8 Steps To Weiser Living (Part 2)

How to Move From Chronic Illness to Abundant Health

4. Nourish

Cells really do get hungry! They need to eat for many reasons. For decades, science has shown that certain plant materials are mandatory for the human body to feed itself at the cellular level.

Consider this for a moment: Just as buildings are constructed of basic parts such as metal, concrete and glass, human cells are also the sum of many smaller components. Remember, the body is constantly recycling cells as they die or become damaged.  Each new cell requires many raw materials to be built correctly.

So, considering that millions of cells need to be generated each second, it's not  hard to imagine how important it is to keep your body stocked up with these building materials.

Cells perform a host of other routine tasks, each of which requires specific micro-nutrients.

Supplementation of these vital nutrients is highly recommended. Even the very best prepared meals made from the highest quality raw materials may lack the basic nutrition we need to feed the body at the cellular level.

There are more than 26 necessary vitamins and a myriad of minerals and trace elements needed by the body on a regular basis.

Plants also rely on these nutrients, absorbing them from the rocks and soil as they grow. When these nutrients have been "digested" and used by  the plant, then they are ready for us. 

Here is the point: Plants absorb their nutrients from the rocks and soil. Humans are  supposed to eat the plants. Humans are NOT designed to eat ground up rocks and soil.

Unfortunately, almost all supplements today use vitamins and minerals that are sourced from rocks and soil as mineral salts, or the vitamin is made from petroleum and coal tar products because it is more cost effective. Science has shown that the body only absorbs form zero to 20% of these supplements and flushes out the rest. 

On the other hand, science has shown that plant-sourced vitamin and mineral supplements can have absorption rates of 80% or more. With vitamin and mineral supplements you get what you pay for. So do your research and only choose plant-sourced supplements.

  

5. Digestion

The human digestive system is a series of organs that perform many important functions. Its primary role is to process the food and drink we consume, absorb all the nutrients our cells can use, and expel any leftover matter as waste. A great majority of our immune function is located in the colon, therefore, the digestive system is a major contributor to overall health. It serves as a front line of defense against harmful bacteria and pathogens and also provides the body with a place to effectively flush out unwanted material like toxins that can accumulate in the body. 

The breakdown of this system can lead to the breakdown of many other systems in the human body. So it is critical that this system receives the raw materials it needs to function at peak efficiency.

As food journeys through the digestive tract, it undergoes a series of deconstructing processes, beginning obviously by chewing it in the mouth. But it's the unseen forces that do the real work. Intestines maintain an environment designed to digest the food we eat and this ecology requires specific nutrients from nature to stay healthy.  

Here is a list of raw materials needed in the intestines:

1. Probiotics (good bacteria) like  lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus sporogenes, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus casei, and lactobacillus bifidum
2. Beta 1-3 glucans
3. Inulin
4. Amylase (in saliva)
5. Protease
6. Lactase
7. Lipase
8. Cellulase

To effectively benefit from any good nutrition, the digestive system must be healthy, therefore, supporting it must be considered top priority.

So! What I am actually trying to say is that it would be to your benefit to source and take a high quality gastrointestinal probiotic supplement and also a high quality gastrointestinal multi-phase enzyme supplement!

Next week we will cover the next processes the body must perform on a daily basis. Until then, remember that WELLNESS is not a quick fix. It is a conscious decision you make every day to give your body what it needs to be well. Good nutrition is crucial. When you supply your cells with the right nutrients, your cells can help keep you well.

A New Skincare Revolution! Superfood For Your Skin!!

The Search

In our continuing pursuit of Weiser Living, we are always looking for ways to remove toxic chemicals from our lives, whether it be from our food, our cleaning products or our personal care products.

Some years ago I was using a wonderful skincare system from Japan based on Dr Masaru Emoto's work with structured water. And even though it was a 5-step system and fairly expensive, I loved it and used it every day with fabulous results! Unfortunately, about 4 years ago it went out of production and I have been on the hunt for a quality skincare ever since.

Part of the Weiser Living way is to never compromise on quality OR efficacy! 

The most important factor I was looking for was, of course, chemical and toxin free.... but I also wanted something that actually WORKED!!! In my 4-year search, I found that it is really hard to find a good natural skincare that is non-toxic but that also renders real results!!!!

I had my feelers out on an international scale to find what I was looking for.... I searched in Japan, Australia and France (some of the most advanced markets in skincare technology) among other countries.

I literally looked at 100's of brands, some known and some more obscure. I looked at ingredients, clinical trials, company ethics, before and after pictures. I called the companies to speak with the formulators, the owners and the marketing departments. I asked a million questions and tried many of them.

Only a few of them caught my interest, but none of them had that WOW factor that I was after. Something unique, something unprecedented, something that was outside the box!

Getting Sidetracked

Sometime last year, my step daughter brought me a sample of a skin cream she had been given at an expo. The packaging was classy and at the same time trendy. I looked at the ingredients and really liked what I saw. All natural "superfood" type ingredients.... I knew and could pronounce every single ingredient without having to twist my tongue... I could even eat it if I wanted to (not that it tasted good - I tried it ;-) ) and that's always a good sign. When I tried it, I simply LOVED the feel, the subtle citrus/vanilla scent, the texture and how it made my skin feel so soft. I checked their website and really resonated with the science behind it.

Unfortunately at the time, we were so busy with other projects here at Weiser Living, that I put it on the to-do-later list.... about 6 months later, I started getting bombarded with some pretty amazing before and after pictures of a new skincare that had just been launched on the market. 

At an initial glance, this skincare night treatment looked amazing. The results were simply out of this world and the branding was top notch. Many people that I knew were trying it and were excited about it. So I went along with it and started using it and also told a handful of friends about it. When I finally found some time, I had a toxicology report done... Uuuhhhmmmmm!!! Oops! On a scale of 0-10 (10 being extremely toxic) it rated a 5!!! I can't believe I hadn't checked the ingredients sooner!!! I had let myself get caught up in the excitement and the pictures.... I had compromised on my research process and ended up endorsing something that was toxic!

It was like a big slap in the face to wake up and get back to adhering to Weiser Living's self imposed extremely high standards.

The Search Continues...

Back to the drawing board.... I finally went back to the little sample package that I had saved and started to do my due diligence, this time, checking the ingredients FIRST and really being thorough! 

The more I did my research the more I liked what I saw. I finally got to the stage of contacting the company. A lovely lady answered the phone and we spoke for a while. She then asked me about where I was calling from, commenting on my area code. "Las Vegas", I answered. She couldn't believe it and proceeded to let me know that the company's head office was moving down from Canada to Las Vegas in the following 2 weeks!!!! We decided to set up an appointment for about a month later for us to meet with the owners and formulator... The rest is history!

The Holy Grail of Skincare!

I truly believe that I have finally found it! The Holy Grail of skincare. I do not say this lightly... 

It is called theCream!

Having now used it for a few months, I can honestly say that it is the most luxurious thing I have ever put on my skin! I used to have excellent skin, but ever since I had moved to the US, about 2 years ago, I started getting blotches, dry rough patches and breakouts on my face... I can't say what caused them exactly and I tried everything to no avail. I eventually resorted to wearing mineral make up when I went out. However, since I started using theCream, I have gotten my skin back! Suffice to say, I no longer need to put anything other on my skin than theCream. What's more? I am even seeing certain lines fill out and disappear!

So, why is this so amazing??? 

Well, there are several factors and ingredients that contribute to the success of this cream, but the main magic is in the MAIN ingredient which makes up 75% of theCream. Colostrum! The majority of other skin creams use water as their main base and then add less than 5% of their active ingredient.

Colostrum has been called the forgotten miracle by many researchers. It is the pre-milk, or foremilk that humans and mammals provide their young at birth. It is only secreted during the first 72 hours after birth and is designed to provide a kick start to life. Colostrum is the single most life giving substance known to man. No other substance contains every single nutrient essential for life. Every vitamin, mineral, protein, fat and saccharide. 

I could go on and on about the scientific, medical healing benefits of colostrum. There are literally 10,000's of studies done on this compound. But, don't just take my word for it, I recommend that you do your own research.

During our research process, we interviewed the formulator. We decided to make the interview available to you here:

And for those of you, like me, who are concerned about the welfare of the cows... Fret not! The colostrum used is from happy New Zealand cows that graze pastures and calve naturally... the very first colostrum goes to the calf and the rest is then used for theCream!

Other ingredients are (as you can see, no tongue twisting):

Coconut/Palm wax and cold pressed oils of Organic Aloe, Rice, Orange, Apricot, Meadowfoam, Vanilla, Blueberry and Hemp with Natural Silica, Zinc Oxide, Organic Bentonite clay and Colloidal Silver. 

Any good skin cream should have as a minimum, a bio-active protein, an oxygenator, vitamins, minerals, moisturizer, softeners, folic and amino acids, as well as trace minerals all in their natural form. 

But theCream goes far beyond that. In addition to the aforementioned, theCream also contains natural growth factors that increase collagen up to 115%, elastin by 7% and a reduction in depth of fine lines by 9%. It also contains a healing factor that helps decrease the inflammatory process.

Furthermore, theCream is loaded with naturally occurring vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12 and trace minerals to synchronize cellular harmony.

The benefits listed for theCream are:

• Smooths lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin tone
• Increases firmness and elasticity
• Environmental protection (sun, wind, etc...)
• Damage repair
• Vitality restorer
• Irritation relief
• Moisturizer
• Skin conditioner
• Fine line reduction
• Collagen enhancer
• Elastin enhancer
• Tired and stressed eye reliever
• Inflammation reduction
• Healing enhancer
• Dry or chapped lip reliever
• Cold sore/lip damage repair

So as you can see, theCream is not only an anti-aging product, but also a healing cream for topical concerns. Because healthy skin equals beautiful skin!

I could go on about all the amazing benefits theCream has to offer, but in the end, you won't really know until you try it!

With a 60 day 100% no quibble, money back, guarantee, and free shipping, you have got nothing to lose but wrinkles!

For more information click here: theCream

For a free sample, please call us on +1 702 416 4698

About the Author: Tinna Hawkins is an avid health nut! For the last 13 years, she has been helping people with their health as a Wellness Consultant. She is a strong proponent of clean and nutrient dense foods, juicing, toxin-free personal and home care, an active lifestyle, supplementation and a positive outlook on life! Together with her husband, Dr Budweiser, they own and operate the Weiser Living Wellness Center & Institute. www.weiserliving.com

Which juicer should I buy?

Last week we discussed juicing and blending. And Monday before last we started on a 5-day juice detox... It was fantastic! An abundant array of colorful juices made from nutrient dense organic fruits and vegetables. You may also have seen some of the pictures and recipes on our Facebook Page, but if you missed it, you can still go back down through our timeline as well as find a few more recipes on the recipe page on our website. 

The first 3 days were a little hard getting through the initial of wanting to eat something, feeling a bit drained and a slight detox headache on day 2 (all common and normal effects). But days 4 and 5 were AMAZING. We had such an abundance of energy and we were simply buzzing all day. AND as a bonus, we each lost about 5 lbs!!!

One of the great things about going on a juice detox is that there is no cooking involved. The only utensils needed are a vegetable brush, a chopping board, a knife, a juicer and preferably a blender as well!

There are many types of juicers on the market today and numerous manufactures, brands, series and huge price ranges to choose from, all of which can make buying a juicer quite overwhelming! Also, be aware, that there are as many bad juicers as there are good juicers out there. Having informed yourself beforehand is always a good thing. 

Buying a juicer is an investment... an investment in your health! Therefore, it is important to get one that will be effective and not burn out in the long run! Here at Weiser Living, we often get asked; “Which is the best juicer to buy?” So we decided to go out and do some research for you to help you make the the right choices.  Just remember, that this is just our educated opinion and in the end, the choice is yours!

There are six main types of juicers:

1. Blender (not technically a juicer)
2. Masticating
3. Centrifugal
4. Wheatgrass
5. Citrus
6. Manual or hand press

Each type of juicer has its own set of specific features. However, here we will cover the first 3 main kinds of juicers/blenders on the list, which we recommend and why, as well as which manufacturers we believe have created the best overall juicers when it comes to quality, performance, and price point among other things.

But first let's recap, why juice?

As we mentioned in last week's blog, the daily recommended allowance of fruits and vegetables are 5 - 13 servings, but let’s face it, most of us don’t eat half that, and certainly not all raw. Canning, freezing, boiling, steaming, stir frying, sauteing, and other means of cooking fruits and vegetables greatly reduce the available nutrients present.

Juicing is a fantastic, convenient and tasty way of increasing our intake of raw fruits and vegetables, an excellent way to detoxify the body, lose weight, and alkalize our blood. 

The process of juicing separates the fiber from the juice which contains all the vital nutrients and therefore a much higher density of nutrition will fit into just one glass of juice. Fresh juices contain concentrated amounts of vitamins, minerals and enzymes in extremely bio-available form, and as the fiber is removed, the nutrients flow more rapidly into the bloodstream. 

A note: Just as the vitamins and minerals are concentrated, so are the pesticides if non-organic produce is used. We highly recommend using organic fruits and vegetables when juicing.

Blenders

So let's start with blenders. A blender is not a juicer as it does not separate the juice from the pulp and therefore is considered more of a smoothie maker than a juicer. Because the pulp is not removed, smoothies still contain the fiber from the fruits or vegetables. The benefit of this is that the smoothies can be stored for longer than juices without losing too much nutritional value. Also, fiber is terrific for cleansing, as it acts as a "chimney sweeper" in the colon enabling regular elimination. 

Vitamix

As you may have gleaned from our pictures, the blender we use is a Vitamix and our juicer is a Jack Lalanne Power Juicer.  

We are EXTREMELY happy with our blender. It is regarded as one of the top blenders on the market and we highly recommend it. With it's 2 horse power motor, BPA-free & shatterproof 64 oz. container, radial cooling fan and thermal protection system to prevent overload and burnout, 3" laser-cut & stainless steel blades and a 7-year warranty, this is the Rolls Royce of blenders. In addition to making smoothies, this blender is also ideal for making piping hot soups, healthy nut butters, sauces, custards, dips, salsas, spreads, fondues, dressings, syrups, batters for waffles, muffins and pancakes, frozen treats, puddings, baby/pureed foods and much, much more in just minutes. It will cut through ice cubes, nuts and other hard foods like butter. The Vitamix is extremely versatile and is an essential tool in our kitchen and we use nearly every day!

NutriBullet

Compared to the Vitamix, the much talked about NutriBullet doesn't stand a chance! With less than half the motor strength (600 watts/10,000 RPM versus the Vitamix's 1380 watts/37,000 RPM), it's 24 oz. carafe versus Vitamix's 64 oz., it only has a 1 year warranty versus 7 years, there really is no comparison. Also, the NutriBullet only has 1 speed versus several variable speeds, including a turbo mode, on the Vitamix. You can forget about making hot soups, frozen desserts and nut butters too. It will burn out! In fact, the manufacturer says that it should not run for more than a minute at a time. Finally, the Vitamix comes with a large comprehensive recipe book, whereas the NutriBullet has a small booklet just to help you get started.

HOWEVER the NutriBullet does have its advantages! It is 1/4 of the cost compared to the Vitamix and also, because of it's compact nature, the NutriBullet is absolutely brilliant for those who travel a lot and want to bring their blender with them. (We've tried lugging our heavy and bulky Vitamix with us on trips. It was not a pretty sight!!!) The NutriBullet also comes with an additional 2 cups with handles and resealable lids for smoothies on the go! If you are not ready to invest in a Vitamix then the NutriBullet will work fine for basics and beginners. Now, if you REALLY are committed to a healthy lifestyle of blending, then get both! One for home, and one for on the go!

Juicers

Our Jack Lalanne juicer, however, is entirely a different story. It was given to us as a present, and we use it, much like the Vitamix, almost every day! It has done an okay job so far and of course, we are very grateful for such a beautiful present. However, if and when this juicer dies, we won't choose the same one again. For several reasons:

• Although the company claims that it will extract 30% more juice than the standard household juicer, I still find the pulp to be very wet and so a lot of juice is wasted. 
• It makes a lot of foam (indicates higher oxidation)
• It requires a special tool to dismantle for cleaning. (which we lost, so now we have to use a screwdriver - not very practical)
• It's loud
• And the motor isn't very powerful, so it jams very often.

If budget is a determining factor, then the JackLalanne juicer can be for you. The price is very reasonable and it does have a lifetime warranty on the base. However, there are many better juicers on the market today for similar prices.

The 2 main types of juicers you want to consider when looking for a juicer are the most commonly used and also the most diverse. They are the pulp-ejection centrifugal juicer and the masticating juicer. 2 very different types of juicers; each with their pros and cons. In the end, which juicer you decide to choose should be according to your specific needs. 

Centrifugal Juicers

Pulp-ejecting centrifugal juicers are the most popular and are generally more affordable, easier to operate and quicker to clean than masticating juicers. These juicers operate in a manner similar to the spin cycle of your washing machine in that the juice is extracted by the high speed spinning. As the fruits and vegetables are fed into the juicer, they are grated and then spun to extract the juice. The pulp is then deposited in a canister at the back of the juicer for easy disposal. Centrifugal juicers work well with harder fruits and vegetables, but not for wheatgrass, herbs or leafy greens. Of the different kinds of centrifugal juicers out there, we recommend wide mouthed juicers (at least 3”) because you will be able to feed larger, even whole pieces of fruit and vegetables through, thus greatly reducing the time spent chopping and juicing. Although much faster than masticating juicers, they will yield less juice, especially with leafy greens, and may damage enzymes from oxidation. This type of juicer is great for beginners and for people with busy lives!

Advantages

• Generates large quantities of juice before pulp accumulates for removal
• More affordable
• Easy to use
• Easy to clean
• Reduces juice preparation time, as will accept larger pieces of fruits and vegetable as well as faster extraction process.

Disadvantages

• Noisy
• Yields less juice than masticating juicers
• Destroys enzymes more easily by introducing high levels of oxygen during extraction
• Spoils quicker due to higher oxidation
• Creates more foam
• Extracts nutrients less efficiently
• Not well-suited to juicing leafy greens or wheatgrass

Masticating Juicers

Masticating juicers, also known as cold-press juicers, are superior to centrifugal juicers and are very efficient for juicing most fruits, vegetables, even leafy greens and wheatgrass. Although slower than the centrifugal juicer, they do a much more efficient job at extracting high yields of juice. The fruits and vegetables are squeezed and pressed rather than shredded and spun. This low RPM (revolutions per minute) process uses less heat, friction and oxidation thus preserving the nutrient value of the juice. It also allows for effective crushing of the cellular structure and the breaking of fiber so that all the nutrition is released into the juice. Whilst more costly, their slower and more thorough extraction rates produce a high-quality juice – and more of it. Another great advantage to this type of juicer is its versatility as it is also great for making nut butters, frozen fruit desserts, baby food, pâtés, sauces, soy & nut milks, grinding coffee and spices, mincing herbs & garlic, and some models can even extrude pasta shapes like spaghetti and linguine. This type of juicer is great for those who are ready and committed long term to healthy living, juicing and wanting a higher quality juice!

Advantages

• Quieter
• Lower heat and oxidation, thereby protecting nutrients and enzymes
• Releases more vitamins, minerals and enzymes
• Well-suited to juicing greens, wheatgrass and sprouts
• Yields more juice (dryer pulp)
• Juice preserved in better condition for longer storage time
• Less foam
• Serves other food processing functions, such as making nut butters, pasta, ice cream, etc.

Disadvantages

• Heavier & uses more counter space
• More expensive
• Longer food preparation, as smaller food pieces are required for their narrow chutes and extraction process is slower
• More cumbersome to clean

Remember, that a juicer and/or blender is an investment in your health. And like with anything, there are inexpensive and very expensive juicers on the market. Also remember, like with anything, you get what you pay for. Quality is important if you don't want to have to buy another juicer again in 12 months! 

So, now that you know the difference between the 2 main types of juicers, it is time to look at which manufacturers came out on top. We have spent countless hours reviewing juice offs between brands, listening to consumer feedback, reading seller reviews, looked at many different brands and factored in a long list of criteria. Some of the criteria we looked at are: 

• Warranty length for motor AND parts. (most important criteria)
• Dish washer safe
• Cleaning time
• Electrical cord length
• Stainless steel vs plastic
• Feeding chute size
• Power & RPMs
• Robustness
• Extraction efficacy
• Noise level
• Versatility (can it perform other tasks than just juicing)
• and more...

Just remember that there are pros and cons to every juicer and not one juicer will score the highest in all the categories. There is no "One Best Juicer", so we have chosen the one that scored the highest overall.

Are you ready? After weighing ALL the pros and cons of many different juicer brands, here are the ones that came out on top:

The winning ejection pulp centrifugal juicer:

Omega Big Mouth Juicer 330

or the 

Omega Big Mouth Juicer 390 

(stronger motor and chrome base instead of plastic)

 The winning masticating juicer:

Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer

The fact that they are both Omega's is completely a coincidence. It seems this manufacturer simply got it right!

We hope that you now feel much more confident in going out and getting yourself a juicer. Whether it be the one of the ones we recommended or you just want to use some of the criteria we mentioned at go out on a mission to find your perfect juicer! 

Just remember, whatever you decide... BUY A JUICER and get started on your journey to a healthier you!!!!

Have a juicylicious day!

About the Author: Tinna Hawkins is an avid health nut! For the last 13 years, she has been helping people with their health as a Wellness Consultant. She is a strong proponent of clean and nutrient dense foods, juicing, toxin-free personal and home care, an active lifestyle, supplementation and a positive outlook on life! Together with her husband, Dr Budweiser, they own and operate the Weiser Living Wellness Center & Institute. www.weiserliving.com

What's the Point in Juicing?

Juicing is a very hot topic at the moment! It seems that every blog is writing about it, you can find recipes all over Facebook, documentaries are made about it (Have you seen Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead?) and we get asked about the benefits of juicing almost every day! So what is all the fuss about?

Well, as we all know, fresh fruits and vegetables are valuable sources of vitamins and minerals. They also contain important fibers, enzymes and phytonutrients for maintaining good health. Scientific studies have documented numerous health benefits associated with eating fruits and vegetables, with the greatest benefits seen in people who consume more than the recommended daily amounts.

Nutrient Depletion 

The USDA recommends 5 - 13 servings of fruits and vegetables daily as part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately though, no matter the country or the time frame studied, it has been found that the vital nutrient levels in our fresh fruits and vegetables are rapidly declining. To blame, are modern farming practices which have changed dramatically in the last 50 years to increase yields and profits. Practices such as plant cross breeding and genetic engineering, storage and ripening systems such as green harvesting and gassing as well as the use of chemical fertilizers are just some of the contributing factors. Soil depletion is also a huge factor. In fact, recent studies have shown that the nutrient value of our soil has declined by an average of 20% over the last 20 years and it is continuing to decline. And if it’s not in the soil, it’s not in the plant!

In the 1950’s, a woman could get her daily recommended allowance of Beta Carotene, the main source of provitamin A, from eating just 2 peaches. Today, she would have to eat 53 peaches to get that same amount. Another example is the iron in spinach which has declined by over 70% in the last 25 years and 3 recent studies have shown a median 5% - 40% decline in some minerals in groups of vegetables and perhaps fruits.

But these figures have not encouraged us to increase our consumption. Studies show that the average American consumes no more than 3 servings per day. A classic symptom of the standard American diet (SAD) is being overfed but undernourished. We consume too many empty calories but not enough nutrients to keep our bodies sustained at healthy levels.

A properly nourished body does not have abnormal cravings and is at its physical, mental and emotional best, but without adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables, that can be a hard feat to accomplish.

Juicing or Blending? 

Here is where juicing and blending comes in. It is such a quick, easy and healthy way to replenish vitamins, minerals and enzymes and to get closer to those 5 – 13 recommended servings a day.

When using a juicer,  the juice is extracted from the pulp and so allows us to pack more fruits and vegetables, and therefore more concentrated amounts of nutrients, into just one glass. However, some of the vitamins and minerals are left behind from the skin of the fruits, and pulp has fiber that is beneficial for the body. So sometimes, blending is also a good choice. Therefore, when I get asked “is juicing or blending better?” I respond... “Do both! And as a rule of thumb, juice vegetables and blend fruit.”

Fruit and vegetable juices each have their benefits. Fruit juices are some of the best cleansers for the body and vegetable juices are toning and rejuvenating down to the cellular level. Vegetable juices strengthen the immune system, reduce acidity, fortify the blood, strengthen the organs, nerves and glands. They are also potent cleansers of the digestive tract and blood. Fruits are healthy and tasty when blended into fiber rich smoothies.

Note: When blending fruits for smoothies, always add ice cubes, water or milk (almond, rice or coconut) to dilute the sugar, especially if you have challenges with blood sugar balance.

Here are some benefits of juicing:

• Quicker absorption of nutrients in the fruits and vegetables.
• Easier to get the recommended daily amount of fruits & vegetables as opposed to eating them.
• Ease of adding a wide variety of vegetables to your diet.
• Great way to enhance detoxification.
• Great aid in weight loss.

Vegetable juice is HIGHLY perishable. As soon as the extracted juice is exposed to oxygen, it starts to breakdown; a process called oxidation. So it is best to drink all of your juices immediately after making them. This can pose a problem to those with time constraints. Although not ideal or recommended, you can store them up to 24 hours with only a moderate nutritional decline. Stored juice is definitely better than no juice!!!

Here are a few juice storage tips for retaining maximum nutrient levels:

• Juice should be stored in an airtight container at a temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) or less.

• The storage container should be refrigerated before you fill it with juice.

• To minimize the oxidizing presence of air, the container should be filled to the top. 

Tips for those on the go who want to take their juice with them:

• A good quality stainless steel or glass thermos is the better storage option.

• Make sure your thermos has good insulation.

• Cool the thermos in the refrigerator or freezer prior to filling it with juice.

Organic or not Organic? That is the question.

We always recommend organic whenever possible. Especially when juicing. Consider this. When you juice, you get a higher concentration of nutrients because a) you are consuming more servings and b) there is a rapid absorption into the bloodstream. So if this is the case, you are also getting higher and more concentrated amounts of chemical fertilizers into your body. If cost is an issue, at least stick with the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. 

Also, be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables well. Sometimes you can also consider scraping or peeling them.

Another reason to choose organic, is the question of nutrient value. More and more studies are now showing that organic produce yields higher nutrient levels than non-organic. Take a look at this study for example:

So, as you can see, juicing and blending are completely worthy of all the fuss!

A great way to get started is to start juicing for breakfast; instead of breakfast! Once you get accustomed to that, try implementing just juicing one day a week. If at this point, you love it, consider graduating to juice fasts. Here at Weiser Living, we do a juice fast/cleanse once a quarter for 5 – 7 days. It is an AMAZING way to cleanse the body, increase energy levels and lose some weight. If you are not sure where or how to start, what juicer to buy or even if you would like some help getting started on a juice fast, please get in touch. We would love to help you get started on your juice journey. You can also find several recipes on our Facebook page as well as the recipe section on our website www.weiserliving.com

Supplementation:

Although there are benefits of higher levels of nutrition when adding fresh juices to our diet, supplementing with a Real Food Vitamin & Mineral is still very much recommended. Even the Harvard School of public Health and the American Medical Association both say you cannot get enough proper nutrition from your food alone. Studies have found it important to add high quality vitamins and minerals to our diets. When we go on a juice fast/cleanse, here at Weiser Living, we always add a good whole food vitamin and mineral to our daily regimen as well as Weiser Living Paleo Greens to boost our juices.

Next week we will talk about purchasing the right juicer... So stay tuned!

About the Author: Tinna Hawkins is an avid health nut! For the last 13 years, she has been helping people with their health as a Wellness Consultant. She is a strong proponent of clean and nutrient dense foods, juicing, toxin-free personal and home care, an active lifestyle, supplementation and a positive outlook on life! Together with her husband, Dr Budweiser, they own and operate the Weiser Living Wellness Center & Institute. www.weiserliving.com

Sources:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss

http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/44/1/15.full

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vegetables-full-story/

8 Steps to Weiser Living (Part 4)

A Life of Health & Harmony

Are you getting the nutrients you need? Are you exposed to environmental toxins? Are you stressed? Harmony is a concept used to describe how the body’s physiology is genetically programmed to integrate and function as a unified system. To understand these further, consider for a minute your body as an automobile. The modern car is designed to run on certain raw materials. Once each individual system has been given the components it uses to do its job, then the end goal is for the car to be driven from point A to point B.  But for the car to actually start, run and be driven, all of its systems must work together in “HARMONY”.

For example: If you fill the gas tank, but the gasoline is never delivered to the engine, then the car simply isn’t going anywhere.

Fortunately, the car comes from the factory designed to do this on its own; therefore, we simply need to make sure it gets what it needs as well as perform the routine maintenance. The car is “preprogrammed” to do the rest.

Can you see how this concept of “HARMONY” applies to the human body and its systems (respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, urinary system, hormonal system, muscular system, nervous system, etc.)?

The human body is considerably more complex than your average automobile. But much like the car, the body’s systems must work in harmony for us to actually function properly. Fortunately, the body is naturally programmed within the DNA to perform in this manner. Therefore, although it may seem arbitrary to highlight this concept in such detail, understanding this “HARMONY” is paramount because it illustrates the fact that all systems in the body must be properly supported.

No individual system is necessarily more or less important than another. One system’s task may even rely directly upon the proper function of another system.  This interconnected nature of how the human functions should always be considered when making wellness choices.

For example: Vitamin/mineral and antioxidant supplements have become commonplace today. But these alone provide only two categories of the nutrients our bodies require.  Would you supply your car with only the gas and oil and expect it to run properly? Of course not, and your body certainly deserves the same respect.  The point is this: To attain this harmony, we cannot be selective about which systems we choose to support and which we do not.

Each of us is empowered with the ability to make healthy choices for ourselves and some of us even have the power to make healthy choices for our families as well. Start today by designing your wellness plan. The body has trillions of cells so feeding the body at the cellular level is by no means an overnight process. This process builds over time until the whole body has been replenished. Therefore, give your body enough time to naturally begin to function with the nutrition provided in your Wellness Plan. By committing to following your Wellness Plan for at least 6 months you are giving yourself the best chance of success. A Wellness Plan can be organized into 3 main categories:

·        Lifestyle

·         Environmental Intake

·         Dietary Supplementation

Lifestyle

·         What is the quality, quantity and consistency of your sleep?

·         How much exercise did you really get today—enough to raise your heart rate or make you sweat?

·         How much time did you really devote to yourself today?

Now add some questions that have more specific significance to you and post this list in a place where you will see it to serve as a constant reminder to answer them on a regular basis.

Environmental Intake

A wellness plan is not only about what we put in but, also, what we try to leave out. Things like artificial sweeteners, pesticides and other man-made chemicals are detrimental to the body and they may accumulate over time. Unfortunately, some toxins are simply unavoidable in today’s environment. A good rule of thumb is: “If it is man-made or isn’t available from nature, then avoid or limit its use to a minimum”.

·         Eat whole, vine ripened, unprocessed foods

·         Choose natural beverages or water over carbonated sodas

·         Prepare foods using options like natural sugar or unbleached flour as opposed to their counterparts.

·         Incorporate raw fruits and vegetables to preserve the nutrients lost during cooking.

Dietary Supplementation

Research is increasingly showing that no matter how well we eat, we should not rely on food alone for our nutritional needs. We should supplement our diet. Dietary supplements are without a doubt the most efficient way to provide the body with the nutrition lacking from our modern diets. But don’t be fooled! Not all supplements are created equal! Today’s health food store shelves are flooded with an overwhelming number of dietary supplement products and there is no clear way to discern which products are actually useful or which are even safe! Here is a short overview of the information needed for you to make educated decisions when designing a Supplementation Plan.

·         What is the quality of the nutrient source?

·         Is it plant based?

·         What are the plants’ growing conditions?

·         How are the nutrients derived from the source?

·         How are they stabilized and standardized?

·         What is the nutrient complex or combination of ingredients in the product?

·         Has the complex been tested to identify if the nutrients play well together?

·         Is the nutrient content consistent from one unit to the next?

·         Does the product actually contain what the label on the bottle suggests?

·         How does the manufacturer test to ensure product safety and efficacy?

·         There are many other factors to consider including, Standardization, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, NSF Certification, Gluten Free, Kosher etc.

Manufacturing safe and effective supplements is a complicated and demanding assignment. Nutrition is a science.  If a company truly intends to deliver a quality product to the consumer, these as well as many other factors must be considered priority.

Here are some questions to ask in order to determine how trustworthy a nutritional company is.

·         Does the company adhere to GMP’s?

·         What priority does the company put on Research and Development (R&D)?

·         Does the company have a dedicated laboratory/research budget?

·         Does the company have published studies?

·         Does the company have published research on product absorption rates/efficacy?

·         Does the company have published “third party” research on their products?

·         Is the research subject to “peer review”?

·         What is their reputation within the scientific community?

·         Does the company employ a dedicated Science Board?

·         How reputable/qualified are the company’s doctors and researchers?

None of the above points can be overlooked. Not all science is good science. Government agencies are making great progress at raising industry standards but ultimately, your health is YOUR responsibility. Become an informed consumer. Choose only whole-food supplements that you are supremely confident will meet your body’s nutritional needs.

Paracelsus and Hippocrates, both considered fathers of medical science, believed that good health relied upon the “HARMONY” of man and nature. Over the past 2,000 years, science and technology have evolved, but this principle remains as true today as it was then. Advances in science have recently been able to shed new light on how the human body functions at the cellular level. And through this, science is now beginning to fulfill these scholar’s age-old philosophy of wellness. Hopefully, you have a greater understanding of how to maintain this harmony between man and nature as you continue in your quest for optimal health.

 This can seem like a daunting task even with these important guidelines. It is important to note that a wellness plan is not simply a generic outline of a nutritional regimen. Because we are all unique individuals with varying lifestyles, some aspects of your Wellness Plan should be tailored with respect to your personal needs. If you desire more help with your 8 Steps to Weiser Living and your Personalized Weiser Wellness Plan, go the contact us page at www.drbudweiser.com and schedule a consultation. We are here to help!