Podcast Obsession

Do you ever find something that interests you and all you want to do is learn more about it?

For me, it's usually about nutrition. I love to get hooked on a topic and really explore all it has to offer. I enjoy learning about the body and how food interacts with it because it is so complex and fascinating!

Recently, when trying to learn more about juicing and eating raw foods, I've been turning to podcasts for information. After a simple search in iTunes on my phone I can find loads of podcasts dedicated to food topics. Paleo, vegan, vegetarian, juicing, rawtarian and just plain raw. I didn't even know half of those existed!

I've discovered that I am now obsessed with podcasts! Well, the good ones that is. Some people have some really annoying voices or lack the art of speaking for entertainment. But for the more part, these things are my workday lifesavers!

So far, I really like listening to Yuri Elkaim. He's got a great voice, he speaks clearly and he's got some great information to share! If you're looking for a podcast to get you started, check this guy out for sure! You'll be surprised how much you enjoy learning through a different medium! =)

Day 4 Confessions

The juice detox took a turn for the worse last night. I've been irritable, have headaches and have been extremely sleepy. I've been so tired that I didn't juice on Tuesday night and bought all of my juices yesterday.

But by the time I got off work I was done. Ready to check out and give a big middle finger to the juice detox. I was hungry. I ate handfuls of almonds and walnuts, a big salad and probably two cups of coconut flakes while watching a movie. And I will have you know that I was miserable.

I know, I know, your supposed to break the detox slowly, but man I was so ready to be done. And my poor boyfriend - well let's just say bless his heart.

So today, which is technically day four, I still feel weird. My stomach feels like those few days after having the flu, when you're feeling better but your stomach still feels like a farmer went through and plowed the crap out of it. So, I'm back on juice.

My only problem I'm having with the juice is the sugar. The apples make the juice taste great, but my body is really liking the sugar. I've taken it lighter on the apples today and have decided to eat a salad for dinner, that is, if my stomach is up to it.

Drink green. Train mean. Get lean.

Day 1.

Day one of anything is always the easiest. You're psyched, motivated and determined to accomplish whatever goal you've set your sights on. It's like the first day of school when you were growing up - new kicks, new clothes, new backpack, new teacher. Then you remember you'll be there for the next nine months - not so cool anymore.

My day one of the five-day juice fast was much like day one of anything. Successful, easy, fun. I had no problems drinking the juices and abstaining from food. I forced myself to put some juice down before my workout and felt surprisingly full the rest of the evening.

I went to a juice bar at the Des Moines Public Library, which is right across from where I work. The juice was great and while it tasted like many of the combinations I've made at home, it was nice to have someone else handle the juicing and clean up.

I got my run in at 6 a.m. as well. I have blisters on the arches of my feet and my right hip was killing me after it, but I enjoy running and it felt rewarding to get up and complete my training run for the day. I'm giving tomorrow a shot for the second run of training and hoping that I can loosen up my hip and not be in too much pain.

A must-see documentary

Last week I had a great conversation with a coworker who asked me if I'd seen the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. I had, in fact, read about the film and knew generally what it was about, but I hadn't actually watched it yet. He highly recommended it and said in addition to it being extremely motivational and inspirational, it was a perfect example of what juicing can do for your health. 

So this morning I ventured onto iTunes and rented the documentary. I curled up in bed with my computer for a relaxing morning and happy watching. In addition to being entertaining, I realized if Joe Cross can juice for 60 days, I can make it AT LEAST five days. Not only that, but he's a wealthy dude, and at just over 300 pounds, I'm sure he was indulging in some pretty tasty foods. Much better than anything I've probably ever had. 

But something struck me when I was watching the many interviews about people's relationships and perceptions about food - society is not only uneducated about nutrition, but extremely ignorant. Several people said they'd rather "die fat and happy" than have to give up the "foods they love." And surprisingly, some young, overweight interviewees ball parked their death age at about 50-55! I have never considered being OK with dying that young!

So I have to question if these people are truly "happy." When I sit down to indulge in a food item I don't eat too often, I tend to overeat and then feel like total crap. Repeat this at every meal and I'm not exactly sure how anyone can be happy with themselves. It's my suspicion that these responses are defense mechanisms to their unhealthy habits. Regardless, I was baffled at the number of people uninterested in adding years to their lives. 

My ultimate goal is always to be healthy and happy. I enjoy the challenge of eating healthy, staying strong when others are indulging in unhealthy foods and pushing myself physically. At 24 years old, I hope I can maintain this outlook and attitude throughout my entire life. It's never easy to do what the majority of people are not doing, but that makes the journey on the road less traveled worth taking! 

Get your green on... and some red and orange too!

There are some amazing juicing recipes online and in books, but sometimes it's just about finding combos that work for you. Here are a few that I really like:

1 green apple

4-5 carrots

1/4 inch ginger root

1 green apple 

1 beet

1/4 inch ginger root

1 green apple

2 cups spinach 

6-8 kale leaves

1/2 cucumber

4 celery stalks

1/2 lemon

I've been juicing each evening for the next day's meals. It takes me about an hour from start to finish, including clean-up. I think my load will lighten after the first five days, when I will be supplementing my raw meals with the juice instead of consuming only juice. 

Juicing and training

I'm back with a vengeance. Yes, I've been away, with a little soul searching and vacation to Miami, I'm back and ready to embark on a new health endeavor. I plan to train for the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon on October 21 and eat only raw foods and juices during my training.

My time away was extremely productive and much needed. My perfectionist attitude was driving me to binge eat, give up, restart and spend my time constantly search for "the answer." I've done some soul searching and had a much-needed heart-to-heart conversation which has allowed me to shake the binge eating and continue to focus on clean eating, but with a more forgiving mindset.

I enjoyed my vacation with Tyler and allowed myself to eat whatever I wanted. I put myself in a great position to succeed over vacation, but once I had a bite of ice cream, I was hooked on eating desserts every night. Not only that, but I over ate at each dinner. After this experience, I remember how much I hate feeling so full I could burst and how addicting sugar is.

I took a shot at a juice fast when I got back from vacation, but at about 4:00 p.m. I would cave and eat nuts or an avocado, then have a protein shake after workouts. This week, I'm making it my goal to make it through on just juice. I have also blended avocado and coconut milk in my juices to give me a boost of healthy fats.

Throughout the entire training process, I am committing to eating only raw foods and drinking only raw juices and water. I will kick my training off with the 5 day juice fast, then combine both raw juices and foods in my daily eats.

Running a half marathon is something I've always talked about doing, but have never had the guts to do. I've always underestimated my ability and often let me mind determine what I can and cannot do. I'm ready to push myself and see just what I am capable of. Also, I want to be mindful and conscious of what healthful habits and clean eating can really do.

Tomorrow starts my first day of training and I'm ready to take this on in full force. I've got some new running kicks, an armband for my iPhone, I've got some juices whipped up and a wonder blog to log my progress. Wish me luck!

PS-- Check out the new kicks!