Category: Juice

Lemon Water Hacks

Keep Lemon Slices in the freezer for immediate Lemon Water

Kitchen Hacks – I’ll be publishing a series of tips & tricks in the kitchen. Some may be super basic and you may know them already but maybe you’ll find something that will make your life a little easier!

I’ve often had problems with lemons going bad because I didn’t use them all up in time. But not anymore!

Did you know that you can keep Lemon Slices in the freezer for immediate Lemon Water? It’s so easy and you won’t have any excuses not to drink Lemon Water! Lemon Water is super healthy for you and you should drink lemon water every morning 🙂 Plus the frozen lemon slices also cool down your water a bit (which is great for the summer!). You can use them for cocktails too!

Use organic produce! You don’t want lemon peel with pesticides swimming in your [eafl id=1053 name=”Perfect Water Purifier – articleLink2″ text=”purified water”].

Make Jumbo Sized Lemon Ice Cubes

This is a fabulous idea for a water or sangria pitcher! A muffin pan gives you much larger cubes, making the ice last much longer. This also looks beautiful with the whole lemon slices in there. You could also do this with oranges; maybe even throw in some mint or sliced strawberries!

Pure Lemon Juice Ice Cubes

I filled an ice tray with straight lemon juice and set it in the freezer. Now rather than adding lemon slices to a pitcher of water I can drop a lemon cube into a large glass of [eafl id=1053 name=”Perfect Water Purifier – articleLink2″ text=”filtered water”].

Roll Your Lemons for Maximum Juice

Rolling your lemons bursts the capillaries in the flesh of the lemon allowing you to extract more lemony goodness!

Coconut Water Lemonade

In the past few years, I’ve been so happy to see that coconut water has become a mainstream drink in the United States. Everything tastes so much better with coconut water, including this lemonade, an all-American favorite. Trust me on this, once you try my coconut water lemonade, you will never, EVER go back to regular lemonade.

You can get canned coconut water easily from any store now. I used some fresh and homegrown lemons and calamansi limes (or calamondin), given to me by my friend, and mixed it with the coconut water. All you need is a little bit of sugar and ice, and you will have the most amazing lemonade; everyone will be begging you for more!

Coconut Water Lemonade – amazing and refreshing lemonade made with coconut water and fresh lemon juice. The best lemonade recipe ever!

Total Time: 10 Minutes

4 cups canned coconut water
5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 calamansi lime, extract the juice, optional
3 tablespoons sugar or agave nectar
2 lemons, sliced
2 cups ice
Mint leaves, for garnishing

In a pitcher, combine the coconut water, lemon juice, calamansi lime juice and sugar together. Stir to mix well. Add the sliced lemons and ice into the pitcher. Pour the lemonade into glasses and garnish with mint leaves.

Slice the lemon into pieces, set aside.

I used Kimbo Young Coconut Juice with pulp and strained out the pulp.

You may skip the calamansi lime if you don’t have it. They are the fruits from the calamondin tree. They are available in Southeast Asian stores or Filipino food stores.

Citrus Fruity Chia Seed Water

Ingredients
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 quart of water

2 tbsp chia seeds
a couple drops of liquid Stevia (optional)

Directions
1. Add your lemon slices, orange slices, and water into a pitcher. Let that puppy chill in the fridge over night.
2. Remove fruit slices and add your chia seeds (and Stevia drops if you want it sweetened). Let them chill for at least ten minutes so they puff up from the water. Chia seeds absorb water and grow to ten times their original size! Be sure to stir every couple of minute so they dont clump up.
3. DRINK! Drink when you wake up, drink at work, drink at the gym, drink before bed….just drink it. Your body will love you, and you will love you.

Drop a Beet & Grapefruit Detox Juice Recipe

I know, I know… some ingredients like beets, grapefruit and kale can sometimes overwhelm our taste buds. So… how about if I told you to only use a 1/4 of a beet and 1/2 a grapefruit?! And I’m going to do you one better. I’m going to add sweet carrots, an orange and some ginger to make a wonderfully tasting detox juice recipe which also helps with inflammation!

Here’s my super simple Beet & Grapefruit Juice Recipe.

Ingredients:

1/2 fresh grapefruit, peeled
1 orange, peeled
2 carrots
1/4 beet
1/2 inch of ginger

Blend all of the ingredients in your Vitamix and enjoy this tangy, detoxing juice!

Yummy Cleansing Pineapple Juice Vitamix Recipe

It’s less than a week after Thanksgiving so I’m still “all about that cleanse!” I really want to help my body get rid of those nasty toxins? This recipe consists of one of nature’s greatest anti-inflammatory ingredients—turmeric. It also has another one of nature’s delicious anti-inflammatory ingredients–pineapple. Add some alkalizing grapefruit and you have a great first-thing-in-the-morning drink. Juice the remaining ingredients, including the additional anti-inflammatory power of ginger, and enjoy!

Awesome Cleansing Pineapple Juice
Ingredients:

4 cups pineapple, diced
1 pink grapefruit, peeled and sliced
½ cup mint leaves
1 lime, peeled but with pit
1 inch ginger
½ inch turmeric

Directions:

Add all ingredients to your Vitamix, blend and serve.

11 Superfoods Healthier Than Kale

If you’ve ever been to Whole Foods with me, than you KNOW that I am obsessed with SUPERFOODS!

I’m the weird dude that smells like essential oils and has a cart full of foods that most people have never even heard of.

True story, last time I was in whole foods – the women in the superfood isle called 3 other people into the department to listen to what I had to say about changing your body’s electromagnetic field through high vibing food!

Why I love Superfoods

Currently, you and I are living in a toxic environment, my friend. Everywhere we go there are more and more toxins creeping up on us. Should you live in fear, build a giant bubble and only go outside in that plastic construct that protects you?

In studying about toxins and all the nasty things in our food and environment, it can be easy to get discouraged. Sometimes it can feel absolutely impossible to eat clean! Modern society had made cheap food convenient and healthy food something for the wealthy.

Should we be scared? Angry? Bitter? Sad? Hopeless? I don’t think so.

Mother Nature has not left us alone. She is still working hard to provide us with amazing, nutrient-dense, healing superfoods that can help protect and heal us from the toxins in our world.

I’m telling you, superfoods are some of the highest vibing food you will ever come across! If you are ready to raise your own vibes and start feeling amazing, you’ve come to the right place.

FitLife’s Top 11 Superfoods

#1 Chlorella

Chlorella is a single celled microalgae that is loaded with nutrients needed for many body functions. This is one of the very first super foods I ever purchased!

Daily consumption of chlorella has been linked to lowered risk of cardiovascular disease.

Some evidence shows that chlorella, which is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, may help to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia and other similar disorders like hypertension and ulcerative colitis.

Because chlorella is high in chlorophyll, it also helps to control hunger cravings, body odor, relieve swelling and redness from infections, promote cleansing and healing in the body and even protect DNA against fried foods.

#2 Moringa Leaf

In 2007, Moringa leaf was recognized by the National Institute of Health as the Botanical of the Year! It is said to have saved more lives in Third World countries than any other plant and has potential to treat over 300 diseases.

An animal study done at the University of Allahabad showed Moringa lowers blood sugar levels by up to 29%! This puts Moringa Leaf high on the list of foods that may help those suffering from diabetes.

This superfood may also prove to have potent anti-cancer properties. A study at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute showed Moringa leaf can kill up to 93% of lung cancer cells!

Moringa leaf is also believed to boost the immune system, increase metabolism and help with weight loss, aid digestion, help with tumors and ulcers and to detoxify the kidneys and liver.

#3 Spirulina

Spirulina is a natural algae powder. May not look pretty but it is a nutritional monster! Spirulina is packed with chlorophyll, protein, iron, Vitamin C, D, A, E, B12, folic acid, potassium, calcium and ALL all essential amino acids!!

Studies have been done that show components in spirulina have neuroprotective benefits and may have potential as an alternative drug therapy in aging related disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Spirulina has been found to have incredibly high levels of antioxidants. It has 4 times the ORAC (or antioxidant value) of blueberries! It is a good source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA – an essential fatty acid) that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a major cause/contributor to a number of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.

Because of its high chlorophyll content, spirulina is a natural detoxifier and cleanser that removes foreign material (heavy metals, toxins etc.) from the body.

#4 Mint

Here’s a superfood you’re probably familiar with. Mint has an impressive lineup of antimicrobial, antiviral anti-tumor, anti-allergenic and antioxidant properties.

Mint is most well known for its healing effects on the digestive system. It soothes the stomach and also triggers the production of more saliva and digestive enzymes in the mouth. This helps to start the breakdown of foods before they even hit the intestines, making for more comfortable digestion.

Peppermint may help to alleviate gas and other sources of abdominal pain due to its relaxing effect on the muscles of the intestines. Some studies have found peppermint oil to be as effective as Buscopan for treating colonic spasms.

Dr. Mercola quotes several studies saying that Peppermint oil capsules are “the drug of first choice” in patients suffering from IBS.

#5 Matcha Green Tea

A Japanese priest named Esai said of green tea: “Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete.” Matcha has remained a staple in sacred Japanese ceremonies for centuries.

Green Tea is is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, which reduce stress, regulate hormones and promote relaxation and mental clarity. It has long been used for weight loss and boosting the metabolism.

This superfood has particularly beneficial properties for the liver. Our liver is incredibly important as it removes toxins from the blood, regulates the composition of blood, processes nutrients and metabolizes drugs and substances like alcohol.

Matcha protects the liver from harmful chemicals, helps slow dehydration, inhibits tumor growth in the liver, protects against damage that is caused by medication, etc. The caffeine in matcha appears to help strengthen serum and membrane density in the liver.

#6 Wheatgrass

Some of the most powerful animals on the planet live off a diet of mainly grass. Turns out that consuming one ounce of wheatgrass is nutritionally equivalent to eating two pounds of greens…!

Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll; a green-pigment molecule that gives plants power to absorb energy from the sun. Studies have shown that chlorophyll may help to protect DNA from toxin damage, suppress appetite, sooth infections and has powerful cleansing properties.

The chlorophyll in wheatgrass may also help those with anemia or other blood-related disorders. Animal studies have shown that administration of wheatgrass returns red cell count back to normal in animals with anemia within 4-5 days!

#7 Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic medicine and use of the root can be traced back over 3000 years. It has been called “King and Queen of Herbs” and is esteemed very highly for its medicinal properties.

The Ashwagandha plant is a tonic and an adaptogen, which means it restores the brain and body to homeostasis after physical and psychological stress. Ashwagandha helps our bodies maintain balance and improves our ability to cope with stress.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine shows that Ashwagandha achieves a highly significant reduction in stress and anxiety, and serum cortisol levels. In fact it was able to reduce cortisol up to 27.9%!

One of my very favorite things about Ashwagandha (this blew my mind) is its ability to stimulate neurogenesis – the birth of new cells! Not very many plants out there can do this!

In human clinical trials, taking Ashwagandha by mouth for only five days suggested anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects just as strong as when taking certain pharmaceutical drugs.

#8 Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular spice that is widely used in India. It’s easy to use and inexpensive and my cupboards are absolutely full of it! The main ingredient found in turmeric is curcumin and most of it’s medicinal properties come from this active ingredient.

Research has linked turmeric to lower incidence of certain cancers like breast, prostate, lung and colon. Turmeric combined with onions has been shown to prevent colon cancer. A study published in the journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that turmeric and quercetin (found in onions) help prevent and even reduce precancerous cells in the colon. Turmeric combined with cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower is helpful in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Turmeric is packed with anti-inflammatory properties that are useful for preventing and alleviating symptoms of arthritis, muscle soreness, and much more. In research studies, cucumin is comparable to anti-inflammatory prescription and over the counter drugs like hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone.

Curcumin contains potent antioxidant effects. Clinical studies conducted on curcumin have found that it is able to neutralize free radicals that in many instances cause cancer.

Besides the benefits of antioxidant properties that turmeric provides, turmeric also is great for liver detoxification and improves liver function, cardiovascular protection, reduction of cholesterol levels and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Think we’re finished with this awesome superfood yet? Think again! Studies suggest turmeric is superior to Prozac in treating depression!

#9 Lemon

We’re big fans of lemons here at FitLife and use them on a daily basis for their nutritional, medicinal, healing and beautifying properties. There are SO MANY THINGS you can do with lemon juice and lemon peel that I could write a long book about them all!

Although lemon is an acidic fruit, it has an alkalizing effect on the body. Lemon balances the body’s pH, which in turn protects the body from illness and disease. You see, disease CANNOT thrive in an alkaline environment!

Lemons contain powerful antibacterial and anticancer properties and are rich in vitamin C. They also help to purify your blood and clean out the kidneys.

Drinking [eafl id=1053 name=”Perfect Water Purifier – articleLink2″ text=”clean filtered water”] with fresh squeezed lemon every morning is an excellent and easy habit that can make a big difference in your health!

#10 Beets

Beets are packed with potassium, iron, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, manganese, folic acid and zinc. Beet juice is high in antioxidants and known for its ability to cleanse the liver, which has many benefits to the health of your skin!

When the liver becomes overloaded with toxins, it often sends them to the skin for detoxification help. In trying to process these substances, the skin can become inflamed or irritated. So supporting the liver is vital to maintaining beautiful skin!

Beet juice has also been shown to boost stamina. A study showed athletes who drank beetroot juice could exercise 16% longer than those who didn’t. That’s pretty impressive.

Beet juice may also be a helpful tool in overcoming symptoms of leaky gut.

Don’t get stuck only using the roots – the beet greens actually contain more nutrients than the roots!

#11 Monk Fruit

Did you know that monk fruit is 170% sweeter than regular sugar? Not only that but it is full of medicinal properties that have been recognized since the 13th century. It was known by Chinese monks as the longevity fruit and is believed to be a factor in their living to be over 100 years old.

Monk fruit is a powerful anti-allergenic because of its antihistamine-like effects. Histamine is also a problem in those with asthma, making this superfood beneficial on the respiratory system.

Monk fruit is also believed to sooth the digestive tract and boost the immune system.

If you are looking for that extra boost in life…

If you are wanting more energy…

If you are combating a challenging disease or illness…

I would HIGHLY recommend you turn to superfoods. They will give you the edge you need to jump to that next level of health and vitality.

If you’re busy and worried about having enough time and money to buy and make enough superfoods to keep you on top of your game, the FitLife team has created a green superfood powder with all the above listed superfoods just for you.

All you need to do is mix it with [eafl id=1053 name=”Perfect Water Purifier – articleLink2″ text=”filtered water”] and go!

This juice promotes neurogenesis. That’s the replication of brand new brain cells. What do you think juice like that could do for the rest of your body?

Join me for a glass of [eafl id=995 name=”Organifi Text – articleLink1″ text=”GREEN JUICE”] each day and together, we can raise the vibration of our world by doing whatever we can to be our best each day.

It starts with FOOD – it starts with YOU.

And I see you out there… and I want you to know that I am so proud of you for all the work you’re doing.

Keep it up!

Remember, we’re in this together.

5 Major Benefits of the Indian Adaptogen Ashwagandha

“5 Major Benefits of the Indian
Adaptogen Ashwagandha”

If you are looking to restore your energy, look younger, and reverse disease then ashwagandha may be the herb you’re looking for.

The Indian herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most highly regarded botanicals in the 5,000-year-old system of natural medicine known as Ayurveda. It’s known as the “strength of the stallion,” since it has traditionally been used to strengthen the immune system after illness.

Considered a rasayana (life extender), ashwagandha root is used with excellent results for overall vitality. In the Indian Materia Medica, which is a compendium of beneficial botanicals, ashwagandha is described as beneficial for general debility, impotence, brain fatigue, low sperm count, nervous exhaustion and in cases in which general vigor needs to be restored.

Ashwagandha, which is an excellent source of antioxidants, is classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it improves the capacity of a person to adapt to environmental, physical and mental changes by modifying the metabolism and other processes in the body.

Adaptogens improve cell replenishment, which in turn reduces fatigue symptoms and exhaustion, while increasing the resilience of the body and imparting more stamina for physical activities.

Major Benefit #1: Boost Natural Energy (The Kind You Want!)

A lot of people are hooked on the temporary energy obtained from caffeine. Energy from caffeine comes from the stimulation of the central nervous system. There’s nothing wrong with this, but if you rely on caffeine alone for energy you’ll eventually experience a crash.

You can also increase energy by enhancing the body’s own energy-producing mechanisms within cells. Notably, the primary unit of cellular energy, which is called ATP.

And that’s what ashwagandha extract does. It causes the cells in the body to produce more cellular ATP. The result is energy–without the jitters.

In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, 25 people were given 300 milligrams of the proprietary ashwagandha extract KSM-66 twice a day, while another 25 participants were given a placebo.

Overall, subjects given ashwagandha extract experienced substantial reductions in blood concentrations of the stress hormone cortisol. This resulted in reduced levels of stress and anxiety and at the same time, improved energy levels.

There’s a large body of psychiatric science showing that lower stress levels are linked to a decrease in moderate anxiety and depression.

Reducing stress liberates energy in the body and has a specific enlivening effect in the brain, relieving mental fog and enhancing mental alertness.

Major Benefit #2: Improve Thyroid (The Master Hormone Control) Health

I consider ashwagandha a superfood when it comes to improving the health of your thyroid. Scientists don’t completely understand how adaptogens work, but we know they can be extremely effective, especially at balancing hormones.

One of the most incredible aspects about adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha is that it can help people with both hypo and hyper thyroid issues. It has been shown to support a sluggish thyroid for people diagnosed with Hashimotos, and has been shown to improve the health of those with an overactive thyroid or Graves disease.

Adaptogenic herbs work with your body to bring you back into balance whether your hormone levels are high or low.

Animal studies reveal ashwagandha has a thyroid hormone balancing effect.

In a 20-day study, mice were give ashwagandha and their T3 and T4 levels were analyzed along with lipid peroxidation (anti-oxidant protection). Significant increases in serum T4 were found which indicates this herb has a stimulatory effect on a sluggish thyroid.

There are currently millions of people who struggle with thyroid problems (many who don’t even know it) and ashwagandha may just be the solution they are searching for.

This hormonal improvement was also accompanied by a noticeable reduction in hair loss.

Major Benefit #3: Skyrockets Brain Health

Emotional, physical, and chemical stress can all have damaging effects to the brain and nervous system. Recent research has proven ashwagandha is more than a stress reliever, it also protects the brain from degeneration and improves symptoms of alzheimer’s, depression, and anxiety.

One of the main reasons ashwagandha is so effective at healing the brain has to do with it’s powerful antioxidants that destroy free radicals that cause aging. A study published in Phytotherapy Research explain these benefits:

“Several studies have revealed that natural antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene, may help in scavenging free radicals generated during the initiation and progression of this [Alzheimer’s] disease. But we found Ashwagandha afforded lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects more potent than commercial antioxidants.”

Researchers at the National Brain Research Centre found mice with alzheimer’s were unable to retain what they learned, but after 20 days of supplementing with ashwagandha, this improved significantly. The results of the study found a reduction in amyloid plaques (these cause degradation of the brain).

Major Benefit #4: Mood Enhancement

There is also now evidence that ashwagandha is effective at healing both anxiety and depression. In fact, in a recent study its results were comparable to common pharmaceutical drugs lorazepam and imipramine–without the side effects.

In the 12-week controlled study, 87 participants with anxiety were given 300mg of ashwagandha two times a day or two placebo pills two times per day. The group treated with ashwagandha resulted in much greater improvements in anxiety as well as focus, reduced stress, and decreased fatigue than the placebo group.

The other major benefit of ashwagandha is that there are no adverse reactions by taking it compared to anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications which can have terrible side effects.

Major Benefit #5: Increases Stamina and Endurance

Studies have shown that ashwagandha can boost endurance during physical activity by sharpening brain function and reducing bodily pain.

Due to its positive calming, yet energizing, effects on the brain and ability to lower stress hormones, ashwagandha showed improvements in concentration, motivation, and stamina in conducted studies.

One particular study found that when lab rats were given ashwagandha, they actually were able to swim twice as long compared to the same type of rats that were not given the supplements.

Researchers believe similar effects take place in humans due to the extract’s ability to balance adrenal hormones that are involved in physical activity. The extract was also shown to reduce bodily pain in the muscles and joints while at the same time keeping energy levels more steady. Another reason it could be a promising supplement for athletes, or for those who find it difficult to be physically active due to pain.

As you can see, ashwagandha is an adaptogenic superstar that can have some tremendous health benefits.

That’s why I decided ashwagandha one of the 11 SUPERFOODS in this breakthrough health and nutrition product: [eafl id=995 name=”Organifi Text – articleLink1″ text=”Organifi–the #1 Best-tasting Organic Green Drink on the Internet!”]

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