll need:

• 3 sweet apples
• 8 strawberries

To enhance your complexion, you’ll want to use:

• 8 strawberries
• 2 bunches of grapes

And, to improve your skin overall, try mixing:

• 6 carrots
• ½ green bell pepper

You’ll love these sweet juices and your skin will, too!

Beauty Tip:

If you can tolerate doing without food for a couple of days, experiment with a cleansing juice fast. It’s a great way to detox from all the chemicals we come in contact with each day and unearth our natural beauty.

What are your thoughts on reaping beautiful benefits from raw juices? Do you ever think about beauty coming from within? Or do you focus on creams and potions externally only? Share with us in the comments!

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices – and beauty!

Photo Credit(s): http://www.sxc.hu/