Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Juicing VS Blending: One of our Top FAQ



One of our most commonly asked questions: Is it better to juice or to blend?  As with most good questions in life the answer to this depends upon numerous factors and there is no black or white. As the saying goes – it’s like comparing apples to oranges.

JUICING
  • Juicing renders densely concentrated nutrients that are easily digested. You are able to literally mainline all of the phyto anthocyanins, minerals and micronutrients that plants have to offer.
  • Because of this infusion capacity juicing is the absolute best way to receive a mega dose of food-based vitamins, minerals and enzymes IF they are non-sweet. When sweet veggies and fruits are stripped of fibers, healthy toddy’s become agents of blood sugar irregularity leading to energy crashes and increased cravings.
  • Veggies, herbs and roots we recommend juicing: Celery, Cucumbers, Cilantro, Parsley, Ginger, Turmeric, Jalapenos (if you’re not Nightshade sensitive) and Leafy Greens such as Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard (if you’re not suffering from hypothyroidism).
  • Tip: If you wish to sweeten up your green juice, add just one carrot rather than an entire base of carrot, OR eat some protein along with your carrot juice. Hemp or Chia Seeds are a perfect antidote. Happy Hemp is our personal fave.
  • Juicing is also preferable if you’re someone whose digestive system has a harder time with fibrous roughage.
  • Since juice is less filling than a blended drink, it’s easier to drink copious amounts and to therefore crank up the wattage on your nutrients.

BLENDING
  • Since blending retains fiber, opt to blend when using sweeter veggies such as carrots and beets or when mixing fruits. Though this will still spike blood sugar, its effects are less intense  As mentioned above, you can help to counteract the blood sugar spiking effects by adding a protein boost 
  • Looking for a healthy meal replacement? Blending might be a good option, especially in the summer months or in warmer climates when the digestive system is more capable of processing cooler, richer drinks.
  • Some constitutions are sensitive to food combining principles or have more sensitive digestive systems. If this is you, experiment and attune to the following signals to find out if your body appreciates blending: How are your cravings during the day? Energy levels? Are you experiencing afternoon crashes or holding strong? How about your digestion?
  • If you have a strong digestive system, follow our Green Smoothie Equation below or check out our downloadable Green Smoothie Guide + Recipes here.





Student Scores an A+ on her TLC


Candy Cantrell
Full Time Student
Hobbies:
Traveling, Food & Wine, spending time with her dogs

Snapshot Takeaway: "I have so much more energy! I have far less digestive issues that plague me during the day, which leaves me feeling so much happier and more energetic."

New Favorite Foods
The quinoa & avocado breakfast, and Lydia's bread with apple slices and sunflower butter.

Food Discoveries
  • Nightshades: Bloating, weight gain
  • Soy: Bloating, Stomach Pain
  • Citrus: Impacts Energy Levels

More From Candy

"I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and have been plagued with digestive issues all of my life. Before beginning this program, I had to take daily digestive medicines to combat any number of tummy troubles- sometimes several times a day for a mix of different problems. After day 3 of the cleanse, I no longer had any stomach pain or bloating! I seriously could not believe it! It has been 2 months since I started the cleanse, and I still have not taken a single medication for digestion. I am amazed by that!

Having Hashimoto's makes it difficult to lose weight and during my cleanse, I lost TEN pounds, and since reintegrating have only gained 3 of those back. My weight has been consistent every day for the first time in years. Plus, I have realized that a lot of the negative feelings I was having about my body- that I thought were tied to weight- I think were actually tied to my digestive health! Since my tummy feels better, I feel better about myself! 

I am a vegetarian, and before the cleanse, I thought I was eating healthy and exercising and was so frustrated by my weight and my health! I thought I was doing everything right & it wasn't working! I have since realized that there was a lot I still could learn! I am a full time student and really value education- I feel the real value of doing the Love Life Method is that I feel like I took a college course in myself, in my body, and how to keep it happy! To me, that has been priceless!

I have since reintegrated many foods back into my daily routine. Now I know what foods to avoid, if possible, and what foods I can use to reset my system and put me back on track- say after a bowl full of chips and salsa, washed down with a margarita- I know the next day, I need to repair my system & now I know how to do it!

So, not only do I feel lighter, but my purse feels lighter because its not full of antacids, anti-nausea & anti-bloating medicines!" - Candy

Monday, June 24, 2013

Grilled Veggies + Hemp Sauce


Simple, delicious and an excuse to pull out the grill. Pick a selection of your favorite veggies, toss in olive oil, salt and pepper to your taste, a handful of freshly chopped herbs (basil and tarragon are perfect for the summer), or a tablespoon of our seasonal mix included in your kit. We added fennel to zucchini and squash which took this dish to a whole 'nother level. After grilling we served bowls of veggies with hemp dipping sauce on the side but it would be great drizzled over the top as well.  

No grill? Roast the veggies on a baking sheet 400 degrees until browned on edges, about 10 minutes, check after 5 minutes, shake pan and continue checking every 3 minutes or so until desired level of doneness. 

Veggies we used:
  • 1 large fennel bulb, cut into wedges (tip: save the fronds for a killer veggie stock!) 
  • 3 zucchini, cut about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 yellow squash, cut
  • Mushrooms (if participating in our programs, hold off until Phase 2 to include)  
Place veggies in bowl and toss with:
  • 1 TB of olive oil (maybe a little more if veggies you are using are bigger, we're not looking to soak in oil, rather just enough to thinly coat) 
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 TB of freshly chopped basil
Hemp Seed Dressing: 

  • 1/2 C hulled hemp seeds
  • Small handful of fresh basil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Himalayan to taste
  • 1/3 C filtered water (more if a thinner consistency is desired)
Dressing recipe courtesy of Chef Yvette Franco of Natural Epicurean Culinary Arts.