Health & Nutrition

Point to Ponder: Let go. It’s not about the past or what you think will happen in the future. Life is about the ride. One could say it is not about the prize it is about the process. I know this is a foreign thought, because traditionally we are taught “keep ya eyes on the prize,” right? Russell Simmons said it like this: “Focus on the path, because it usually gives more fulfillment than the prize. The way to find God is to keep digging and never worry about how far you’ve come or how many rocks you hit. Suddenly you will find yourself there. Life is about the process so detach yourself from the results and enjoy the process.”

He is absolutely right. But don’t mix the message. It is not to say that we shouldn’t have, set, and accomplish goals. It is just to say, right now you are exactly where you are supposed to be and soon enough you’ll find yourself exactly where you want to be. We have to, in times of trials and tribulations, ask ourselves, “What is the point to life if you’re not going to enjoy the ride?” Because soon enough you will find yourself in something greater than you could have ever planned for. So Let go, Let Life, and Let God.

Health

Don’t underestimate how important a healthy colon is to your body – colon cancer is second only to lung cancer among cancer deaths in the U.S. and it threatens both men and women.

Waste and toxins can build up in your system, and even if you don't feel constipated your colon may be filled with toxic build-up. These toxins can cause fatigue, depression, anxiety, gas, acne, poor circulation, back pain, high blood pressure, low libido, obesity, poor concentration, and swollen legs.

Cleansing is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body. Regular cleansers report benefits that improve all the above mentioned symptoms and more.

There are several ways to cleanse. Some cleanses are mild and have a direct focus while others are more intense and require more of a commitment for total cleansing. We have given you a few options to explore but we ask that you please consult with your physician before participating in any cleansing program.

For a thorough cleanse we like The Master Cleanse by Stanley Burroughs. Please read the book before trying this to get a full understanding of how and why this cleanse works. You can find it in health food stores, Whole Foods and on line.

The Master Cleanse

How does the Master Cleanse work?
Maple Syrup

Grade B maple syrup contains a variety of minerals and vitamins. These include iron, chlorine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, sulphur and silicon not to mention Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. It also contains Pantothenic acid, a type of B-Vitamin that can lower cholesterol. Maple syrup in your cleanse actually provides you with many of the vitamins and minerals that you need during a short-term cleanse.

Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is used to produce more bile in the liver, trapping fat molecules and allowing them to be easily secreted. It also helps to decrease your appetite. Cayenne Pepper Cayenne pepper increases metabolism and aids digestion. It is also a good source of Vitamins A, B, C, Calcium and Potassium .

Purified Water

The benefits of water need little explanation. It speeds your metabolism, cleans your internal organs and even helps you live longer!

The Arden’s Garden Two-Day Detox

For a less intense but good detox, we suggest The Arden’s Garden Two-Day Detox. For two days enjoy fresh citrus juices which provide the body with over 100% of the U.S. RDI essential vitamins and minerals. Specially formulated, this tested two-day juice program cleanses, detoxifies and rejuvenates the body while allowing you to perhaps also lose a few pounds. You can locate the ingredients on line at http://www.ardensgarden.com/cleansing.html or purchase pre-mixed gallons at Arden’s Gardens stores or Whole Foods.

Juice Fasts
For quick additions to your life that help address particular issues, try some of these juice fasts. Juice fasting is a great way to restore your system to health and to lose weight at the same time. Your body often tells you it is hungry when you really just need to drink some water, so drink one of these juices every time you feel hungry. This way you’re staying healthy and not engaging in unnecessary eating. Just throw them in the blender and add some water! Feel free to change the ingredients, the most important thing is to find recipes that suit you and that you are comfortable drinking.

Vegetable Super Juice
1 whole cucumber
4 sticks of celery
2-4 handfuls of spinach
8 lettuce leaves
optional boosters: parsley and fresh alfalfa sprouts water

Healing Juice
3-4 carrots
125g fresh spinach
handful of flat leaf parsley
2-3 sticks of celery
water

Blood Builder (Iron-enriched)
2 bunches grapes
6 oranges
8 lemons, peeled
1/4 cup honey
water

Ginger/Lemon Cleanse
1-inch slice fresh ginger root
1 fresh lemon
6 carrots with tops
apple
water

Stomach Cleanser
1 bunch grapes
1 basket strawberries
3 apples
4 sprigs fresh mint
water

Cheers! Here’s to healthy living!