anti-inflammatory – Michelle Berry

Celery Juice Challenge

Some of my friends from the Tree of Life started posting about celery juice and specifically the celery juice challenge. Being a seasoned juicer I know and understand how valuable celery juice is and I use it as a base for my green juices.

I honestly thought that because added it to my green juice it would have the same healing effects blended as it does on its own. After joining the #celeryjuicechallenge inspired by my friend and by Anthony Williams’ glowing praise of celery juice, I decided to give the “powerhouse of a drink” a shot. I was baffled by how powerful it is.

Simply Juice 1 bunch organic celery

Drink the undiluted juice right away and wait at least 15 minutes before consuming anything else.

I have to say, I thought this would be easy and I would have it in the bag because I’m a seasoned juicer. Honestly, I had a hard time the first 4 days. At first it tasted bitter and strong. Celery is apparently and herb and juicing the fattest stalks and leaving out the leaves help it to taste better. I made it through the first couple of days though and now Im feeling the awesome healing effects and also experiencing some detoxification!

While blending celery with other ingredients is not “wrong,” Anthony William suggests that these blends work differently than a pure celery juice.

Pure celery juice contains bio-available cluster salts and claims to be blissfully healing:

BETTER DIGESTION: Celery juice can help you rebuild HCL in your gut, which is crucial for fully digesting your food and absorbing important nutrients. Research also suggests that celery improves liver health, which can increase your body’s own detox capacities long term.

LIVER DETOXIFICATION: Celery’s detoxifying properties work to remove bad bacteria, fungi, mold, viruses and other toxins from the liver; the phytonutrients found in the green stalks also can have a protective effect.

NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT: Celery is a powerhouse for supporting the nervous system. It has a calming effect on the nervous system because of its detoxify properties. It also provides support through its ability to act as a blood purifier.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: Celery contains luteolin, a potent flavonoid, that can act as an antioxidant and inflammation.

THYROID CLEANSING: According to Medical Medium, Anthony William, the mineral salts in celery may help to fight and cleanse the body of the Epstein-Barr virus, particularly in the thyroid. Celery can also help to boost production of important thyroid hormones in those with hypothyroidism.

HEART HEALTHY: Studies have shown that celery extract consumption can help to prevent stroke, lower blood pressure, and reduce plaque in arteries.

My experience so far is that its healing my gut. I felt nauseous the first couple of days due to bad bacteria die off. 10 days into the challenge I am experiencing improved, blissful digestion, higher levels of lightness and alertness as well as more energy.

Celery is a major alkaline food. This means it helps to purge the body of acid and toxins and cleanse the liver and bloodstream like nothing else. It helps to smooth out frazzled nerves and soothe any tensions from stress. I found drinking celery juice to have an amazingly calming and relaxing effect on my mind, body, and emotions—in Ayurveda we would say its clearing out excess ama or toxins. The body’s internal digestive fire is called Agni~ Undigested food (and emotions) turns to ama. When we clear the ama out of our system it therefore gives us the tools to digest more in life, on the physical, mental and emotional sheaths. by incorporating celery juice first thing I the morning, there is this constant subtle feeling of post-meditation bliss and an internal “ahhhh.”

Not to mention reduced cravings because my body is highly mineralized and electrically charged. I can just walk right past those holiday cookies like they are not even there! WINNING!

If you don’t have a juicer you can always use a blender!

Here’s how:

High-speed blender
Nut-milk bag
Large bowl

Method

Wash and roughly chop the head of celery into rough chunks.
Add to a blender along with a splash of water (to help the blades spin).
Blend for a few seconds until broken down.
Pour into a large bowl through a nut-milk bag.
Squeeze through the juice, and compost the remaining fiber in the nut-milk bag. Drink immediately for the most nutritional benefits.

I challenge you to try it, starting immediately for the rest of December! Let me know your experience!

May you all be blessed with the wonder of life during this time of year!

Love,

Michelle

Pre-Fast Prep Plan Day 3

Hump Day! Your doing it!

Breathe.

If you feel overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.

If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe. It will remind you to slow down, and enjoy life more.

Breathe, and enjoy each moment of this life. They’re too fleeting and few to waste.

By Leo Babauta

Day 3 Meal Plan:

*Begin the Day: Drink 1 quart of warm lemon water

*Breakfast: Enjoy a blueberry smoothie.

*Lunch: Large Green Salad with diced apple, cilantro, hemp seeds, fresh squeezed lemon, coconut aminos, avocado and a dash of cayenne pepper.

*Snack Ideas: Raw brownies, veggies dipped in guacamole.

*Dinner: Raw pad thai. Its delicious.

*End of the day: Sip 8 ounces of lemon water.

Thought for the day: Believe in the Impossible

Breathe. Heal. Love.

xoxo

Michelle

Pre-Fast Prep – Plan Day 2

Day two is about being courageous, try a new smoothie today power packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Greens have more bio-available calcium than cows milk. Greens also have a high amount of fiber promotes regular bowel movements to detoxify your body more efficiently.

Day 2 Meal Plan:

*Begin the Day: Drink 1 quart of warm lemon water.

*Breakfast: Enjoy a kiwi apple spinach green smoothie, or oatmeal with a teaspoon of chia & two tablespoons of raisins and one diced apple.

*Lunch: Wakame kale salad, 1 cup of brown rice or quinoa & bliss balls

*Snack idea’s: Green goodness juice, blueberry smoothie or kale chips.

*Dinner: Green garden salad with white balsamic/pear dressing and miso soup.

*End of the day: Sip 8 ounces of lemon water

Thought for the day: Cultivating Habit

You got this,

Love,

Michelle

Importance of Juice Cleansing

Cleansing is a great way to jumpstart your way to better health! A juice feasting adventure will give your body a break from caffeine, sugar, wheat, dairy, and alcohol so that you may establish new, healthier habits, renew your energy and detox your body

When we fast we put faith into our bodies wisdom to clean out the body and give the digestive system a rest:

Slows the aging process, your skin will be clearer and smoother, your hair and nails become stronger
Excess mucous in your lungs and nose clears up
You will experience more energy, stamina, flexibility, and sex drive
You will feel mentally more alert and your reflexes are better
There will be weight loss, cellulite will start to retreat and stretch marks fade
Mood becomes lighter and mood swings become less noticeable, you may feel a sense of euphoria
You will sleep better and wake up ready for the day ahead, you will experience less tension
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Will help with digestion and the regulation of bowls
An excellent way to overcome addictions to food, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.

Fasting is the greatest remedy and one of the most important gifts we can give our body.

With much love and gratitude,

Michelle