Reboot Your Life

How juicing is a fun way to stay on track to a healthier lifestyle

Many people don’t understand how food really works with our bodies. Most know that McDonald's everyday isn't healthy, but many don't know that even "healthy" foods can be unhealthy if eaten the wrong way. I was not until I watched the documentary, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, when I learned how foods actually worked with my body. I learned all the technically terms for food that means "good for you" and did some research of my own to see how natural chemicals worked with my body to promote healthy function.

The best way to view foods is in two main categories: foods that are rich in macronutrients and foods that are rich micronutrients. Macronutrients are the ones that people should not eat in excess like, carbohydrates and fats, while micronutrients consist of vitamins, phytonutrients, and other vital minerals. Micronutrients and phytonutrients are regularly found in fruits, nuts, and vegetables; this is why juicing is such a healthy diet change.

The vast array of chemistry knowledge of fruits and vegetables has led many juice creations to promote certain effects. Doctors and other natural practitioners state that a diet full of micronutrients, coupled with physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can severely reduce the risk for certain types of cancers, metabolic syndromes, and cardiovascular diseases. And if someone already has been diagnosed with a certain ailment, a micronutrient-rich lifestyle can reduce the severity of symptoms and can actually alleviate the need for some medications. This was seen in the documentary, and the effects of the creator, Joe Cross, and a person he helped were incredible.

So back to the creative way to a healthier lifestyle…The best part about juicing is that every fruit and vegetable are full of these vital nutrients, so any combination can give you a tasty treat. So get your thinking caps on, and concoct your own mixture. This is a good way to get those needed fruit and vegetable servings, while making a tasty disguise for the young ones. To start you off, I will give you the recipe of one that I made up, called the Hawaiian Getaway. It is a great way to start of the day, relax, and get a good amount of antioxidants.

Hawaiian Getaway

This juice has actually been studied, and used in cancer hospitals to give patients a healthy boost and delicious treat. It is rich in antioxidants and great for digestion, and its a little taste of paradise.

 Ingredients:

¼ Pineapple
1 cup blueberries
1 piece for fresh ginger (roughly ½ inch)

Directions:

Wash ingredients
Core and Peel Pineapple

Juice
Pour over or blend ice
Sprinkle coconut on top for an added island feel.

 Picture courtesy of smallfootprintfamily.com

Sprouted Grain Bread

A yummy alternative to normal bread

 

A new health food I’ve been turned on to for the past few months is sprouted grain bread. Sprouted grain bread is made without flour and contains grains that have germinated, allowing them to retain a much higher nutrient content. For this health value, this earth-bound bread has been garnering a considerable amount of attention lately. Since the natural goodness and the nutrients are locked in, sprouted grain bread is a healthy alternative to white bread.

As you may know, white bread has the vast amount of nutrition stripped from it during production and then later added back in. This is an unnatural process. While it may taste good, it has nowhere near the nutritional value as sprouted grain bread. Also, regularly eating white bread has been linked to an increased chance in diabetes due to the high amount of carbs and sugars present.

Sprouted grains on the other hand, show a significant decrease in the carb content. It is higher in protein, rich in fiber, and contains “good fats” your body needs for healthy digestion. In fact, each slice contains 9 essential amino acids when compared to white bread.
 

One issue with sprouted grain bread is that it must stay frozen or refrigerated after purchase. Due to the low amount of preservatives, this bread can go stale rather quickly. But if you can look past this “flaw”, sprouted grain bread will open your eyes to a whole new world of natural food.

To enjoy this little slice of nature’s goodness, I suggest putting it in the microwave for 15 seconds after you buy it. This will allow you to eat it immediately and if you’re taking it to work, it will be thawed and ready for you to enjoy at lunch time.

 

This may be a different process than preparing the bread than we’ve grown accustomed to, but that doesn’t take away or change the flavor. Although, it has a more natural “rustic” flavor than white bread, it is very delicious and doesn’t take any time getting used to.

I love eating this type of bread. Not only for the health benefits, but for the taste too! I think you will feel the same after just one slice!