21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 19

Day 19
Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food, drink or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or several days. Other fasts may be only partially restrictive, limiting particular foods or substances. In spite of the busy lives that we live, I think we can all benefit from a weekend fast at least once a month. Always remember to consult your physician when considering extended fasting.

My refrigerator always has an assortment of greens (Kale, Spinach and Swiss Chard). Almost always my freezer is stocked with bananas and and assortment of berries (Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
Armed with my Magic bullet, today's smoothie is a combination of Kale-Banana-Pineapple-Strawberries

 Bananas are a caloric dense fruit, translating into lots of energy without weight gain worries. Bananas are a good source of potassium and magnesium which aid in maintaining normal blood pressure and are heart protective.     Read more: Health Benefits of Bananas / Nutritional Facts of Banana | Medindia http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/health-benefits-of-bananas.htm#ixzz2z8puNTtN


Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 16

Day 16
VegMichigan presented thier annual VegFest vegan Tastefest at the Suburban Collection showplace in Novi, Michigan; which made it very easy to fill-up on liquid goodness.

My favorite vendor booth was  Hut-k Nutrilicious 734-786-8312 from Ann Arbor, MI with their great array of delicious juices:

 BEETs-ME-Gin (Beets, ginger, lime & dates), great for lowering blood pressure.

THE POWER OF 7 (Spinach, kale,swiss chard, dates, limes, pineapple and coconut milk); great source for  antioxidant, vitamins, minerals, amino acids,phytonutrients and anti-inflammatory nutrients. You have heard me say it before - green inside is clean inside! This smoothie has all my favorite greens in one drink.

If you're looking for fiber, potassium, or copper, look no further than dates. The nutritional value of dates would come from their high content of carbohydrate and dietary fiber; which most Americans do not get enough in their diets. A 1/4 cup of dates, which is considered 1 serving of fruit, has approximately 4 grams of fiber.

Visit www.hut-k.com  for more ideas

Yours in health!
Dr. Velonda                          TWITTER: #drvelonda           FACEBOOK: Be-fit, Inc

21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 14

I have found that I am most successful fasting when I plan ahead.  However, the list of restaurants and and cozy spots catering to plant based eaters continues to grow in the Detroit area.

The Golden Gate Cafe has a great menu of beverages including the RED DRAGON smoothie I had for breakfast (strawberries, cranberry, cherry, hibiscus, lemon, banana, red apples, apple cider) and a TROPICAL smoothie for lunch (banana, mango, pineapple, apple cider).

Apples are a good source of vitamin C and fiber. In one large study, post-menopausal women who had the highest levels of flavonoids in their blood were least likely to die from cardiovascular disease. (SOURCE: http://nutrition.about.com/od/fruitsandvegetables/a/applessuperfoods.htm )

 When it comes to antioxidant content, hibiscus beats out green tea; loaded with iron, beta carotene, potassium and vitamin C. "The fruit acids in hibiscus may work like a laxative. Some researchers think that other chemicals in hibiscus might be able to lower blood pressure; decrease spasms in the stomach, intestines and uterus; and work like antibiotics to kill bacteria and worms." (SOURCE: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-211-HIBISCUS.aspx?activeIngredientId=211&activeIngredientName=HIBISCUS)

Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda
drvelonda@gmail.com              TWITTER: #drvelonda        FACEBOOK: Be-fit, Inc

21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 13

DAY 13

CARROT ORANGE APPLE BEET juice the first half of the day (Don't forget the water!)

 Spring has sprung! Just as when fall changes to winter, transition between season calls for extra vitamin C!

What is fasting and why should I do it?

Some fast for weight loss and/or detoxing purposes. Some call fasting a spiritual discipline. It is often connected with prayer, Bible study and meditation. Unger's Bible Dictionary explains that the word fast in the Bible is from the Hebrew word sum, meaning "to cover" the mouth, or from the Greek word nesteuo , meaning "to abstain." For spiritual purposes, it means to go without eating and drinking.  SOURCE: http://www.ucg.org/bible-faq/what-fasting-and-why-should-i-do-it

Another favorite Detroit spot for not only raw juices but also great smoothies and delectable vegetarian and vegan meals if the Golden Gate Cafe (18700 Woodward Ave). DAY 13 dinner is the GREEN DRAGON smoothie (green apples, spirulina, blue green algae, spinach, green tea, pine bark extract, bananas and apple cider).

Spirulina is a blue-green algae used as a nutritional supplement. Blue-green algae, which are microscopic fresh-water organisms , derive their color from the green pigment of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the compound in plants that converts the energy from the sun into food for the plants. Chlorophyll's chemical structure is similar to human blood; which is why consuming chlorophyll can boost hemoglobin levels, improve blood circulation and increase energy.SOURCE: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5483657_benefits-chlorophyll.html#ixzz2ycoLmKoE

Yours in health,

Dr. Velonda

21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 10

Day 10 kicked off with an APPLE CHERRY GREEN smoothie (spinach, carrots, apple, cherries, mango) from Drink Green (www.drinkgreen4life.com) Day 10 dinner was CARROT BEET CUCUMBER juice and lots of water!

Mangoes are good for the health of our bodies. They help digestion because they are rich in fiber. Here's a list of 10 health benefits:

1. Prevent Cancer

Research shows antioxidant compounds in mangoes protect the body against the risk of colon cancer, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. Compounds in mangoes role in preventing cancer is quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat.

2. Lowering Cholesterol

Tinnginya fiber, pectin and vitamin C in mango help lower blood cholesterol levels.

3. Brighten Skin

Compounds in mango are able to clean your pores and remove acne on the skin. Can be used both internally and externally to the skin.

4. Healthy Eyes

A cup of mango supplies 25 percent of the daily value of vitamin A as needed. Therefore, consumption of mango both for clarity of vision and prevent dry eyes.

5. Meet the Needs of Alkaline

Tartaric acid, malic acid, and citric acid in these fruits helps keep the body's alkaline reserve.

6. Normalize Insulin Levels

Mango leaves help normalize insulin levels in the blood. Mango fruit also has a relatively low glycemic index (41-60) so eating mango harmless for your sugar levels.

7. For better sex

Mangoes are rich in vitamin E. Despite popular relationship between sex and vitamin E was originally created by generalizing the study in mice, further research showed intake of mangoes can help increase sex drive.

8. For Healthy Digestion

Mango contains gallic acid which is very good for the digestive tract. The content of the enzyme present in mangoes can also help the process of digestion and also helps breakdown protein. In addition, it is also able to prevent constipation and soothes the stomach.

9. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums,

This is because mangoes contain vitamin C, which has the function to maintain and trigger healthy teeth and gums. Vitamin C can also help absorb iron and can inhibit the production of natrosamin, a substance that can cause cancer.

10. Immune Booster

The amount of vitamin C and vitamin A sufficient, plus 25 types of carotenoids in mango helps keep your immune system healthy and strong.

SOURCE: http://letsgohealthy.blogspot.com/2013/01/mango-health-benefits-and-nutritional.html

Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 7

Vegetables have been the primary focus during week 1 of the 21 day juice fast journey. Remember green inside is clean inside!

 

Day 7 started with CARROT ORANGE APPLE BEET juice. By noon I was ready for another liquid burst of energy; which I found with a smoothie from DrinkGreen, LLC. Lunch was a MEGA MIXED FRUIT GREEN SMOOTHIE (Spinach, kale, baby carrots, strawberry, pineapple, peaches, mango, and cherries).I topped off the evening with a KALE KICK  smoothie from Whole Foods Market in Midtown Detroit (kale,blueberries,grapes ,banana ,pineapple juice). 

  

In Detroit, we have the good fortune of having many spots to purchase fresh juices and healthy smoothies, when our schedules challenge our time to squeeze and blend at home. I hope all neighborhoods across the map are or will experience the same type of growth. Could be an entrepreneurial opportunity waiting for you!!!

 Week 2 (Day 8 – Day 14) will focus on more fruits and feature smoothies from my friends at DrinkGreen4Life   Check them out online at DrinkGreen4Life.com; visit the store located 19363 Livernois Ave (South of Outer Drive) or call them 313-469-9921

 Don’t forget your water intake should be at least  ½ your body weight in ounces!

Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 5

On day 5 of the juice fast journey we are reminded that juicing can provide vitamins and minerals at a level that is more than adequate.

 Today's juices were CARROT BEET CUCUMBER  and  CARROT ROMAINE

Cucumbers are often referred to as a super food because they are known to be one of the best foods for your body's overall health. Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day.

Five benefits to eating cucumbers
1. Rehydrates the body and replenishes daily vitamins - Cucumbers are 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping the body eliminate toxins.

2. Skin and hair care – The skin of the cucumber can be eaten for it’s vitamin C content. The skin can also be used for skin irritations and sunburns as aloe would be used. Place a slice over puffy eyes and its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffiness. The silicon and sulfur in cucumbers help to stimulate hair growth.
3. Fight cancers - Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.
4. Cures diabetes, reduces cholesterol and controls blood pressure - Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin which has been found to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers found that a compound called sterols in cucumbers may help reduce cholesterol levels. Cucumbers contain a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber; which all work effectively for regulating blood pressure..
5. Promotes joint health, relieves gout and arthritis pain -Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promotes joint health.  They are also rich in vitamin A, B1, B6, C & D, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. When mixed with carrot juice, they can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering the uric acid levels

SOURCE:  http://www.naturalnews.com/036769_cucumbers_health_benefits_rehydration.html#ixzz2xsQIih1n

Cucumbers are often sprayed with pesticides so it is important to buy organic.

Yours in health,

Dr. Velonda

Remember (if you are in th metro Detroit area) visit Pita Cafe for the great variety of fresh vegetable and fruit juices. 248-968-2225

21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 4

Today's juice was CARROT GREEN PEPPER

Crisp green bell peppers are tasty vegetables that should be a regular part of your healthy eating plan. This vegetable provides a good supply vitamins and minerals along with being fat free and low in calories. Their mildly sweet flavor makes green bell peppers versatile enough to include a wide variety of nutritious recipes including juicing!

 

Adequate amounts of vitamin C can ensure that you're less likely to develop infections, and your skin, teeth, gums and blood vessels are healthier and work more efficiently. Bell peppers are load with vitamin C.


Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

TWITTER: #drvelonda       FACEBOOK: Be-fit, Inc

21 Day Juice Fast Journey - Day 3

Fasting and detoxing go hand in hand.....

Detoxification a.k.a. detox means to cleanse the body of particular substances, typically alcohol, sugar, or caffeine. There are 300,000 new toxins/impurities threatening the body each year making it more important to infuse detoxification into the way we live. Scientists are reporting that 6,000 new toxins are being added to the Chemical Society's Chemical Abstract weekly. These toxins are causing our bodies to become acidic and in an acidic environment disease grows and spreads. Some toxins are obvious and some are hidden. To remove such toxins we need to detox our body regularly.

The drink for day 3 of the juice fast journey was CARROT-ORANGE-APPLE-BEET

 

Remember lots of water and lots of rest!

 

 

Yours in health,

Dr. Velonda