Energy levels rise - Juice detox a success!

Hello everyone

Wow the juice detox is fabulous! I absolutely love the juices and plan to continue having it as part of my daily life. One day last week I forgot to take it to work with me and I felt like someone had taken away my favourite toy!

In every single juice I have I put 4 superfoods in it....Carrots, Ginger,Beetroot and Spinach, these are my base ingredients I suppose. I urge you all to give your body a cleansing, it really is like a new lease of life. My energy levels are very much better, I'm more alert when I should be and sleep better when I should. Anyone who knows me, knows I have terrible sleep patterns that go way back to 2007.....these problems started with enormous stresses from work and have never settled down until now. I feel energised!

I actually jogged for just under 4 miles this past week before the pain and abdominal discomfort got too much....my first exercise since last June! I am very positive that I will soon be hitting the power walking/ gym four times a week again - and just in time as I need to kick off my training schedule for Ben Nevis and Mount Kilimanjaro challenges this year.

My recent surgery on my bladder seems to have solved the problems of almost continuous infections for the last 2 years ( keep your fingers crossed )which I am so happy about. The  2 weeks shy of a solid year on antibiotics has not been easy, but hopefully will now fade into a distant memory. I can happily leave behind all the infections and kidney problems!

I had a CT Scan last week to try and bottom the abdominal pains and distention I've been suffering with, I am not as distended and the bloating is much improved and that's down to the detox juice. The discomfort and pains are still there and I still have that awful pain/feeling that something is been bent around my bottom rib that shouldn't be....certain positions make that worse......no idea what it is....hopefully the results next week will solve this mystery. If I'd known this problem was nothing to do with the bladder situation, I would have had them looking into it months ago!

As I previously said, they have told me all the abdominal problems could be side effects from long term antibiotic use, and could take a very long time to settle down. There will be many types of good bacteria that have been wiped pit forever, many that have been decimated and they could take a long time to re-colonise. I will tell you my results when I've got them next week.

So I look into what 2013 will mean for me with great positivity, I didn't have a great year health wise again last year, but am looking forward to getting back on track this year. In my mind, this is the final stage to regaining the best of my life back, last year was all about stopping the cancer prevention drug and the other serious medications I was on, and then the slow process of getting them out of my system and then recovering as best I could from the side effects and then moving on. I sometimes forget that this time last year I could hardly get out of bed unaided and struggled to dress myself sat down - it's only when I think of this that I remember how far I've come and that stops my frustration. Anythings possible!

I am totally gutted that the expense of doing the New York marathon for charity is beyond most peoples budgets this year, and I'm very disappointed that I won't be doing it, it has made me more determined to make sure War on Cancer is registered this year and then I will try my hardest to register it for the New York marathon myself. I have found that in order to get guaranteed places, there are only a handful of international travel operators that can do this...and the minimum package you can book through them is race entry and flights - these come in this year at £1398!...but I will power walk the marathon, it's on my to do list!

So as spring approaches and we feel brighter in ourselves and look forward to the end of winter and the dark morning and nights, and we feel full of optimism  for the coming year....do yourself and your body a massive favour and kickstart the year with a juice detox, get all those wonderful vitamins, minerals and nutrients into your systems....cleanse your vital organs and re-vitalise your bodies. Re-balance yourselves and then get out there to live life, enjoy every moment and be creative in everything you do.

There is only one person who can make your life the best it can possibly be -- and that's YOU!

Go on live life, no regrets!

Until next time
Tracy

Juice detox days seven and eight

Hello everyone

Well it's been a crazy long weekend for sure, the Bradford Bulls had their first game of the 2013 Superleague and got off to a flying start with a 40-6 win over the Wakefield Wildcats. So with everything going on I just didn't get around to writing in the blog.

Well when I weighed myself this am after my first week of detox, I weighed in 12lbs lighter than when I started it, but that is just an added bonus to what I'm hoping to achieve through this whole process. It's hard to realise what's really happening and what's im[roved due to the long hours I've been doing...but I will say that I'm not feeling as fatigued as I was and I've not been struggling with the detox at all.

Anyone who know me will understand the magnitude of me saying I've not had a cup of tea since I started this exercise, and all I've had is caffeine free drinks like Peppermint.

So a short brief update to let you know where I am after my first week, and to say I an happily going into my second week looking forward to more improvements. I will update more tomorrow after college, sorry it's short, but it's like I say it's been a long few days.

Until next time
Tracy

Juice detox day six

Hello everyone

I have to say I'm still doing well and enjoying the juice detox. It's hard to fully understand the changes that are going on, I am and have been so busy of late and this will continue right through the month as we kick of the Rugby Superleague with our first match of the 2013 season tomorrow. So I've been working long hard days, what I will say is I haven't felt like I've been flagging and on top of that it is less than two weeks ago I had day surgery. So I'm probably increasing my energy levels daily.

I actually thought I would struggle more than I have over stopping drinking tea - I have done ok and have been drinking caffeine Peppermint tea instead. Yep I think the two weeks is going to be pretty easy to do, and in all seriousness I can see myself carrying it on for longer.

Today as you can see by the picture, I'm going to give you some facts about the superb root Ginger!

Ginger has been known to help treat Ovarian cancer for years, ginger it has been found through research triggers two types of cancer cell death - Apoptosis ans Autophagy. Apoptosos results in cancer cells essentially committing suicide and Autophagy results in the cancer cells digesting or attacking themselves.Ginger also offers plenty of protective benefits for colon cancer.

So ginger is another superfood in the natural fight against cancer!

Ginger has fantastic anti inflammatory properties and the root is probably best known for this fact. The anti inflammatory compounds in ginger are responsible for significantly reducing inflammation are called gingerols. These compounds make ginger an amazing beneficial tool for various inflammatory related health conditions.

Ginger can benefit other diseases caused or fueled by inflammation such as:
Obesity, Arthritis, Diabetes, Alzheimers, numerous cancer types, Cardiovasular disease but to name a few. It has been known for many years to inhibit the enzymes that cause Heartburn and Acid Reflux.  Other health issues to benefit from ginger are: cough, sore throat, stuffy nose/ congestion, upset stomach/ digestion, headaches/migraines, toothache and pain.

So another natural food with unbelievable properties to aid our health and bodies! - if we can break away from the marketing that fuels our minds with false needs of fat clogged, sodium loaded processed foods...we and the worlds wealth would be so much better off - if the money wasn't spent treating ailments that can be prevented from good, sensible eating, it could be spent helping the homeless and the millions living below the poverty line - now that is food for thought!

Until next time
Tracy

Juice detox day five

Hi everyone

I woke up this morning and I felt great, I had slept really well and felt refreshed. Not sure if it's because I've been crazy busy, that I'm catching up from little or no sleep or the peppermint tea I've been drinking before bed - whatever it is, I felt great! I weight myself this am and I have lost 8lbs since I started my detox juice programme -- not bad as a by product of what I'm doing it for!

I am loving the the flavour burst of the different juices and find it the easiest way by far for getting all those wonderful nutrients etc into my system, I was talking about it today with friends, enthusiastically talking about all the different fruit and veg I've had this last week. I haven't felt hungry all week and in the last couple of days have noticed my energy lifting and my fatigue dropping...I am so very pleased that I am giving this a go. I've got myself into a great little routine, as soon as I get home I set about preparing my juice to take to work the next day. I then leave it in the fridge overnight and then consume my evening drink. It's no hassle and I hope I carry on with the mega healthy juices for a long time to come. I seriously cannot recommend enough for you to have a go and give your bodies a major vitamin, mineral and nutrient boost, you won't regret it at all!

So on to today's food facts about Carrots - another superfood!
Carrots can lower the risk of Breast, Lung and Colon cancer, researchers have isolated a compound called Falcarinol, which they believe maybe largely responsible it's anti-cancer benefits. In our daily diet, carrots are almost the only source of this compound - this fact alone makes eating regular portions of carrots really worthwhile.

Carrots are rich in Beta-Carotene which is converted into Vitamin A by the liver which is then converted into Rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision.

Diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of Heart Disease and it's also believed regular consumption can reduce risk of Cholesterol. Research carried out at Harvard University showed people who ate more than six carrots a week were less likely to suffer a stroke than those who only ate one carrot a month or more.

Carrots have  strong cleansing properties that are effective in detoxifying the liver, thus are very effective for acne caused by toxins in the blood. Vitamin A & other nutrients contained in carrots efficiently nourish the skin, which helps prevent dry skin and other skin blemishes.

Carrots are anti-aging - they contain a lot of Beta - Carotene, which serve as an anti - oxidant that helps the body to fight free radicals. It also helps slow down the aging of cells and various negative effects associated with aging.

I sincerely hope you consider upping your vegetable intake after reading some of the facts put before you if you don't already eat a good quota.

So until next time
Tracy

Juice detox day four

Hello everyone

I'm very happy to say the headache, earache and vomiting has passed. I felt much brighter today and I have to say I'm enjoying the juice detox. I've had a different juice each day so far and I've made up a new flavour for tomorrow.It's great to try the different recipes out there, not only for a mix of fruit and vegetables, but to taste the blend of flavours each different drink gives you. Everyone I've made up so far have a blend of fruit and green  vegetables and at the moment, I can't see it been hard to complete my two weeks before deciding whether to carry on for a further two.

As I've said, I have nothing to lose from trying this detox and everything to gain for my battered body and all the harsh treatment and med's I've pumped into it in the last few years. And light of my last year and the antibiotics I've been on for 11 months - the more nutrients, vitamins, minerals and compounds I can push into my system the better.

So I'm feeling good in myself, definitely not a drop in my energy levels and no hunger. I'm hoping now I'm feeling alright again after a rough couple of days that my energy levels will start increasing. I also have to bear in mind I'm still getting over day surgery last Tuesday - so baby steps all the way!

The ingredient I'm going to give some facts on today is the almighty spinach! this green leave vegetable is brilliant , so much so that I know why Popeye loved it so! - so here goes....

One cup of spinach will give you 20% of RDA of fibre - therefore aiding digestion and helping prevent constipation, it also helps maintain low blood sugar and curbs overeating. Flavavonoids, phytonutrients with anti-cancer properties are abundant in spinach and have been shown to slow down cell division in  human stomach and skin cells. Spinach has shown significant protection against the occurrence of  prostrate cancer.

Spinach plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation. Vitamins C and E, Beta - Carotene, Maganese, Zinc and Selenium found in spinach serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of Osteoporosis, High Blood Pressure and Atherosclerosis. It has shown to effectively lower blood pressure.

It is plentiful in both of the antioxidants Lutin & Zeaxanthin which help protect the eye from cataracts. One cup of spinach contains 337% of the RDA of Vitamin A - this not only protects but strengthens the entry points into the body such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, but also the key compound of Lymphocytes that fight infection ( white blood cells )

The high amount of Vitamin A in spinach promotes healthy skin by allowing proper moisture retention in the epidermis, thus fighting psoriasis, acne and even wrinkles! Vitamin K is a crucial component of the process called carboxylation which produces the matrix GLA protein that directly prevents calcium from forming in tissue. Eating one cup a day contributes to this process that fights Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.

The abundance of Vitamin K also contributes greatly to a healthy nervous system and brain function.

What you waiting for ? -- go get that spinach!

So until tomorrow, have a great and creative day whatever you get up to!
Tracy

Juice detox day three

Hello everyone

This juice detox is a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I have to say, I expected to struggle much more than I have done. I still had headache and earache this am, although the earache had eased off a bit. I feel much brighter tonight and have to say I don't think my being off colour has anything to do with the detoxing of the body.

I weighed myself first thing this am and can happily report a loss of 4.4 pounds since I started the de-tox on Monday. I've not really felt much difference in myself, but there again I would have been shocked to what with not feeling to chipper for the last couple of days. Hopefully whatever it is will be gone tomorrow. It will be great to start feeling the detox benefits!

I thought I'd give a few health facts about the fruit and veg that are been used in the juice drinks, it's amazing what we can benefit from by eating some of natures natural wonders of the plant world. Today I'm going to give you some facts about one of the superfoods - Beetroot and some of the great boosts it can give to our bodies.

Beetroot has been shown to reduce high blood pressure - which is a significant factor in Coronary Heart Disease. It contains Betacyanin which helps detox the liver. Having a good effect on the bloodstream it helps the body to eliminate toxins & possibly helping prevent the build up of fatty deposits and help reduce the risks of Cholesterol.

Beetroot is loaded with Vitamin C and Iron and the leaves are a better source of iron than spinach! Also a good source of Folic Acid, Phosphorous, Magnesium and B6. It contains the compound Betane, which enhances the body's natural mood shifter Seretonin, so is a natural mood lifter. Betane is also useful fir our Cardio health.

It's great for boosting our stamina and making our muscles work harder. It also contains the mineral Silica, this helps the body utilise Calcium, which is important for musculo- skeletal health and reducing the risk of Osteoporosis. Beetroot contains soluble fibre, which has been shown to have cholesterol lowering capabilities. It also contains carotenoids  and flavonoids, which help prevent LDL or "bad" cholesterol from been oxidised  and deposited in the arteries.

Beetroot is virtually fat free and low in calories. It converts into sugars very slowly and therefore helps to stabilise blood sugar levels. It's iron content means it's good for those suffering with Anaemia and fatigue.

So yes definitely worth having beetroot in your diet, so much to gain from it all around the body. So here's my first food fact done, tomorrow I'll give you some information on another one I'm using in my juice detox.

Until tomorrow
Tracy

Juice de-tox day two

Hello everyone

Wow I've had a really rough night/day - don't think it's anything to do with the juice de-tox, I was up most of the night with a pounding headache, earache and being sick!. I was that bad I've not been to work, and I hate not going to work. I've stopped vomiting/ dry heaving and the earache has eased of a little, my head is still pounding and even though I've slept on and off all day I'm still very tired. Even worse was the fact I had to go get some blood taken in preparation for my CT scan on Feb 7th, at least things are moving forward now!

I'm not sure if it had anything to do with not been able to get warm yesterday and when I went to college straight after work it was worse. My feet were like blocks of ice by the time I got home at 19.30pm.

Back to the juice, it was really nice and I didn't struggle with it at all, I know I'll have to mix up what I'm drinking because I will be bored otherwise. Today I've managed some juice but not much, but have kept my fluid levels up by drinking plenty of water.

So another short update, but hopefully will be back in form tomorrow and ready to crack on again. I look forward to a headache/ earache free day tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed!

Until then
Tracy