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Andrea lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Andrea lost 65 pounds.  This proud mom and nurse designed her own weight loss plan after doing her research and finding out what would work for her.  She hopes that her story encourages someone as many of the BWLW success stories have given her inspiration.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight:

Andrea weight loss success story

“I just want to be an inspiration to someone else, just like those who’s stories you have posted before! I will never forget scrolling on my Facebook timeline and seeing success stories from full figured women like myself.

After having two babies one year apart and coping with the stress of finishing nursing school, I decided I make a change in December of 2012 after graduation. I didn’t opt to follow a planned diet or workout by the book. I simply sat down and re-evaluated my habits.

I made a list of all the foods that were obviously bad for me. I was consuming 3 times the sugar recommended daily! I knew there was time for a change. To start my journey, I did a 10 day detox to flush my system from all parasites that slowed down digestion and my metabolism. After the flush, I began a “self made” diet that consisted of 64-90 oz of water a day, lots of fruits and vegetables, white meat only, baked everything and no sweets or soda. I didn’t have bread unless it was whole wheat, and ate nothing after 7pm. The key to weight loss is not starving yourself. So many of us think that not eating is what helps when it’s actually the eating the speeds the metabolism to burn more fat! So, I definitely took heed to consuming small frequent meals a day.

I didn’t begin working out right away, because I wanted to make sure my body was in good condition to handle the change. I hadn’t worked out for over 10 years since I played basketball in high school! However, when I did began to work out I started out with 2 miles a day at a local track and slowly progressed to adding a mile a week. After I reached my goal of 5 miles a day, I started spacing my day and doing walk/jogging every other day. I am not at my goal yet but working toward it daily but I am proud to say I am 65 pounds lighter then when I first began. It feels great!!

The key to losing weight is becoming familiar with your body and what works for you. Do your research and stay committed to working towards a better you! I came up with a phrase to remind myself daily that I’m 3D – I Don’t Diet, I Discipline. Hope my story can help someone else!!”

Instagram: @gr08one
Twitter: @thegr08one

7 Reasons to Give Up Soda, Juice and Sugary Drinks

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sugarEvery year rolls people make resolutions and promises to themselves about what they are going to give up in pursuit of better health. Soda is usually on the top of people’s list because we all know soda doesn’t do your body any good in terms of health. Did you know that most commercial juice and other sugary store bought drinks are just as bad? Here are 7 reasons why you need to give up soda, juice and sugary drinks this year.

Reason #7 – Weight gain

Just about everyone knows that drinking soda leads to weight gain because the average soda has 250 calories per serving. Even diet sodas have too much in terms of chemicals when you compare them to water. What you also need to consider is the calorie content of your juices and other sugary drinks. That can of soda could be the equivalent of a donut.  Even diet soda affects your blood sugar like a sugary snack and some ingredients can cause bloating.  If you use the visual imagery of each soda, diet soda, juice or sugary drink being a donut you are eating through the day – how many donuts are you having? Cutting out these drinks cuts out the weight.

Reason #6 – Diabetes

Surprise! Recent findings have shown that all those “healthy” juices at the store and in smoothie shops are really nothing more than a natural version of a cola for all the sugar they deliver. Commercial juicing strips fruit of the fiber needed to neutralize their natural sugars in terms of blood sugar, making it just as bad as a soda.  Also, many juices and bottled smoothies have sugars (not just one type) added into them to increase their taste appeal. All of this sugar, plus the weight gain from associated with these drinks can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Reason #5 – Sugary drinks cause fatigue

If your drink sugary things, you will likely have a sugary crash several hours later and wind up feeling more fatigued than you should without the sugar. If you are fatigued, two things could happen. One, you will be less inclined to follow through on your exercise goals. Two, all that extra fatigue comes from your metabolic rate being artificially slowed, this can lead you right back into weight gain territory.

Reason #4 – Give your digestive system a break

The one thing that soda, juice and most sugary drinks have in common is a high acid level. While your digestive system is set up to neutralize acid levels in the liquids you consume, the human digestive system was not meant to handle the majority of your liquids having such a burning degree of acid in them.

Reason #3 – Drinking any kind of soda is hard on your liver and kidneys

Your liver and kidneys are how your body filters out what it considers toxic to your natural state of health. These organs are so smart; they will go ahead and filter out things that the FDA hasn’t decided are toxic yet. More studies are showing that sodas, particularly colas, make the liver and kidneys work overtime and place more stress on them then you want these vital organs experiencing.

Reason #2 – Think of your teeth and gums

While there is a common association with sugary drinks and sodas with tooth decay, juice can also contribute to the destruction of enamel because of their acidic contents. There is another role that sugar plays in oral problems that most people are not aware of, that is it contributes to an environment that can protect infection and help bacteria grow. If you want to get the health benefits of more fruit in your life – eat the fruit or make smoothies. Fruit comes with pulp and fiber that limits the contact its sugars and acids has with your teeth and gums as you consume it. Without that pulp and fiber, you are getting the sugar from the fruit first.

Reason #1 – Dehydration

The number one reason to stop drinking sodas and sugary drinks is they contribute to dehydration. Didn’t know that? Processed sugar is a natural diuretic agent. It cause water to be flushed from your cells at as rapid a rate as caffeine. Dehydration, even at small levels, can lead to fatigue, irritation, contribute to depression and poor sleep habits. None of this is worth it, skip the sugary drinks and reach for some water or one of the many different types of flavorful herbal tea to get you through the day and enjoy the changes that happen this New Year.

Pros and Cons of Colonic Irrigation Therapy

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colonic irrigationColonic irrigation therapy is gaining popularity. During the past 10 years, many doctors are hearing from their patients that they have started to receive this treatment for relief of everything from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), chronic gas, nausea, chronic fatigue and as a catchall detoxifying process. Given that the therapy is neither approved or regulated by the FDA for treatment for any disorder or disease, many people are wondering if there is any real benefit from having a colonic done. Some are even saying that the risks are too great, and colonics can create more problems. Colonic therapy has both pros and cons. Neither side has absolute evidence of either opposing belief and both sides claim anecdotal proof. Before you decide to try colonic irrigation, here are some things you should know.

What is a colonic?

Colonic irrigation therapy, sometimes referred to as colonic hydrotherapy, is similar to an enema but very different. With an enema, water is pushed into the colon through the rectum using a syringe or gravity fed enema bag. The water rarely goes beyond the first several inches of the colon. With a colonic, water is forced up into the colon via a hose inserted into the rectum to fill the larger intestine. The colon and intestine both have a natural cramping reaction to force the water out, pushing out any fecal matter or debris that is held within as well. While the process sounds uncomfortable, it is pain free for most people (some medical conditions could make it painful) and done in such a manner as to be hardly felt at all. At a colonic clinic, you are taken into a private room where you lay on your side with one leg drawn up on a special table. Sterilized medical equipment is used to introduce the hose into your rectum and then the waste water retuned is siphoned directly into a disposal drain so you will not even smell any odor or see any of the waste removed from your body. It is most commonly recommended that you do not have the procedure performed more than once every 6 weeks as the colon and sphincter muscles need to recover from the expansion and expulsion action forced by the colonic.

The Pros of Colonic Therapy

Colonics work to remove bacteria and debris from the colon and intestine that the body has not been able to pass naturally. This can assist in relieving stomach and lower back pain due to chronic constipation. It can also help to promote weight loss (improved elimination and nutrient absorption) and create a sensation of lightness and well-being. The proponents of colonics also state that the removal of the bacteria and debris acts as a detoxifying action. By washing the colon clean, the body may be able to better regenerate healthy bacteria that are needed to aid in food digestion and metabolism. Some people have a difficulty in emptying their own colons naturally and regularly because the modern diet contains processed foods that are difficult to digest, void of fiber and water intake is not enough to aid the natural elimination process. Also, a general lack of adequate exercise means that for some people the muscles involved cannot control the colon efficiently.

The Risks of Colonic Therapy

Oddly enough, the very same reasons given as a benefit of colonics are also stated as the risk in having the therapy done. Medical science is only just beginning to understand the role of bacteria in the intestinal system in aiding metabolism.  There are questions over how necessary, or beneficial, it is to be constantly starting the bacterial growth and flora from scratch. While probiotics are often used in conjunction with colonics, replacement bacteria are not as adapted to the evolved diet as that which was originally in place in the person. Another valid concern about colonics involves the lack of oversight and regulation in providing the therapy. There is no standard certification or licensure for a colonic therapist and no set methods and procedures for ensuring that safe health management practices are used in the clinical setting. Even the equipment used to perform colonics is not standardized and can vary from practitioner to practitioner. Experts advise caution in using colonics as an aid in weight loss as it may create an electrolyte imbalance, especially in the elderly, that can cause serious health problems.

My advice is that you speak with your medical professional of choice before having a colonic to review the pros and cons and get some sound information to help you make a decision.

 

The Importance of Hydration

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hydrationProper hydration is one of the most important aspects of healthy living. Just look at what happens when you water a plant. It perks up and seems to spread itself towards the Sun. Nearly all the life on this planet exists only because of water. Human beings can survive for weeks without food, but only three days without water. While there are parts of the world where people do not have access to clean drinking water, many of us are blessed to have water literally on tap that only needs to be filtered to make it safe to drink. It’s such a blessing, and yet many people in the West are chronically dehydrated.

All our organs use water for nourishment and lubrication. Blood, lymph and most other bodily fluids are based on water. Dehydration can cause headaches, nausea, vision problems, muscle cramping, urinary tract infections, high cholesterol, and fatigue. Severe or chronic dehydration can lead to vomiting, muscle spasm, and failure of the liver and kidneys before it finally kills us.  Hydration also affects our metabolism and thus our ability to lose weight.

Hydration means more than gulping water occasionally. It is a long-term process that requires receiving plenty of water every day. To be truly hydrated, electrolytes are also necessary. Electrolytes are the conduits of the electrical impulses that stimulate activities like muscle contractions and nerve reactions. In a body that is sufficiently hydrated, the kidneys maintain the proper electrolyte concentrations through any level of heat or physical activity. If the hydration or electrolyte levels get too low, it becomes much more challenging for the kidneys to maintain homeostasis. Electrolyte balance is supported by adding fresh lemon or lime juice, a dash of Celtic sea salt, or a trace minerals concentrate to your water. Potassium broth and fresh (not canned) young coconut water help, as well.

Hydration is vital everyday, but especially so when one is detoxifying. The toxins that are released into the bloodstream need to be flushed out. The colon needs to be hydrated for proper elimination. Basically all of the cleansing and circulating systems of the body become more sluggish when one is dehydrated. Trying to detoxify a sluggish body can be counter-effective or dangerous. Many of the unpleasant side effects and dangers of cleansing can be mitigated by adequate hydration. Drinking plenty of water also helps stave off hunger pains if you are eating less food than the amount to which you are accustomed.

It is important to drink pure water. Most tap water, and even some bottled water, is contaminated with countless chemical additives, industrial by-products, and pharmaceutical residue. Some of the most dangerous are arsenic, mercury, pesticides, lead, aluminum, fluoride, chlorine, prescription drugs, and even radiation in some areas. Purchasing bottled water is not advised. Legally, only 70 percent of a bottle of water needs to come from a “spring” or other pure source, and the remaining 30 percent could be tap water. Chemicals from the plastic bottle can leach into the water and contaminate it. And bottling and shipping water takes a high toll on the Earth’s resources and creates more waste. A high-quality filter is recommended, and will save you money over bottled water in the long run. The most effective are two-chamber gravity models such as those manufactured by the Berkey Company, though other carbon filtration models will work, too.

A healthy person who is not cleansing or detoxing should consume one half of his or her body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water each day. So for a 180 pound person, that would be 90 ounces. When one is detoxing, usually even more water (or liquid in the form of vegetable juices and herbal tea) is required to support the cleansing process. Be sure that most of the water you drink has some form of bio-available electrolyte to support hydration as well as flushing (I find that lemon is the simplest choice for me). One way to tell if you are properly hydrated is to check your urine. If it is a very pale yellow or nearly clear, you are most likely sufficiently hydrated. If it is dark or bright yellow, then you need to drink more water.  Sorry to be so graphic, but it’s the truth (however if you have any health issues…they can affect urine color as well).

It is best to drink all of your day’s water before 7p.m. whenever possible. The kidneys go into recharge mode at that time, and will function more optimally when you are not drinking a whole lot of fluids between 7 and 10p.m. The best time to drink copious amounts of water is first thing in the morning. Tip: Drinking one or two quarts of warm water with lemon and pinch of cayenne is a great jumpstart for your day.

Top Myths About Detoxing

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There are a few myths about detoxifying which can cause confusion.  Here is some info on top myths:

“We are all toxic!” 

detox mythsWhile it is true that there is more pollution entering our bodies now than in any point in history, this does not automatically mean that all people are suffering from toxin overload. If you may not be “toxic” if you…

  • Are a healthy, active person who always eat homemade, small meals with only organic ingredients and minimal saturated fats and starches
  • Drink only spring water
  • Live in rural areas away from EMF radiation,

If you fit this profile, you probably do not need an intense detoxification protocol. The body’s natural cleansing process can handle the small amounts of toxins that are part of a healthy lifestyle. For most modern people, especially those living in urban environments and/or who have made poor eating choices, detoxes can help us discover the difference between surviving and thriving.

 “All you have to do is fast and you’ll lose tons of weight!”

Detoxes are an excellent way to kick-start a weight loss regime, but they are not the final answer. Experts indicate that usually people only maintain weight loss after a cleanse ends when they continue to exercise regularly and limit caloric intake. Detoxing, and especially fasting, can trigger a sense of depravation that can cause overeating after the cleanse if one is not vigilant. Many people have even gained weight after a detox because their bodies were not nutritionally supported well enough during the cleanse, or they did not eat right and exercise regularly afterward. A healthy lifestyle that includes eating appropriate amounts of organic food (and foods that are not highly processed) and exercising vigorously is the safest and most effective long-term detox strategy. Detoxing is a great supplement or kick-start to a weight loss plan, but should not be relied on as the only solution.

“People on a detox only drink water.”

detox waterSome religious and spiritual practices include periods of water fasting to purify the mind, but this is not a sustainable way to stimulate detox for weight loss long term.  I’m not saying that people don’t report benefits from water fasting, because it is known to help, but the reasons and time frames are varied.  Too varied for me to recommend it in connection with weight loss.  There are several ways to effectively detoxify the body, and many are quite gradual and gentle. Some include periods of fasting on vegetable juice, but even eating a careful diet (raw fruits and veggies for example) can be a helpful detox. If you haven’t done your research, water fasts should only be practiced by healthy adults under the supervision of a doctor or qualified health care professional or within a spiritual context..

“You have to buy Product XYZ to detox effectively.”

Most effective detoxes include food, liquids, and herbal supplements that can be purchased at many health food stores and online retailers. While it can be helpful to have the support of a nutritionist or cleanse specialist, no special proprietary formula (a.k.a. who knows what is in it) is necessary. Some diet pills and powders can actually be harmful because of the questionable chemicals they contain and lack of any regulation.

Juice Fasting: 4 Basic Steps

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By Carla Douglin, Author of Juice 28: 28-Day Juice Detox Plan

Through the ages, many cultures have used fasting for many different reasons, including religion and health.  Today, people use fasting for similar reasons, and now also do things like juice fasts.  With a juice fast, one drinks nothing but a wide variety of fresh, nutritious juices bursting with flavor, to cleanse the body, boost immunity, and shed unwanted pounds.  They fast for a pre-determined length of time, anywhere from 1 to 100 days.

Prepping for the Fast

juice fasting basicsBefore starting the juice fast, it is important that the body is prepared for the fast.  This means that the cleansing process should have already begun before actually starting the fast, by eliminating anything processed or difficult to digest.  Preparing the body will help to make the fast easier, and the symptoms of detoxifying will not be as severe.

Therefore, а week before the fast is due to begin, one should eliminate or at least reduce the intake of fast foods, processed foods, and sugar, as well as alcohol and caffeine.  Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables are essential, as they are high in fiber and will help to get the cleaning process going.  During this time of preparation the body will begin to experience certain detox symptoms that are associated with juice fasting.

The Fast

Juice 28 juice detox
Want to try a juice fast? Check out Juice 28! It’s a guided, detailed 28-Day Juice Detox Plan

During the fast all solid foods are eliminated from the diet, which makes it absolutely essential that lots of fluids are consumed, especially fruit and vegetable juices.  These juices contain high amounts of nutrients that the body needs, in order to function and cleanse the body. Since you are getting all your nutrients from fresh juices, it’s vital that you get enough juice each and every day, and that you vary what you put in your juices.  You should be consuming at least 64 oz of different kinds of juice per day, on top of the same amount of fresh water.  If you are hungry, err on the side of caution–more juice should be consumed, rather than you go hungry.  More nutrients are a good thing!

Detox

Symptoms associated with а juice fast include а headache, fatigue, dizzy spells, body odor and moodiness.  These symptoms are merely а sign that toxins are leaving the body, and the worse they get, the more toxins are leaving.  This is why someone who is used to fasting on а regular basis does not experience these symptoms to the same degree as someone who has never done а juice fast before.

Breaking the Fast

Breaking your fast is just as important, if not MORE important, than the fast itself.  You must re-awaken your digestive system with the proper foods, at the proper time.

Remember the rule: Allow yourself one third of time spent on fasting to get your digestive system used to solid foods again.
• If you fasted for 3 days, build up for 1
• If you fasted for 5 days allow 2 days
• 10 days of fasting needs at least 3 days

How you eat after the fast is а big part of detox and cleansing.  Think of the time you are breaking your fast, as that you’re still fasting, but now you’re eating some solid food too.  Have lots of juice the first day, and throw in a smoothie made of fruits and vegetables with a high water content.  Gradually move on to salads, while continuing with the juice, again with soft vegetables and fruits that have a high water-content.  It’s best to take longer to transition, than to cut it short and pay the price.  Avoid junk and processed foods at all costs during the transition period, and consider including clean, whole foods in your diet afterward.

Juice Fasting for Weight Loss

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By Guest Blogger and BWLW Member Carla Douglin of Raw Raw Life

Juice fasting is normally used to give your body а rest, and to allow accumulated waste/gunge to be removed.  During а typical juice fast, nothing but juices and fresh water are consumed.  Because of this, the body relies partly on its stored excess fat for fuel, and the consuming of this fat translates to weight-loss.

It seems natural that а detoxifying juice fast will also relieve you of unwanted body fat, because many toxins are found in the fat cells. By eliminating the fat, the toxins are released into the body so that they can be eliminated through the typical procedures, like through waste or through the lungs via mucus.  This is why juice fasting gives you energy and provides better overall health.

Juice 28 juice detox
Check out Juice 28 – 28 Day Juice Detox Plan from Carla! It’s a great, detailed, in depth plan for anyone who wants to try juice fasting.

By unlocking the nutrients from fruits and vegetables, а juice extractor gives you the opportunity to obtain pure energy from the juice, leaving your body to release toxins from various sources.  Juice fasting is preferred over water fasting, as it allows you to carry out а fast for а longer period of time, while providing many nutrients which the body needs to function.  Depending on the amount of weight to be lost, the level of activity, and individual metabolic rate, а person can lose over one pound а day on this fasting regime, if the fast is done properly.

Although juice fasting is one of the healthiest ways to shed unwanted pounds and toxins, you should take note that in some cases juice fasting is best avoided.  Pregnant and nursing mothers should never embark on a juice fast, and diabetics or those with blood sugar issues, people with liver or kidney diseases, or other chronic conditions should discuss any dietary changes with their doctor before starting.

There are several detox symptoms and side effects that can occur during juice fasting.  These include headaches, fatigue, constipation, acne, body odor, and bad breath.  If you experience dizziness, unexpected weight loss, vomiting, blood pressure problems, diarrhea, or worsening symptoms of pre-existing chronic issues, stop juice fasting immediately and consult your health care provider.  Most people do well with a juice fast, but some conditions may be aggravated by it.  Always listen to your body.

A week before starting your fast, it is important that you eliminate alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, dairy, and meat from your diet to prepare your body for cleansing.  These changes will help you minimize any side effects that may be experienced, and ease your transition.

During juice fasting, consume a minimum of 64 ounces of juice а day, plus fresh water.  Juice can be made out of celery, carrots, kale, spinach, cabbage, apple, sweet potato, tomato, pineapple, cranberry, beets, greens, or just about any vegetable.  Fruits added to vegetable juices can help to sweeten the combination, making the drink more enjoyable if you like sweeter tastes.  Citrus juices can be difficult to process during а fast, so listen to your body and what it wants.  After the fast, ease yourself back into а solid diet gradually, so as not to shock your system, and ideally continue eating clean, whole foods.

Juice fasting for weight loss is gaining in popularity as а great way for а healthy person to eliminate unhealthy and unwanted pounds.  It is also a great way to introduce more fruits and vegetables into your regular diet.  Using some common sense and easing your body in and out of the fast, can help you achieve weight loss in а safe and effective manner.  Remember, if you are carrying out juice fasting for the first time, do make sure to run it by your health care provider/doctor before starting the fast, especially if you have chronic health issues or a medical condition.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tawanda lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Tawanda lost 60 pounds.  Her story reflects that she was really willing to do what it took to lose the weight, going so far as to cut off her hair so that her hair would not be an excuse.  Now, she’s a personal trainer and has transformed her lifestyle.

I just love it when someone sends in their photos that I actually know.  I worked with Tawanda back in my Gospel Singing days. 🙂  I’m so proud of her!  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, I started my weight loss journey 4 years ago after seeing a before picture of myself.  That is when I knew that something had to change! So, I cut off all my hair to take that away that excuse, i.e “I can’t workout because of my hair!”. My motivation was to get healthy and fit in my 40’s.  Also, I wanted to be a better example to my family! I started by eating 5 to 6 small meals a day and working out at home! A friend of mine asked me to go on a bike ride with her and I was mad because she wanted to go so far…lol! Now years later, I am down 60 pounds, down from 207 to 147. Working out 4 to 5 times a week taking spin classes, weight training and riding my bike about 50 plus miles a week! My goal was to ride in two 100 mile bike rides…DONE! SMILE! This is now a lifestyle for me and my family. Eating clean, cutting out sugar, cheese! I’m also juicing and detoxing my body. I want to let others know that you can do anything you put you mind too! I have started my own business at a personal trainer! Thanks for allowing me to share!

Tawanda weight loss before and after

8 Benefits of Healthful Juice Fasting

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Juice Fast Recipes
101 Juice Fast Recipes for $1.01

I’m encouraging those who are interested in juicing to try the Juice 28 – 28 Day Juice Detox Plan*.  I’ll be posting some articles from it’s author , African American Juicing Diva, Carla, to give you more info on juicing in general as well as juice fasting. Here is the first one  Enjoy! – Ajima

——————–

By Carla Douglin of Raw Raw Life

Juice fasting with freshly made juice may provide а multitude of health benefits, including:

1. Health-promoting live enzymes–the very building blocks of life-that your body needs to receive on а regular basis.

2. While pasteurization has many positive aspects, it may compromise the potential benefits of juicing. The pasteurization process, in fact, may destroy vital nutrients and enzymes.  As fresh juice is not pasteurized, the nutrients remain viable from а nutritional standpoint, and the enzymes, which also help in digestion, remain intact.

3. Consuming your daily requirement of fruits and vegetables is often easier if done in the form of juice.  While you may have good intentions, time constraints may often lead to not taking the time to eat properly balanced meals throughout the day.  Getting up to half of your daily requirement in the form of fresh juice may make this much more manageable despite your varied or busy schedule.

4. Your body may absorb essential nutrients more easily.  Moreover, this may be а better alternative after the fast, if your digestive system is particularly sensitive.  By incorporating juice, you may be able to reduce your intake of the whole fruits and vegetables that give your system trouble, while still getting the nutrients from them.  You can then focus on consuming the whole fruits and vegetables your body can handle.

Juice 28 juice detox
Check out Juice 28 – 28 Day Juice Detox Plan

5. Fasting allows your digestive system а chance to relax, as juice requires less effort to digest.  In addition, the juice is absorbed more quickly as well.  The result is often а feeling of having restored health and energy.

6. А juice fast may serve as а beneficial detoxification diet, as it aids in the breakdown of abnormal cells, fat, and disease-related tissues.  As the toxic materials are broken down, they may be more likely to move through your system efficiently.  Ultimately, these unwanted materials may be more thoroughly eliminated from your body.

7. The growth of new cells is routinely promoted and quickened as а result of proper juice fasting.  What may be a lesser-known feature, is that the protein level in your blood will likely not fluctuate during fasting.  As а result, your body is able to use protein and nutrient reserves as efficiently as possible.

8. In terms of general detoxification methods, fasting with juice is significantly less stressful on your system.  Water fasting, for example, is often more difficult to endure.  Moreover, the results may include а less than optimal level of protein and nutrients during such а fast, as no nutrients are ingested during the water fast. While detox may be important, it would be advisable to do so in the most health-promoting way possible.  Juice fasting or feasting if done properly, provides many of the micronutrients the body needs to perform.

For these reasons, а juice fast may be the ideal way to renew and maintain overall good health!

Note:   Pregnant and nursing mothers should never embark on a juice fast, and diabetics or those with blood sugar issues, people with liver or kidney diseases, or other chronic conditions should discuss any dietary changes with their doctor before starting.

* Disclosure: Per FCC regs, I just want to give you a heads up: the book links are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, BWLW receives a portion of the sale.  Just one of the ways we are able to keep this movement alive.

Lanea lost 54 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Lanea.  She lost 54 pounds going from 299 to 245 pounds by changing her eating habits and exercise.  She has a supportive spouse and wants to live a long life with her loved ones.  Here is what she shared with us:

I knew it was time for me start changing my life when I weighed myself and the scale read 299 lbs. I’ve never been small, but 299 pounds was unacceptable. I decided that my New Years resolution would be to lose weight and to stick with it. I wanted to be around to watch my son grow up, have more children and enjoy my life with my loved ones. Once the new year came, I cleaned out the fridge and started replacing foods with fresh fruit and vegetables. I started bringing my lunch to work, packing it with yogurt and eating fruit or Healthy Choice microwaveable meals-instead of processed lunch meat sandwiches and chips. I started replacing my snacks with 100 calorie snacks like granola bars and a lot of Special K products. Being that my job requires me to sit and take incoming calls, I started to incorporate walking more, and exercise videos available on on demand. Just recently, I started the apple cider vinegar detox regime, and honestly I’m feeling really good. At my largest size, I was wearing anywhere between a size 22-24 on pants. The first thing that I’ve purchased since I started my weight loss journey was the dress I’m wearing in my after shot and its a size 16! That last time I was in a size 16, I was in high school! So needless to say I’m very excited and even more motivated now to continue on this journey. My husband Nick has been my biggest supporter. He keeps me going on the days when I want to give in to bad food decisions. Even though he loved me when I was bigger. He has been my biggest fan and he makes me feel so good about my progress thus far. I’m weighing in at 245 pounds now and my ultimate goal is to get down to 160 lbs. I celebrate my 10 lbs milestones. Celebrating my 10lb milestones and keeping my overall goal in sight is what keeps my going!

Lanea weight loss before and after