Day 110: Sometimes we have to take some time for "me"

Hello there friends!

Here I am, alive and well! Still experiencing the great affects of this Juice Feast Journey. Today is day 110. I have decided that I'll end my journey after completing 150 days. Once I reach that milestone, my goal is to transition into a 100% raw living foods diet until I reach my ultimate weight for my body. I plan to maintain that weight with a very high raw food lifestyle.

So, I am very glad to be back online blogging about my experiences. Yay!!! I know I have been offline for about a month now. People have been asking me if I was done or how it was going. Honestly, I took some much needed time away from anything "extra" in my life this past month. I spent the time adjusting to many new schedules and dynamics in my life. I have been doing a lot of introspective work. I have been reading a great book called "Raw Emotions" by Angela Stokes Monarch. I am so thankful for this book as it is such a great source of inspiration while embarking on a juice journey or raw food lifestyle while dealing with the emotions that surround food and eating. I'm working on a lot of the emotional issues I have had surrounding my food addictions. I'm also working on my Life Plan and my lists of Desires for myself in this life. It has been a time of emotional transformation and a time of clarity.

I have many things I have learned over this past month I would love to share, starting with some tips and tricks during a Juice Feast. Stay tuned for a new blog with those soon!

Well it is time to get myself to bed. It is late and my body needs its rest these days to do its magic. ;)

I wish you peace & love.

Goodnight,
Laura

New Slideshow: Down 41.6 lbs

The last picture was take 100 lbs off exactly on 09/20/11. 41.6 lbs released on this journey! woohoo!

I am down 100 lbs since 2007 when I was at my record high.  

Day 73: Down 41 lbs!!! Woohoo!

Hi Friends,

How is everyone's weekend going? Today I am so grateful for this journey. So so grateful. I am digging deep into my spirituality these days and really starting the transformation of my mind and my thoughts. I must say the Secret and The Law of Attraction (Abraham-Hicks) are really changing my world and how I view it.  I hold such power within me. A friend wrote on her facebook wall, all the power that ever was or ever will be is with you now. Very powerful words and it is true. Once you learn this and believe it you will see your life change exponentially. 

So as the title of my blog states I am down 41 lbs today, and I am beaming with pure joy.  I started this journey just 73 days ago at 266.4 and in a state of despair and hopelessness. I am just amazed at the transformation I have undergone.  I am 225.4 today and I am still shooting for 199 lbs at the end of this journey. It is 25.6 lbs to go in 27 days but I BELIEVE and KNOW I can do it and I am holding on the the thought and feeling and sending that desire daily out into the Universe.  (Please send positive thoughts of this as well if you feel so inclined ;))

I plan on making a new video soon. What would you all like me to talk about? I think I have a good idea of what to talk about but would love some feedback from you.

Well I have to run. I need to make the last hour of the Farmers Market today to get my goodies for the week ;)

Have a wonderful joyous day friends.

Sending lots of love.

Peace & Love,
Laura

Day 61: Over 60% complete!

Hello Friends,

Today I am so thankful for this whole process. I appreciate how much I feel I am growing, evolving and healing during this journey. I am so grateful.

I have realized that it has been awhile since I posted and I apologize.  I want you to know I have NOT given up on this nor have I forget anyone.  I just have been a busy mama getting ready for my youngest daughter to go to school for the first time at a wonderful lil Co-op Preschool where I have accepted a board position; as well as my oldest daughter is attending a new Charter School this year as well as setting up many extra curricular activity classes for them.... We are also busy painting, decorating, and purchasing furniture for our daughters new bedrooms...we are also actively searching for a doggie to rescue....I also just became an Aunt for the first time today!!!............so as you can see, I have been one busy busy mama! ;).  I must admit it has been VERY tough to stick to this juice feast during this time....but I am not giving up. Things are starting to calm down a little bit and I am truly trusting in this process.  I feel that this is the time of "big life changes" that Angela Stokes-Monarch refers to in her book The Juice Feasters Handbook.  I am doing a lot of soul searching right now (when I have free time) by reading Dr. Wayne Dyers book "Being in Balance", watching The Secret Movie, The Secret Behind the Secret and next diving into the book by Abrams-Hicks "Ask and it Will be Given."  I am really working on changing the way I think about things, as Thoughts ARE things. They manifest in your life. And I realize that I have to work a lot on this area.  I have a lot I want to talk about as well as videos I want to make and share with you. Please stick with me during this busy time. I promise that things will calm down in the next week or so.  I appreciate all your love and support and hope that you enjoy this journey as well...

Juices I am enjoying today:
2 Quarts of Green Juices: Swiss Chard, Dino Kale, Bok Choy, Cucumber, Ginger, Lemon, 1 Jalapeno, Apples
1 Quart: Orange/Murcott (Honey Tangerine) juice
1-2 Quarts of Yellow Watermelon Juice

Have a wonderful day friends.

Peace and Love,
Laura

Day 53: This is a Life Changing Journey

Hi Friends!

I'm sure you have realized that I have been quieter lately as I have found this is whole process to be a deeply emotional and life transforming journey for me. I have experienced some life trials in the past week or so and I have been soul searching and tapping into my spiritual side during this time.

As of today, I am so blessed for my families support and my great strength I have within me to accomplish my biggest dreams. I am so very thankful for the movie "The Secret" and the book "Being In Balance" by Dr. Wayne Dyer. They have been a great support for me. My life is
abundant and full of blessings and I am so grateful. :)

I'm happy to say that as of this morning I have lost another 1.0 pounds for a total of 35.4 lbs in 52 days on this Feast! :) I'm envisioning being at 199 lbs at the end of my 100 days on this feast. That means I am desiring to release about 31.2 lbs more in the next 47 days. I have begun my vision board, my spiritual journal, meditating, yoga and increased my exercise and free weight training. I truly believe the Universe will deliver my wishes if I stay steadfast and do not lose sight of my desires. I plan on remaining as positive as possible through the rest of this journey (and the rest of my life.) It is something I must work at. I wrote on my bathroom mirror with dry erase marker "I was born to add value to this world." That is on the top. Then on the left side is a list of the main things I am so grateful for. Then on the right is the things I desire from the universe. I wake up each morning, look in the mirror and meditate on them while I am getting ready in the morning for a good 10+ minutes. It is really life changing for me.

I would like to make a new video soon to share. I have a list of tips I would like to share. Please stay tuned. I hope you have enjoyed my slideshow pics of my weight loss. It has keep me motivated to watch them myself. :)

Well I am off to enjoy my family. I plan on shopping for some more yummy produce, buying paint to begin designing our daughters new rooms and preparing for the upcoming school year.


Juices I will be enjoying today are:
*1 quart of water with lemon juice and msm caps
*1 quart of Green Juice: Dino Kale, Green Kale, Lemon, Ginger, Red Jalapeno, Garlic, Carrots and Green Apples
* 1 quart of green, red, purple grape Juice
* 1 quart of Sweet Melon Juice (it is an heirloom variety from local farmers market, I forget the name)
* Another 1 quart of the Green Juice Listed above


I wish you all a day full of blessing and gratitude. May you receive all you desire. xo


Peace & Love,

Laura

New Weight Loss Progress Pics! Start to -32 lbs

Day 49: I am still here!!!

Hi Friends!

Sorry to have been quiet lately. Been busy getting my life in order for the upcoming school year. Just another few days in the life of a busy mama. ;)  So I would like to say that I am so thankful for the movie "The Secret". I watched it last night and it has really got me to change my thoughts and attitude towards things. I highly recommend you watch it if you have not yet.  Also I will be watching The Secret Behind the Secret soon and will let you know how that one goes. Here is a preview of "The Secret":

I am also happy to report I lost another 1.0 lbs today for a total of 34.4! Yahoooo! Another thing I have decided is I want to do this for 100 days. My goal is to be at 199 at the end of 100 days. A big task but one I feel I can accomplish with the power of The Secret and The Law of Attraction. :) After 100 days I am going to go to a 100% Raw Foods Diet until I reach my goal of around 185 -189.  So tomorrow will be day  5-0!!! Day 50! Half way to 100! I am so happy that my addictions are falling away. I only get the occasional craving for VEGETABLES, especially tomatoes.  I plan on juicing more tomato juices and playing with the recipes till I get one I really like. I love garlic so I may do a garlic basil one tomorrow.   One thing I have done is add a piece of garlic to all my morning "Lemon Ginger Blast" green juices. SO YUM!!! I LOVE them now! :)
Well off to take a warm bath with some Apple Cider Vinegar in it for my skin, while drinking my chamomile tea and watching a juicefeasting.com video :)
Have a wonderful night friends!
Peace & Love,
Laura

p.s. I have a new pic to post soon too of another 10 lbs off since the last weight lost pic. I will post it tomorrow, stay tuned. xo

Exercising on a Rebounder/Mini-Trampoline (YouTube Video)

My Lemon Ginger Blast Green Juice (& Lou Corona Video too) (YouTube Videos)

My Video

Dan McDonald & Lou Corona making the Lemon Ginger Blast

Day 43: Trust in the Process

Today I am so thankful for the strength I possess within. Without it, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Today I am enjoying my Quart of Water with fresh Lemon in it (taken with MSM caps)
I will be making my juices for the day soon. I like to give my digestive system time to wake up in the morning.

So as the title states, we must "trust in the process." Why do I say this? Well I woke up today and lost another .8 lbs (almost a pound from yesterday.) Wow! My body is back at work again releasing the excess weight. I cannot say my body wasnt working the past few days when I hadnt been losing, it most likely was, but it was internal and I it could not be measured or seen on the scale. One thing I remember my old Weight Watchers Leader telling me was "the scale is not a true reflection of your progress."  It has really resonated with me now more than ever before, especially being on a Juice Feast.  Looking back at my daily weights on days 19-23 and days 36-39 days I have hit plateaus. I didnt realize till right now I have actually hit 2 so far. And each time they are 4 to 5 days long. But looking at the overall picture I am so glad I have persevered on and will not give up on this journey. As I stated yesterday, "the BATTLE ENDS NOW!"  And I tell myself that every time I am in the kitchen.  I cannot tell you the power of words and what we tell ourselves. You must try it to fully understand and believe me.  Put on your fridge (or wherever is a good focal place for you) some words that are very meaningful to get you thru your journey, your day, your situation, what ever that might be. Then read those words with truth and conviction each time you see them, and watch the power they have in changing your life. :)

Well friends I am off to make my yummy juices for the day. I plan on making a video today! Feel to great not to ;)  Stay tuned.

Have a wonderful day.
Peace & Love,
Laura

Day 42! Losing again!!! Woohoo!

(I put this on my fridge yesterday.  I am DONE with my battle with food addiction. It must change. I must change it. And I have the power to change it!  THE BATTLE ENDS NOW!)

Today I am sooooo grateful for my grandma. She rescued me when I ran out of apples this morning and brought me 3 large bags of organic granny smiths. xoxo Love you Grandma!

Today I am enjoying:

1 Quart of Water with Fresh Squeezed Lemon in it
1 Quart of Green Juice: Full bunch of Kale, lil parsley, sliver of ginger and jalapeno pepper, 1/2 lemon, 5 small granny smith apples, 4 carrots and 1 mini Italian cucumber.
1 Quart of Orange Tangerine Juice

...and I am planning on making a quart of plum/grape juice and a small green juice tonight.

So as the title states....I AM LOSING WEIGHT AGAIN! As you may or may not of realized I hit a plateau the past couple days. I was getting a bit down about it.  I made peace that my body was doing what it needed to do and that I had lost a significant amount of weight already in such a short time.  I then decided that is was a good time to evaluate myself. I realized I was getting a lil complacent. I decided to take a really nice long walk with my daughters yesterday. It felt amazing. I walked around enjoying the world around me and giving thanks for all I had. I also decided yesterday that I need to stay connected to an inspiring source, like the 10 day juice feast program I did with Natasha St. Michael from RawRadiantHealth.  I missed that motivation daily from the videos and user forums. So, with some money in our account, I decided to join juicefeasting.com for a 60 day membership and it is AWESOME so far. SO MUCH info. I cannot even begin to start. I highly HIGHLY recommend if you are thinking of doing more than 10 days on a juice feast to join the website for at least the 1 month membership. There are over like 300 videos and hundreds of documents and book references and reading and forums. It is great. I will let you know how it goes over the next few weeks.
So yeah, today I weighed in and I was down exactly 90lbs from my highest weigh in at Weight Watchers in 2007 at 324.8.  Today I weighed in and had lost half a pound and was at 234.8. Woohoo! Time for a new picture! My hubby will be back from work on Saturday so I will post a pic on Saturday afternoon! Stay Tuned.

I am so excited about my journey. I have new found excitement again and I am very proud of myself. I am finding that I can and do love myself. And what better way to show myself love than to stick thru this journey till the end?! 
Well more to come soon. I plan on making a video either tonight or tomorrow.
Until then, Have a blessed day.
Peace and love,
Laura

The Most Nutrient Dense Food based on the Andi Score by Dr. Joel Furhman

From Dr. Furhman's website eatrightamerica.com

"As a nutritarian, it’s important that you know the nutrient density of your food. Not merely vitamins and minerals, but adequate consumption of phytochemicals are essential for a normal immune system and to enable our body’s detoxification and cellular repair mechanisms that protect us from cancer and other diseases.

Nutritional science in the last twenty years has demonstrated that colorful plant foods contain a huge assortment of protective compounds, mostly unnamed at this point. Only by eating an assortment of natural foods that are nutrient-rich, can we access these compounds and protect ourselves from the common diseases that afflict Americans. Our modern, low-nutrient eating style leads to an overweight population with common diseases of nutritional ignorance and medical costs spiraling out of control. We need to flip our traditional thinking upside down, and begin eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains, as illustrated in the Eat Right America Food Pyramid.

In order to measure nutrient density, Eat Right America created rankings of foods according the nutrients they pack. This concept is explained further in Dr. Fuhrman’s book Eat for Health.

Because phytochemicals are largely unnamed and unmeasured, these rankings underestimate the healthful properties of colorful natural plant foods compared to processed foods and animal products. One thing we do know is that the foods that contain the highest amount of known nutrients are the same foods that contain the most unknown nutrients too. So even though these rankings may not consider the phytochemical number sufficiently they are still a reasonable measurement of their content.

 

Keep in mind that nutrient density scoring is not the only factor that determines good health. For example, if we only ate foods with a high nutrient density score our diet would be too low in fat. So we have to pick some foods with lower nutrient density scores (but preferably the ones with the healthier fats) to include in our high nutrient diet. Additionally, if a thin person or highly physically active individual ate only the highest nutrient foods they would become so full from all of the fiber and nutrients that would keep them from meeting their caloric needs and they would eventually become too thin. This of course gives you a hint at the secret to permanent weight control. 

Eat Right America's Nutrient Density Scoring System
To determine the scores above almost all vitamins and minerals were considered and added in. Nutrient Data from Nutritionist Pro software for an equal caloric amount of each food item was obtained. We included the following nutrients in the evaluation: Calcium, Carotenoids: Beta Carotene, Alpha Carotene, Lutein & Zeaxanthin, Lycopene, Fiber, Folate, Glucosinolates, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Selenium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, plus ORAC score X 2 (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity is a method of measuring the antioxidant or radical scavenging capacity of foods).

Nutrient quantities, which are normally in many different measurements (mg, mcg, IU) were converted to a percentage of their RDI so that a common value could be considered for each nutrient. Since there is currently no RDI for Carotenoids, Glucosinolates, or ORAC score, goals were established based on available research and current understanding of the benefits of these factors. (limited references below). The % RDI or Goal for each nutrient which the USDA publishes a value for was added together to give a total. All nutrients were weighted equally with a factor of one except for the foods ORAC score. The ORAC score was given a factor 2 (as if it were two nutrients) due to the importance of antioxidant nutrients so that measurement of unnamed anti-oxidant phytochemicals were represented in the scoring. The sum of the food’s total nutrient value was then multiplied by a fraction to make the highest number equal 1000 so that all foods could be considered on a numerical scale of 1 to 1000.

NOTE
Eat Right America's nutrient density food rankings, scoring system, and point determinations of foods is patent pending."

www.eatrightamerica.com

Top 10 Most Nutrient Dense Foods

Top 10 Super Foods

1. Collard, mustard & turnip greens – Nutrient Score: 1000
2. Kale – Nutrient Score: 1000
3. Watercress – Nutrient Score: 1000
4. Bok Choy – Nutrient Score: 824
5. Spinach – Nutrient Score: 739
6. Brussels sprouts – Nutrient Score: 672
7. Swiss chard – Nutrient Score: 670
8. Arugula – Nutrient Score: 559
9. Radish – Nutrient Score: 554
10. Cabbage – Nutrient Score: 481

So try adding some of these in your green juices often! They are FULL on nutrients/nutrition and health!!! 

Fast Food Addiction, Weight Watchers, & Juice Feasting (Video)

A Juice Feast is like Rehab for Food Addicts (Video)

Day 34: Enjoying a Day at the Fair while Juice Feasting

Today I loved the smiles and laughs of my daughters as they rode their favorite rides at the local County Fair. Yup, thats right I went to the fair while I am Juice Feasting. Was it hard you ask? Nope. Not at all. I made all my juices first thing when I woke up and took 2 juices with me! It was a wonderful day despite how crowded it was ;)

Juices I am enjoying today are:
2 quarts Green Juices (really good ones): Spinach, parsley, Carrot, 1/2 lemon and Apples.
1 quart Watermelon Juice
1 quart Mango, Pineapple, Coconut Water juice.


I am still going strong even when life seems a little more tough. I am going to talk about "Life Trials" on an upcoming YouTube Video as well as my ideas behind 92 Day Juice Feasting being like a 90 day treatment for Food Addicts. Stay tuned.

Peace & Love Friends,
Laura

Juice Feast Progress Pictures

The morning I started the Juice Feast I was 266.4. I did not take a picture (as I didn't know my 10 day journey would turn into a 92 day one ;) .Soooo...I have a picture of me from 10/07 when I was 264 (just 2 lbs less from my starting weight on this 92 day Feast) to compare with my progress pictures as I go along on this journey.

So here they are:

The size I was when I started the Juice Feast:
Starting Weight 07/01/2011 was 266.4 (this pic was taken at 264)





Day 23 of Juice Feast. Down 21.8 lbs. Weight 244.6





Side Views:

My 100 lb Weight Loss Slide Show from Weight Watchers in 2007-2008

Hi Friends,
Well here is some pictures from when I was on Weight Watchers April 2007-July 2008 and the 100+ lbs (109 total) I lost during the 15 months. I started at 324.8 at WW and I took a picture as close to every 10 lbs lost during the journey. The last picture is at 224 lbs (I never got to 214 so I dont have one at my lowest of 215.8.) You will now have a good idea of where I have come and how my body looks at different weights. I am currently (Aug 2, 2011, Day 33 on Feast, 238.0 so you can get an idea, I am close to the 2nd to last picture on the slideshow.)

I will post in the next blog post a more current picture of me taken at 244 during this journey and another when I get to 234, which will be very soon (just 4 lbs away!) I will put the pictures next to me when I was 264 from Weight Watchers which is very close to my start weight on this feast of 266. I am sorry but I didnt take a start picture of myself on this Feast as I didnt know I would be doing this long term when I signed up for the 10 day Feast program. So this is the best I got. Hope you enjoy!!!

Peace & Love,
L

Where my Journey All Began... (Video)

Making Fruit Juices + Tips and Supplement Recommendations (Video)

How to Make A Green Juice on a Juice Feast (Video)

Day 32: Starting YouTube Videos!

Today I am so thankful for those in my life that support me. Like the famous Dr. Suess saying goes "be who you are and say how you feel because those that mind dont matter and those that matter dont mind."  I am thankful for all of you that matter in my life and that dont mind who I am or what crazy things I do in my life ;) xo


The Juices I really enjoyed today were:
(1 full quart of water with lemon juice in the morning)
2 quarts Green Juices: Kale, Celery, Lemon and Green Apple
1 quart Orange Juice
1 quart Strawberry Kiwi Cucumber Juice

So...if you havent noticed...I started making videos on YouTube! I was nervous about doing it and sharing my info but it really just felt right. I hope you enjoy the videos! Please let me know if there are any videos you would like to see me make or questions you would like me to address.

Coming up next is my weight loss pics and slideshow...stay tuned for that! You will wowed (I hope!) ;)

Have a great day friends!

Peace and Love,
Laura

Day 31: I COMPLETED A WHOLE MONTH!!!

Today I am so grateful for my family. My daughter learned how to ride without her training wheels today and it made me so so proud!!!
And...I am so proud of myself! I have completed a full month on this journey! AND...I REACHED MY 1 month goal! I weighed in today and I had lost 10% of my body weight in 30 days! I started on July 1st at 266.4 and today I am 239.8.  That is 26.6 lbs gone in 30 days! Woohoo!!!

I have been working on a couple You Tube Videos to share as well as putting together a slide show of my weight loss from over 330 lbs to current.

Off to see if I can get my videos up to share...Stay tuned!!!
Peace & Love,
Laura

Some of my Favorite Juice Feast SItes, You Tube Videos and Blogs

Juice Feast SItes:

http://juicefeasting.com/

http://www.raw-wisdom.com/jfsupplements

Day in the Life of a Juice Feaster

A Juice Feaster's Handbook

Angela Stokes Monarch's Website
She did a 92 day Juice Feast and wrote the Juice Feaster's Handbook

http://www.rawradianthealth.com/blog/
(where it ALL began. I did Natasha's supervised 10 day Juice Feast to begin this journey.)

Phil Mccluskey Website
He did a 100 day Juice Feast



Some Neat Blogs:

http://juicefeasting.blogspot.com/

http://rawreform.blogspot.com/

http://globaljuicefeast.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=19qkk0m1cwnph

http://www.courtneypool.com/2009/05/7-day-green-juice-fast.html

http://juicefeast.wordpress.com/

http://rawinmotionblog.typepad.com/raw_in_motion/2009/03/my-92-day-juice-feasting-journey.ht


You Tube Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HOlL8cRRFg

http://youtu.be/YPz2A5WE70w

http://youtu.be/VcXW67jIEA4

http://youtu.be/4Ip-VkRgHkM

http://youtu.be/mdTkbD601Tk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfrIzc9Km8E


(If you have any other Juice Feasting Resources you enjoy please share below in the comments so I can check them out and share on my list with others as well. :)

Day 28: We have a new passanger on board!

Today I am so thankful for my family. My husband took my daughters to a mini golf park and they had a wonderful time. Seeing them happy brings me the greatest joy.

I weighed in and was down 1 lb from last weigh in, bringing the grand total to 24.6 lbs in 27 days! So awesome!!!

Juices I enjoyed today were:
2 Green Juices: Spinach, Apple, Cucumber
1 Apple Carrot Juice
1 Grape Blueberry Juice
and 1 liter of water first thing in the morning with lemon juice.

Also, Supplements I am taking for now as recommended by David Rainoshek with JuiceFeasting.com and Angela Stokes of RawReform.com & RawFoodWorld.com are:
Bee Pollen
Hemp Oil
MSM
Kelp Granules
Zeolites
Chlorella (until I run out, then Spirulina)

So as the title states, I have a NEW PASSENGER on board with me on the juice feast. My HUBBY!!! He started day 1 today and is shooting for a 7 day Juice Feast. I am so proud of him for taking this step for his health!!! I will let you know his progress as he weighs in daily and goes along his journey. So far he has had to take NO INSULIN today (he is type 1 Diabetic) except for his low dose "long acting" 12 hour insulin he has to take twice a day. No fast acting shots like he usually does several times a day. His levels have been consistent between 54 (got a lil low) to 150 after a fruit juice. This is AWESOME! He has had higher numbers some days after large cooked in the past and he has always had to take his fast acting insulin shots.  Today, nothing.  That's so exciting for the first day! I am so flippin proud of him and am so excited to see what happens on his journey!!!

Well,  I have 2 tired lil girls up way pass their bedtime that I must get to bed....

I will be back here tomorrow as I have more info to share...
Have a great night.

Peace and Love,
Laura

The New "Dirty Dozen" and Clean 15

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. The list includes the fruits and vegetables that tested highest and lowest in pesticide levels based on 51,000 tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the FDA. The “Dirty Dozen” are: apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, imported nectarines, imported grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, domestic blueberries, lettuce, kale/collard greens. The foods that tested lowest in pesticide residues (the “Clean 15”) are: onions, corn, pineapple, avocado, asparagus, sweet peas, mangoes, eggplant, domestic cantaloupe, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, sweet potatoes, grapefruit, and mushrooms. The list is helpful for consumers -- who can lower their pesticide consumption by 92 percent by choosing five servings of fruits and vegetables from the “Clean” list rather than the “Dirty” list each day. Still, EWG points out that since 2001 the USDA has detected 215 different pesticides in fresh fruits and vegetables sold in the U.S., and while some produce is less contaminated than others, some level of pesticides were found in 7 out of every 10 samples analyzed.

Day 25: Trials in Life

I always want to start out with something I am grateful for. Today I am so blessed to have wonderful daughters who make life so meaningful. They remind me to slow down and enjoy the simple things like today at the beach. We collected various seaweeds, sea shells and looked at all the bugs and animals around the shore. It was an amazing day. I feel truly blessed to be their mommy.

So today I weighed in and I am down 23 lbs now! Woohoo! Still going strong even during that "time of the month."

Today I enjoyed:
2 quarts of Green Juice: Kale, Celery, Cucumber, Lemon, Parsley, and Green Apples.
and
2 quarts of Black and Red Grape Juice 

I am worried about my new juicer after the incident with the large nectarine pit my daughter accidentally put thru it yesterday. It just isnt acting the same. I am on the fencing of returning it and getting the Omega 8006 (which is actually cheaper.) It creates less pulp (which i do NOT like in green juices, but enjoy in the fruit juices but it takes longer to juice. It is a lot easier to clean up though. I HATE cleaning! Or I am thinking of calling in a repair for it as it isnt working properly and waiting to see what happens. Not sure yet. I will let ya all know what I decide soon. The 8006 Omega does do more things too so I am leaning on returning this Omega VRT 350 for it but I will miss the ease of juicing. Hmmm.......I will sleep on it.


So I wanted to touch base on life "trials" or whatever you would like to call them, when life gets a bit tough. What happens when life gets tough and you are drinking all juices? And you are a food addict?! Well I can tell you! It gets TOUGH!  I have been going through some life "trials" sort a speak recently and I can tell you I am really seeing clearly how much I have the tendency to turn to food! I have to stop my train of thought before I get to the kitchen. I realize that if I can redirect my feelings and take a LOT of deep breaths and clear my mind of the negativity I CAN and HAVE got through it! It is amazing the clarity I have now. I cannot believe how much I could of been eating at this point in my life if I had not been on the juice feast! Also, a TIP from me! When you get cravings, drink a LARGE glass of water or 2 or 3! It works almost every single time for me to curb my cravings as I have been experiencing some recently.  My cravings are almost always for salty things like tortilla chips or seeds/nuts. So I am thinking I may just be thirsty! And I think I am right. I also think I am going to be more diligent to juice more celery/bok choy to keep my sodium up and maybe even add some Himalayan sea salt to my water and see if that helps too.


Well thats its for now ladies and gents. Its off to bed for this juice feasting mama.

Peace and Love,
Laura

Just watched a GREAT MOVIE about Healthy Food, Cancer, Medications, and more...A MUST SEE!!!

If you haven't see this movie yet I HIGHLY HIGHLY ...HIGHLY recommend you watch it. And if you cant afford to watch it, come to my house, I will let ya watch it ;) Or I know a good Christmas gift for you besides my other fav at this time Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Hmmm...I wonder if family and friends would be upset if I gave them just these dvds this Christmas??? I personally could not imagine a kinder gift! ;) hehe

Day 24

Today was a beautiful day!  Warm and beautiful!  I am so thankful for those that are inspired by my journey. It gives me such a big boost to hear from you all and it keeps me going!!! As of this morning I was down 22.2 lbs! My energy is great and I my brain feels clear.. So today I started my day off with a large quart/liter of water with some fresh squeezed lemon juice. I headed off to the local Farmers Market with my kids and we scored some amazing organic/pesticide free produce!!!  Just take a look below!  And I got all of it for under $60. After the Farmers Market we headed over to a local Natural Foods Market and I got a large fresh juiced "green goddess, (carrots, cucumber, celery, spinach) and add an apple". Yum. Then I came home my daughter made me a Nectarine Peach Juice! SOOOO GOOD!! The ONLY thing that got me a little bit on edge today was when my daughter threw in a piece of nectarine with the pit still in it...and I knew when I turned my back it happened because the sound was HORRIFYING!  It was the same if not worse than nails on a chalk board! EKKKK! And then my beloved brand new, less than 2 week old juicer completely turned off and wouldnt even open!  I was so scared that it was damaged badly.  (PLEASE NOTE: NEVER PUT PITS DOWN A JUICER! ;)) Eventually, after running water and soap thru it I was able to get the juicer open and free the cracked up pit out.  But there was some damaged that remained. The filter has some small dents in it and there are 2 little metal pieces that are sticking out that I am hoping I can push back in properly. Otherwise...I am going to have to call in a service order tomorrow to Omega. Guess I better register it tonight, eh?! haha. I am happy I got the Omega over the Hurom as the Omega has a 10 year ALL parts warranty. Whew! Well at least the juicer still works for now. I will keep ya posted.
So on that note. I know a lot of you are asking me what kind of juicer is a good entry level juicer? I would say the Breville Juice Fountain.  It is sold at Bed Bath and Beyond brand new at $150 and you can use the 20% off coupons they send in the mail or you can get a 20% off coupon if you sign up online for their emails to be sent to you!  Here is the juicer: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=13687110  It is also ironically the SAME EXACT juicer that was used for everyone that juiced on the Fat Sick and Nearly Dead Documentary. Its simple, inexpensive and it works. If it still is too much at this time I highly suggest you try Craigslist. There are people that are always selling their juicers for good prices. If you want to take it to another level one day and have a juicer with a long warranty and that juices quieter and runs at a low rpm so your fruits and veggies are not oxidized like the standard type juicers, I personally recommend either the Omega VRT 350 or Omega 8006 Juicer. The Omega 8006 runs about $300 and the Omega VRT runs about $380.  I just say you get what you can and start juicing! The sooner the better!
  And before I close for today I wanted to say that I am thinking about putting together some YouTube videos with Q and A's and how I am doing, what I am juicing, etc etc. So if you have any ideas for what you would like to see me do or questions you want me to address please let me know!
  Thank you all for being inspiring me to continue to inspire you all! It means a lot to hear the positive I am making in your lives. I am here for you.
To Our Health,
Laura
(P.S. Please let me know if there are any problems posting comments on here under my blog posts.)

Where the journey all began. My Story.

Lets see. Without going into great details I will start here....I have had a food addiction since I was about 5/6 years old when traumatic events began in my life.  All I could find near me was food to comfort me and suppress my overwhelming feelings of confusion, pain and feeling alone. Food became and has been essentially my "best friend" ever since.  Fast Forward many years to high school and I found myself at a full grown height of 6 ft 1 inches and always around 200 lbs (big, but athletic girl:). I had been playing basketball since 3rd grade so it was keeping my food addiction and very poor eating habits from totally ballooning out control, weight wise that is. Health wise, it was already taking it affects on me and it was showing in many ways by high school. Some of the things I experienced were various skin rashes, which were labeled as psoriasis and eczema depending on the doctor. I would get outbreaks on my upper arms and thighs often that could never be explained. I was prescribed a array of lotions and creams, and had skin biopsies preformed on the outbreaks to no avail. I had a very sensitive digestive system most of my life, that only recently I have learned was most likely being tormented by pasteurized milk and dairy products as well as wheat gluten.  I always felt tired and never felt fully alive. My memory and thoughts were always foggy.  After high school I found myself getting out of shape quickly and starting to gain weight.  About 35-40 lbs.  So I quickly joined Weight Watchers and got crazy addicted to working out at the gym. Because of this I quickly found myself at about 200 lbs once again,  but this time much more  fit and tone and I was pretty happy. (Note: the ideal weight range for women of my height is 152-189.  Now I am big boned, so I feel pretty fit and good right around 200, but would love to be in the 180 range.)  Right after this weight loss (before reaching "goal") I then made a big life decision with my husband to move to Las Vegas. This was my first time away from all my friends and family and  I found myself falling into my bad eating habits shortly after moving. I began binge eating on fast food most days and it just spiraled out of controlled fast . I ballooned to almost 300 lbs in just 2 years by the young age of 22.  I know, crazy huh?! I found myself pregnant with my first daughter at 25 and my second at 27 all while being well over 300 lbs. So from 22 years old to 27 I was very obese.  But finally it all changed.  After my 2nd daughter was born I realized I HAD TO CHANGE for my children. When my 2nd daughter was just 3 months old I went back to good ol' Weight Watchers (start April 2007-July 2008 end). I weighed in at 324.8 (ouch!!!) and lost 109 lbs in 15 months landing myself at 215.8. I was almost to my ultimate goal of "being in the 180s" (or even just under 200!) I learned a lot about nutrition and was eating mostly whole and organic foods.  But then LIFE BEGAN TO GET TOUGH! And I mean pretty darn tough!  I found myself going through MANY MANY life trials and I turned right back to my old habits and food addictions. I slowly (if you call it that) gained back 50 lbs in 3 years!!! I found myself back in my hometown in California at the end of the 3 year period and  at an unhappy 266.4 lbs (June of 2011).  I realized once again, something HAD TO BE DONE!!! This time I was at a completely different place mentally though. I had learned so much during my 10 years in Vegas (again, crazy huh?!)   realized how important it was to eat a Whole Foods diet rich in Organic Fruits and Vegetables as a main staple. This time I wanted to take it to another level. See, rewind to back just 7 months to November 2010.  I met and amazing woman named Darlene Navarre that taught me the basics of Raw Foods and what they had done for her and her family and I was so inspired! I began reading up on Raw Foods and the benefits of a high or all raw food diet and I started to incorporate them into my diet. I made Green Smoothies on most mornings and was having big salads almost daily and lots of seeds and nuts and fruits as snacks. But it just wasn't enough. My food addiction was so powerful I kept gaining...Fast Forward now to June 2011. The scale was reading a 50 lb weight gain! I knew it was time to do something and soon...but what?!  Weight Watchers was great but I could NEVER keep the weight off. My food addiction always won in the end. So on June 30th I was browsing Facebook and found a link by a Raw Food Consultant I followed for a 10 day Juice Feast. I swear it was like blinking in bright yellow and screaming at me to read it. I read about it and immediately signed up.  I did the 10 day juice feast and felt amazing and didnt want it to end! So I researched and learned I could do this much longer as many many people do. Lots of people do 90-100 day Juice Feasts. So that is where I am now. I am on day 24 now and feeling AMAZING!!! I am shooting for 92 days or possibly 100. We shall see! I am so excited about what the future holds and I hope you enjoy traveling this journey with me as much as I do on the actual journey itself. Have a great night friends.

Peace and Love,
Laura.

P.S. Stay tuned for a photo slide show of my weight loss from 324lbs, to where I am as of this morning (I took a new pic and will continue to take new pics.) I am 80.2 lbs from my starting weight of 324.8 at Weight Watchers 3 years ago. My starting weight on the morning of July 1st 2011, day 1 of the Juice Feast  was 266.4. Today is day 23 of the Juice Feast and when I weighed in this morning I was 244.6 so I am down 21.8 lbs to date!!! That's about 55 lbs from my ultimate goal of 189 (or less). Cant wait to see what the future holds!!! Good night friends.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead Extended Trailer

For anyone thinking about starting a juice feast I recommend checking out this Documentary first for great inspiration. I finally got to watch it yesterday on day 22 of my feast, and I am so glad I did. I think it is a great film. More info here: http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com