Zesty Lime Marinade Over Black Beans and Rice- Ready in 30 Minutes

This is my new go-to black beans and rice dinner for those busy  nights when I'm tired and want something healthy and satisfying that comes together in 30 minutes. Do you know what I mean? 

Unlocking Vitality: The Vagus Nerve and Energizing Techniques

                                    

How many of us wake up feeling tired, stressed, or feel our energy diminish as the day progresses? 

In the pursuit of optimal health and well-being, we often overlook the incredible ability of our own bodies to actually rejuvenate themselves. 

The other day my good friend Vicki shared a 10 minute rejuvenation video with me that Vicki found on Youtube regarding our "Vagus Nerve". 

Juicing Is My Self Care When I'm Run Down or Stressed

      

                                            

Why I Juice Instead of Making Smoothies

Juicing  Feels Like Self-Care When My Body Needs Support

Although they’re often grouped together, smoothies and juicing are very different.

Smoothies are made by blending whole fruits and vegetables, which means all the fiber stays in the drink. That fiber is healthy, but it can also be harder on the digestive system, especially if your digestion isn’t at its best.

Juicing, on the other hand, uses a juice extractor to remove the fiber and bulk, leaving behind a clear, light liquid. This allows the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to be absorbed almost immediately—no heavy digestion required.

When you’re worn down, stressed, or overwhelmed (which many of us are), that quick nourishment can make a noticeable difference.

And in a world full of processed foods, environmental toxins, and chronic stress, fresh vegetable juice can be a simple, powerful form of daily support.

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Juicing Makes Nutrients Easier to Absorb—Especially for Digestive Issues

If you have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, IBS, or other digestive challenges, you may not be fully absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat—even if your diet is healthy.

This is where juicing really shines.

Because the fiber has been removed, the nutrients in fresh vegetable juice are nearly 100% absorbable. Adding just one daily green juice can help support energy, digestion, and overall vitality.

If you’ve been feeling depleted, this small habit may have a surprisingly big payoff.

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The #1 Reason People Give Up on Juicing: The Clean-Up

Let’s be honest—the clean-up is what turns most people off.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be a big production.

I’ve been juicing for years, and from start to finish—including clean-up—I can make a fresh glass of vegetable juice in about 6 minutes.

My trick? I clean the juicer immediately after using it with a water sprayer. Everything rinses right off, and most of the parts go straight into the dishwasher.

Six minutes is a pretty small investment for the daily health benefits fresh juice provides.

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Raw Vegetables Contain Powerful Enzymes

One of the biggest advantages of fresh juice is the natural enzymes found in raw fruits and vegetables.

These enzymes support digestion and overall health, but they’re fragile. That’s why it’s best to drink your juice right away, while the enzymes are still active and intact.

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Here’s Why I Juice

Fresh vegetable juice provides:

• Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and natural detoxifiers

• Nutrients that are easy to digest and quickly absorbed

• A noticeable boost in energy

• Immune-supporting compounds

• Powerful antioxidants that nourish and protect cells

• Support for the body’s natural detoxification process

And honestly? When I drink a glass of freshly made green juice, it tastes incredibly pure—and it just feels healthy.

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Why Fresh Juice Is Far Better Than Store-Bought Juice

No bottled, frozen, canned, or packaged juice compares to freshly extracted vegetable juice.

Store-bought juices are heated and processed to extend shelf life. That process destroys many vitamins, minerals, and enzymes—the very things we’re drinking juice for in the first place.

Some of the most nourishing juices come from vegetables like:

• Cucumber

• Kale

• Collard greens

• Romaine lettuce

• Celery

• Parsley

• Carrots

But their benefits are highest only when the juice is fresh and consumed immediately.

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How to Make Fresh Juice

There are many juicing machines available on the market that make fresh juice in a matter of minutes.

• Step 1:  Buy an electric juice extracting machine like a Breville or a Braun
  
   Juicing extracting machines are available on amazon -  juice extractors
  Prices range from around $50-$300; you can get a decent juicer for about $79-$99
  ( Also check out yard sales; many people get juicers as gifts and try them once or never even open the box. I got a brand new one at a yard sale for $10 from someone who never used it)
  
  
• Step 2:  Read the consumer reviews below each machine before purchasing  a juicer 
  
  
• Once you have a machine,  follow the manufacturer's instructions and make fresh life giving  juice in just minutes

Why I always juice  healthy greens such as romaine lettuce, kale, collard greens and or celery.

I always use organic carrots as my main base and add romaine lettuce, cucumber, celery, 1/2 organic apple. This combination is rich in beta carotene and chlorophyll.

Green juice is not for those that are not accustomed to eating greens. In the beginning you may want to stick to a milder drink of carrots, cucumber, apple, and a little romaine. Dark greens like dandelion greens, collard greens, and kale can be very pungent, so go easy in the beginning. 
You can also add a clove of fresh garlic or ginger if you are under the weather.

A chlorophyll rich drink with carrots, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, and apple.

If you are new to juicing, Here is a good juice: 
start out with 3-4 large organic carrots, 1 small organic apple, 2 stalks romaine lettuce in the beginning. As you become accustomed to juicing greens, add dandelion greens, kale or parsley.

Detoxify the Blood Stream with Dark Greens: 
Dark leafy greens contain the pigment chlorophyll, which gives greens their dark green color. This pigment absorbs energy from the sun during photosynthesis and is a wonderful cleanser to help detoxify toxins out of our system. 

With Less Toxins, it is easier to lose fat stores

Because the body holds onto excess fat in an effort to defend itself against toxins, it makes sense that the more dark leafy greens you consume to eliminate toxins, the less fat your body will need to accumulate for protection. 

Boost the Immune System: 
Dark leafy greens provide potent antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. 

Amino acids: 

The amino acids in greens are the very building blocks needed for the body to make protein, which of course is needed to build strong muscle. 

Aids Digestion: 

Greens also stimulate enzyme production which is needed for proper digestion of foods. If you digest your foods properly, this may help eliminate bloat, puffiness and even allergies related to improper digestion of foods. When you are bloated, puffy and have allergies, you tend to hold onto water weight. 

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Start your day with a glass of fresh juice and flood your body with easy to absorb nutrients

                                            A link to a variety of  juice extractors


There are many good books on juicing that might be helpful to find recipes and the specific health benefits of certain vegetables, Here are some suggestions:
Books on Juicing  - This is a full list of books, e-books, and kindle books available online.

Here are some highly rated books to get started.
The Everything Juicing Book

Your Comprehensive Green Juicing Guide

Juicing Life Guide Benefits

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and am not trying to diagnose or treat disease. This website is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician before making any changes in your diet.



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