Green Goodness

I love to juice! It helps me to feel amazing and improves my energy level!

Green juice helps me to consume a wide variety of produce in any given day.

Juicing helps the body assimilate nutrients faster than eating vegetable on their own, plus you can juice more! Green juice promotes the body to shift from an acid to an alkaline state. Our body needs a balanced pH to function properly, if we are either too acidic or alkaline our body goes through a series of adjustments to try to neutralize the imbalance.

Juicing helps me to maintain balance, youthful, more radiant skin as well as helps me maintain a stable weight because I am getting the nutrients I need without overeating.

I have had a lot of people lately comment on how they love my juices. How do I get them to taste so good? Many people either put too much dark pungent greens in their juices thinking that more is better or they either start using too much fruit because they are addicted to sugar. Its all about balance, use different greens a little sweetener.

A good balance to a good green juice and its usually includes a delicious base like celery or cucumber. From there I like to include kale, chard, romaine, spinach, parsley, cilantro, mint, the list goes on depending on what is in my fridge. To sweeten the juice, I like to add a couple of apples or some pineapple or even some grapefruit. If I want my juice to be a little more zesty, I might add some ginger or lemon or lime.

Some good Green Juice combos to try:

Celery/Kale/Apple/Lemon/Ginger

Cucumber/Kale/Cilantro/Pineapple

Celery/Cucumber/Apple

Cucumber/Spinach/Mint/Pineapple

Celery/Basil/Pineapple

Cucumber/Chard/Parsley/Apple/Ginger

Celery/Chard/Grapefruit/Ginger

Cucumber/Romaine/GreenApple

Experiment, have fun and don’t forget to taste as you go! You can do it!

For those of you who like measurements, try these green juice recipes:

Green Lemonade:

1 bunch celery

5 to 6 stalks kale (any type – I use dino kale because its super green and fits through my juicer beautifully)

1 to 2 apples for sweetness

1 lemon

1 to 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (optional)

Green Goddess:

1/2 buch of celery

1 bunch kale

1 bunch cilantro

1 to 2 apples

1 lemon

1 to 2 teaspoons ginger (optional)

As you can see, I like celery but this can easily be interchanged with cucumber or whatever other greens you have on hand.

Amazing ingredients to use while  juicing  for life:

Celery: Is an amazing relief for all inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis.  Celery helps fight cancer, lowers blood pressure & cholesterol, aids in digestion, elimination & weight loss, helps with insomnia, and it is also beneficial to help those with a weak sexual drive. Juice is the most efficient and nutritious way to eat celery, and people who have these conditions can drink as much juice as desired without overdosing.

Cucumber: Do you remember putting cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce morning puffiness (or seeing women do it in movies)? Well, imagine cucumber doing the same thing for your gut. It contains vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which may help reduce inflammation and swelling.

Kale: Amazing superfood to include in your diet, whether you are juicing or not. Kale is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food and since inflammation is the number one cause of arthritis, heart disease and a number of autoimmune diseases, kale is the perfect leafy green to add to your juices or salads for that matter. It is also a good source of essential omegas 3 & 6, helping not only to get protein into our body but to boost our immune system as well.

Chard: Recent research has shown that chard leaves contain at least 13 different polyphenol antioxidants, including kaempferol, the cardioprotective flavonoid that’s also found in broccoli, kale, strawberries, and other foods. Now what does this mean? I means that chard has unique benefits for blood sugar regulation for people with diabetes, it has powerful antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory benefits and supports bone health! Who needs a glass of milk when you can just add chard to your green juice?

Cilantro: This herb isn’t just a commonly used leaf or seed, used in exotic recipes, its a powerful cleansing agent! Cilantro helps remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body. It works to cleanse the liver and is a powerful anti-inflammatory that may help relieve symptoms of arthritis as well as wards off urinary tract infections and is helpful in fighting anemia. It is anti microbial and anti fungal. Helps with insulin secretion and lowers blood sugar. Contains immune boosting properties, helps ease conjunctivitis, as well as eye-aging, macular degeneration, and other stressors on the eyes. Cilantro is so amazing it helps as an overall digestive aid and helps reduce feelings of nausea. It helps ease hormonal mood swings associated with menstruation and reduces menstrual cramping. What’s not to love about this amazing herb?

Parsley: The inclusion of fresh herbs in your diet can be especially beneficial, as many of them are strong antioxidants. Parsley contains beta-carotene, vitamin C, and a number of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. It also tastes great in carrot juice!

Apples: You know the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” While that may be an exaggeration, apples are a miracle fruit in my mind. Studies have linked the consumption of apples to a reduced risk of a variety of cancers, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and Type II diabetes. They are strong antioxidants, and contain a number of phytochemicals, including quercetin, which is anti-inflammatory.

Pineapple: Packed with the enzyme bromelain which plays a major role in the body’s healing process. Bromelain is a natural potent anti-inflammatory that has many health benefits and encourages healing. According to recent researches, bromelain is very effective in treating bruises, sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain. This powerful anti-inflammatory effect can also help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and reduce postoperative swelling.

Grapefruit: I love grapefruit. I crave Grapefruit. If you are serious about wanting to improve your health, grapefruits are one of many live foods you should consider adding to your regular diet. It helps cleanse the kidneys, digestive and urinary systems, detoxify the liver, ease chronic liver conditions and help to eliminate toxins from the body. It may also help dissolve gallstones, lower cholesterol, aid in weight loss, helps fight cancer & is awesome in fighting candida and parasites in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties are helpful with chest congestion, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory disorders like osteoarthritis.

Lemons: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Lemons are anti-inflammatory and great for detoxification because they have high levels of vitamin C, which can bind to heavy metals and neutralize the toxins in our body. Lemons also stimulate the liver to make glutathione, a special enzyme used by the liver in detoxification.

Ginger:  Ginger ale is historically the tonic of choice for stomach unrest. However, with all the high fructose corn syrup or sugar in ginger ale, your best bet is making your own tea or including a chunk of fresh ginger in your juice. In addition, ginger is known to alleviate migraine symptoms, and my own experience with ginger juice has proven that to be true. Whenever I feel a headache coming on, I make a ginger juice – the worse the headache, the more ginger I add. If you’ve never used ginger in your juice, it can taste pretty strong, so start with a 1-inch chunk and increase the amount over time.

Here is a link to some amazing beet juice recipes: Pre-Workout Juice

Cheers to Life!

Now go on and get juicing!

What is your favorite juice? Please share your recipe!

Love and juice,

Michelle

It goes with your everywhere you go. It is on display at work and at home. People around you are affected by it. It has no shape, color, or size, yet its impact on your life is profound. What is it? Your attitude!

~Lucy MacDonald

PS Please check out my personal page at www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com

Just Beet It!

Beet juice is amazing! Its often referred to as natures viagra because it increases blood flow through the small capillaries, and because erectile dysfunction is often caused by poor circulation.... well you get the picture.

Beet juice will improve your performance in the gym. This is because this magical juice dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, as well as reducing the amount of oxygen needed by the muscles during physical activity. Researchers from the Sport and Health Sciences department of UofE found that people who drank beetroot juice required 12 percent less effort to perform even low intensity exercise like walking than those who did not drink beet juice.

Health Benefits of Beets:

• Boosts Energy
• Rich in nutrients
• Blood purifier
• Immune system booster
• Anti-inflammatory
• Stimulates liver function
• Natural colon cleanser
• Supports capillaries
• Prevents macular degeneration
• Prevents cataracts
• Natures viagra
• Creates a sense of well being
• Used as a stomach acid tester
• Contains pectin polysaccharides for digestive tract health
• Lessens tumor cell growth & contains betacyanins which counteract cancer
• Source of anthycyanins, carotenoids & lutein/zeazanthin which helps prevent or even cure macular degeneration and other eye related issues.
• Reduces cholesterol & triglycerides
• Lowers homocysteine

Beets are natures viagra? Seriously? Yes, seriously! Beets were used by both the ancient Greeks and Romans both medicinally as an aphrodisiac and as a culinary herb. Medicinally, beets contain high amounts of boron, which is directly related to the production of human sex hormones. In addition the natural nitrates that would improve overall performance.

How is beet juice a stomach acid tester? Well, if you eat or juice a lot of beets, and your urine turns pink, this is called beeturia and it is caused by low stomach acid. It means that your body is not metabolizing and assimilating nutrients properly. Juice more beets  now!

Beets are an amazing tonic for your liver! Beet juice helps stimulate liver cells to cleanse and protect bile ducts. It also helps relieve the kidneys of stress and lets face it we can all use a little less stress in our lives.

Pre-workout Juice:

3 Beets

3 Grapefruit

1 Tablepoon Cherry Juice Concentrate

Enjoy!

Michelle's Morning Sunshine:

1 orange

1 grapefruit

1 lime

1 beet

1 apple

Enzyme Boost (optional): 1 cup pineapple

The Great Eliminator

1  beet

1 cucumber

1/2 to 1 head romaine lettuce

10 medium carrots

1 inch fresh ginger

If you want a great boost in energy, your answer is simple. Drink beet juice! It does a body good!

Juice, love and bliss,

Michelle

Sources:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-12/uoe-bjc121710.php

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49

Please check out my personal site at: www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com

Fall Group Juice Cleanse

Join me in juice cleanse October 13-19th to help bring your body back to balance. Heal from the inside out, using organic juices to get the highest quality nutrition available.

Fresh organic juice, that contains no synthetic ingredients supplies the body with a concentrated batch of natural vitamins and minerals in their natural form. With the extra nutrition, your body's performance will improve and more energy will be available. With all of this extra energy many people report wanting to exercise, which leads to clearer thinking, healthier emotional states & weight control (you may even sleep better too). Dis-ease thrives in bodies which are filled with toxins, bacteria and carcinogens, most of which are found in un-healthy food. To prevent dis-ease and effectively defend itself, the body requires a wide assortment of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Juicing is a simple and easy way to meet this need and many have reported success at preventing and curing dis-ease with juicing. When you feel healthy, its natural to get more out of life. As juicing (and healthy living) can change one's life and enable you to feel delight and joy. Sign up and feel the bliss of juicing today!

A juice feasting adventure will give your body a break from caffeine, sugar, wheat, dairy, and alcohol so that you may establish new, healthier habits, renew your energy and detox your body. A feast includes freshly prepared juices, coconut water and supplements. Also included is a sole bath mixture, supplies for a liver/gallbladder flush, enema bag, body brush, personal notebook with handouts, daily support class where we stretch, meditate, explore natural beauty, healthy eating, and balance harmony within ourselves.  Guided Juice Cleanse October 13-19th.   During this time we will have daily support classes everyday at noon to enhance your experience.    If you cannot make daily classes, no worries, you may choose to come and pick up your juices anytime after 12pm.   Participants, please let me know exactly what you do (or do not) want included in your package and if you have any food allergies or aversions to foods so that juices may be tailored to your individual needs. Please inform me of any particular issues you struggle with and I will add personal information to your notebook addressing any concerns (i.e. thyroid issues, cancer, metabolic imbalance, osteoporosis, arthritis, candida, ect...)

Cost Breakdown:

For a first time faster, the total juice fast experience is $442.    ***You may choose strictly juices and a few supplements to fit your needs and budget. The cost of juices will be $180 for the first time fasters and $150 for people who have fasted with Michelle before.    *Juices are for the week of October 13-19th. (This includes three fresh juices per day and one coconut water)     *It is not recommended for people who have metabolic imbalances to use coconut water. (If you do not need coconut water subtract $25).    *You may choose to add an extra juice per day to your fast to make your experience a juice feast for $35. Price Breakdown Vitamineral Green™ $20 Vitamineral Earth $20 E3 Live™ Enzyme Powder $20 Thyroid Nascent Iodine $35 Liver-ND™ - $30 Premier Cleansing Formula $30 Body Brush $9 Beautifying Facial Brush $5 Tongue Scraper $7 Sole Bath (adds 3 days of detoxification) $10 Enema Kit $10 Triphala for after the fast $16 Friendly Force™ Probiotic Powder (dairy-free) $40 Purifying Essential Oil $10 Recommended Products Vitamineral™ Green-- Nutritionally supports Blood Sugar, Detoxification, The Immune System, Liver, Kidneys, Blood, Bones, Colon, Regularity, Circulation, and Longevity. This is you protein for the fast. Vitamineral Earth™-- Nutritionally supports blood sugar, colon, detoxification, the immune system, and Longevity. Balances the Yin and Yang with the Vitamineral Green. E3 Enzymes Supreme™-- Enzymes are the 'spark of life'. This powder formula is a digestive and cleansing blend of plant-based enzymes and other plant-derived digestive aids. This formula consists of premium, full-spectrum, digestive enzymes with added nutritional co-factors optimized to work in wide pH variations throughout the entire digestive tract.  Without enzymes, our bodies do not properly break down food; therefore we do not absorb vitamins, minerals and amino acids which are the basis of health. Our immune system, bloodstream, liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas especially depend upon enzymes for proper digestive function. Without proper enzymes, our white blood cells try to perform the purpose of the enzymes, usually leaving one feeling tired after eating, and compromising the immune system. Enzymes are responsible for every biochemical reaction that occurs in living matter. All life depends on enzymes. Nascent Iodine- This is the least toxic and least irritating of all iodine formulas available. Iodine is crucial for every hormone to function properly and for normal metabolism. Iodine deficiency is relatively common. Severe iodine deficiency often occurs in individuals who have thyroid disease and are hyperthyroid (an over active thyroid), or those who have a goiter from thyroid malfunction. Symptoms of iodine deficiency may include extreme fatigue, slowing of both physical and mental processes, weight gain, facial puffiness, constipation and lethargy. Iodine, because of it's role in the metabolism helps burn off excess fat, it is a germicidal and antiseptic for internal use, iodine aids in, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, helps heal gastro-intestinal and urinary disorders, malaria fever, various infectious diseases internal and external, arthritis and joint diseases, skin diseases, burns, abrasions, cuts and mouth diseases.  Wow!    Liver-ND™ is a botanical formula that promotes optimal liver rejuvenation and cleansing, healthy bile flow, fat digestion, healthy cellular DNA, and healthy blood lipids. And since the liver and gallbladder are intimately connected, Liver-ND™ supports healthy gallbladder function too.  Premier Cleansing Formula is a clinically-tested, whole body cleansing formula. It contains a complete, synergistic blend of grade 10, carefully harvested herbs from South America. Its unique carrier base, grade 10 psyllium husk powder, provides a gentle, soluble fiber that adds soft, almost fluffy bulk to stools. This helps clear out toxic colon pockets and move foul, stagnant waste matter from of the colon. In addition, its scrubbing action can help trap and pull away many years of encrusted toxic debris.    Dry Skin Brush(s)-- It is well known that the skin is the largest organ in the body, and is responsible for one-fourth of the body's detoxification each day, also making it, one of the most important elimination organs! When you dry skin brush, you help your lymph system to clean itself of the toxins, that collect in the lymph glands. You use a simple technique to improve the surface circulation on the skin and keep the pores of the skin open, encouraging your body's discharge of metabolic wastes, and resulting in an improved ability to combat bacteria, plus helping your skin to look and feel healthier and more resilient! Skin brushing is a perfect treatment for taking charge of your body and health.    Tongue Scraper-- The ancient Ayurvedic healing philosophy of India has recommended tongue scraping for centuries as an aid to digestion and for the health of the teeth and the sinuses. When the salivary glands are cleaned, it activates them and enhances digestion (yes, digestion begins in the mouth as saliva mixes with food and begins to break it down). Tongue cleaning revitalizes the throat and keeps the sinuses cleaner by reducing bacteria that can travel into the respiratory system. Many people who have struggled with sinus infections, sore throats, throat infections*, and chronic bad breath, may find added relief through regular tongue scraping. Dentists are now recommending tongue cleaning to keep the mouth clean and reduce odor. They have learned that bad breath most often comes from bacteria on the tongue rather than from gum disease.    Sole Bath- In contrast to a normal bath, in which moisture is extracted from the skin, a sole bath allows salt to be stored in the upper callous layer of the skin and binds water.  This maintains the natural, protective film of the skin, protecting it from drying out. This is the reason why sole baths are good for dry skin as well.  The cleansing effects of a 30-minute sole bath equal those of three days of fasting.  The toxins are released into the bath water through osmosis, while the minerals from the sole are absorbed through the skin.  Studies have shown that you can achieve the best results taking a sole bath during the change of the moon cycle.  The minerals and energies stored in the sole can optimally be absorbed during a full moon.  The body's healing potential is at its peak, bioenergetically weak points are harmonized, and the body's own energy flow is activated.  During a new moon, the cleansing effects are optimized because the body's capacity for detoxifying is at an optimum.  The bath will have a detoxifying effect similar to a three day fast.    Triphala-- A must for easing back into food as it is used to rejuvenate the digestive system, support healthy liver function, support the immune system, support healthy inflammatory response and as a tonic for overall health. Nutrient-rich Triphala (or three fruits) regulates, strengthens, tones, and cleanses your digestive system without stripping or depleting your body of vital nutrients. One of the oldest and most renowned herbal formulas from the Vedic tradition, Triphala is a gentle, nourishing blend of three certified organic fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki. High in linoleic oil and vitamin C, non habit-forming and safe for people of all ages, our Ayurvedic Triphala formula's colon cleansing action supports healthy digestive and gastro intestinal function while strengthening nutritional assimilation.     Friendly Force™ Probiotic Powder -- The ultimate, hard-core, no-holds-barred probiotic. Cleansing, immune boosting,* nutrient creating, unique whole food prebiotics greatly magnify potency.* Dairy free, gluten free, implantable species, significantly improves digestion and assimilation.* A natural synergy of acid-resistant, ultra-stable ultra-high potency implantable, survivable, whole food prebiotics (NO isolates) that greatly magnify potency and healthy growth.* Feeds on toxins and detoxifies them. Enhances digestion and nutrient assimilation. Actually create nutrients such as vitamin B12, enzymes, and neurotransmitters (the gut is your second brain). Significantly supports immune function.* Supports elimination of candida and unfriendly bacteria.* Whole food synergists yacon and burdock provide powerful phytonutrients and inulin growth medium (not isolated FOS) that significantly magnifies potency. Marshmallow and kelp provide mucilagenous probiotic acid protection. Marshmallow supports protecting and rebuilding the intestinal lining from leaky gut. Kelp provides detox,  heavy metal chelation, full spectrum minerals plus mannose and fucose for immunity.* Purifying Essential Oil Blend by Elizabeth Van Buren -- Purifying is a great detoxifying blend. It balances emotional and physical excesses such as resentment, jealousy, overeating, and alcohol and drug addictions. Grapefruit is an excellent detoxifier and diuretic and benefits drug withdrawal, water retention, cellulite, and lymphatic drainage. Juniper aids the kidneys and liver and rids the body of uric acid. It also promotes sweating that helps rid toxins. Angelica Root invigorates the lymph system. The Juice Cleanse is October 13-19th. This is a wonderful opportunity to heal from the inside out, using organic juices to get the highest quality nutrition available. Sign up today and feel the bliss of juicing! Lots of love and light, Michelle 406-249-4370 sublimele@gmail.com

Sweet & Smoky Cauliflower & Green Beans

Here is a post I apparently wrote a while ago. I don't even remember writing it. It would also be good done on the BBQ grill as an end of the summer treat!

Sweet BBQ Spicy Mix
3 Tablespoons Premier Coconut Crystals
2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
1 Tablespoon Raw Cacao Powder
1/2 teaspoon Cumin Powder
1/2 teaspoon Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan Salt

Cut 1 head of cauliflower into bite sized pieces. Cut 1 pound or 1 large handful green beans into bit sized pieces. Place into medium bowl or ziplock bag. Marinate with 2 Tablespoons olive oil, flax oil or hemp oil, 1-2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar , and a touch of pink salt. Mix together until cauliflower and beans are covered. Let sit for at least four hours, or overnight if you have time are you are super prepared.

Add Sweet spicy mix to cauliflower and beans coat and cover well, place in dehydrator for 1-2 hours to warm. If you do not have a dehydrator you may place in oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Voila! Delicious!

Please check out my personal site at: www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com