Are you feeling sluggish, bloated, carrying a few extra pounds? That was me. I have been trying desperately to take off 10 lbs, cutting way back on the sweets, keeping dinners light, exercising 4-5 times a week and NOTHING was working.

Recently, a client of mine came into the salon and mentioned she had tried a juice cleanse after all the out-of-the-ordinary eating she had done on vacation. After a one day cleanse, she felt better, and travel bloat was gone! Then I remembered a fellow Indie Business owner Jennifer Waller, and her story of how a 21-day juice cleanse resulted in a 29 lb weight loss! Her hair, skin, body looked amazing after the cleanse.  

While it wasn't my desire to commit to a total juice cleanse, I did see the value in juicing all day and eating one meal a day. I see juicing as an easy, delicious way to get a big bowl of vegetables, fast!  After all, how many of us really eat the 6-8 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended daily?

I've been following my own juicing plan for about 30 days, and frankly, it's changed my life. I have less brain fog, more energy, fewer sugar cravings and feel better than I have in 20 years! I look forward to walking 45 minutes most every day.*

Every 2 days, my Ventray Juicer, and I, juice green vegetables, root vegetables, and fruits for the next 2 days. It takes about 30-45 minutes. There are lots of great juicing recipes like these at various websites.  

I've lost 8lbs and a pant size. But, more than the weight loss, my perception of food has shifted.

I've always considered myself a "Live to Eat" type. A Foodie. Now, I'm an "Eat to Live" type.

The emphasis has shifted from the food, to how the food makes my body feel.

After losing the first 6 lbs, I added protein at lunch, usually yogurt with fruits and nuts, or chicken. Dinners are light and healthy. Most look like this. Adding another meal slowed the weight loss down and I'm okay with that. I'm close enough to my goal. 

This past weekend I decided to treat myself to my favorite ice cream. It was over 100 degrees outside and I thought it sounded refreshing. I had 1/2 cup and within 30 minutes my tummy started feeling awful!  I hadn't eaten ice cream in months, and my body was rebelling! So, if you want 3/4 of a pint of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey, come on over.  I have no desire to finish it.  These are words I never thought I'd hear myself say.

Why Juice?

Making fresh juice a part of a well-balanced, plant-based diet is an important tool for achieving good health.

• Calorie reduction without nutrient deprivation
• Promotion of healthy eating habits
• Delicious way to consume fresh produce
• Floods the body with micronutrients

Juicing benefits:

• Gut Health
• Better looking skin!
• Chronic Inflammation
• Boosts immune system
• Energy
• Brain Support

 * I'm not giving dieting advice, simply sharing what I've done and my results. We should all consult with our Dr.'s before beginning any new weight loss program.

How about you, what are you doing to stay healthy and fit over 50, 60 or?