carrot ginger lemon zinger

Looks like we have to make our own sunshine around here these days!  The rain just won’t leave us alone!

Carrot Ginger Lemon Zinger

The juice of sweet carrots, tart lemons and spicy ginger will be sure to brighten your day…and your health!

It’s sunshine in a glass!

carrot ginger lemon zinger juice

Carrots contain high levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene.  By consuming only two carrots you will exceed your RDA of vitamin A!  Beta-carotene is great for eye vision and has been proven to protect against macular degeneration and cataracts.

However, the heavy hitter of this juice is the fresh ginger root.  Ginger is well known for its medicinal properties, especially of the digestive system.  Ginger helps alleviate gastrointestinal distress and prevents motion sickness…morning sickness too pregnant ladies :)  It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols.  These compounds help reduce pain in those suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  These gingerol compounds inhibit the inflammatory “messengers” sent from the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation and pain or discomfort.  Pretty powerful stuff!

Last but not least is the lemon…the combination of lemon and ginger turn this juice into scrubbing bubbles for your whole system!  The burst of enzymes detoxifies the liver and increases gastric juices aiding in digestion.

Carrot Ginger Lemon Zinger

Carrot Ginger Lemon Zinger

10 carrots

1 lemon, peeled

1 inch piece of ginger root, peeled

Carrot Ginger Lemon Zinger

coffee…the vicious cycle

coffee-cup-120516

Ugh…I did it again!  Hi my name is Crissy and I’m addicted to coffee.  I have always allowed myself to enjoy one cup in the morning however, somehow that second cup snuck into my afternoon routine, and it doesn’t want to budge!  Today I found myself absolutely dragging and needing that jolt of caffeine.

Every where we look there are studies showing that coffee is good for us one minute and horrible for us the next.  Yes, coffee has been found to improve mental function and prevent everything from Parkinson’s disease to cancer.  However, caffeine in excess does not constitute a healthy addition to any diet.

Cons: (the short list!)

-Increases the stress hormone cortisol leading to weight gain and inflammation (the root of all disease).

-Decreases our sensitivity to insulin, making it harder for our cells to use the sugar we consume.

-Disrupts serotonin leading to sleep disruption and promoting depression.

-Increases blood pressure, anxiety and heart palpitations.

-Decreases fertility especially in women.

-Leads to adrenal fatigue.

Bottom line:  Coffee is acidic and dehydrating.  It stresses the body, suppresses the immune system and decreases the body’s natural ability to detoxify.

So, today around 3 pm when I had to peel myself off of the floor to run after Noah I decided that this vicious cycle needed to end!  While I am still going to enjoy my one cup in the morning, I am going to fuel myself with pure, vibrant energy from whole foods instead of going for that second cup of jo.

What I did instead was made a green juice.  Technically not juice as I used my vitamix instead of the juicer.  Don’t have the time or capability to make a juice or smoothie?  Go for raw fruits or vegetables instead.  The energy from these foods will fuel you with a burst of enzymes.  Enzymes are only found in raw foods.  They are responsible for delivering nutrients (energy) to our cells as well as eliminating our cells of toxins.  Raw foods or green juices/smoothies also alkalize the body creating more vibrancy.  Plus, after downing a fruit salad or green juice/smoothie you are motivated to make better, healthier choices throughout the day!

This is the blend I made today but you can get creative and use whatever you have available!

energizing green juice

Energizing Green Machine

1 cup coconut water or filtered water

1/2 cucumber

4 stalks celery

handful of baby spinach

1 small gala apple

1/2 cup frozen pineapple

juice from 1 lemon

~I threw it all in a blender and mixed it up!  If you don’t have a high powered blender such as a vitamix you may end up with a chunky mess.  Experiment with your blender.  Most blenders could handle a lighter combo of frozen pineapple, baby spinach, cucumber and lemon, which would give you the same benefits~

What’s your favorite (healthy) afternoon pick me up?

coco-mango smoothie

After rummaging through the refrigerator this morning looking for a healthy breakfast this is what we came up with!

Ingredients:

1-2 cups coconut water

1 banana

1/2 cup almonds

1-2 cups baby spinach

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 cup frozen mango

~blend and enjoy~

Not only do mangos taste great but they are loaded with cancer fighting antioxidants and vitamins.  Mangos have an abundance of enzymes which help with digestive health and fiber which helps with lowering cholesterol.  They also are packed with vitamin A and vitamin C which will keep your immune system running strong!  The almonds and coconut provide protein and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day!  This smoothie is so good you’ll forget it’s healthy!

0-1

And the kids will love it too!