60 day juice fast #2

Here we are again, one year later,  I've started my second 60 day juice fast.

I wantd to wait until I was a couple days into my fast to post about it because I've tried to fast a few times recently and I have had a really hard time getting started. I'm currently on day 4.

After my last fast I ate really good for the first few months and kept a steady weight. Things were going really great! Then (if you've read my latest posts you already know this) I got pretty sick. I was in and out of the ER for a few month until, finally, I had emergency gallbladder removal surgery. During those months I let my eating habits get away from me. I started eating foods that I wouldn't normal eat (meats and dairy). My portions were getting out of control again. Needless to say I've been pretty miserable.

I've been trying to get back into running. It's been really hard on my body since my surgery, but I am slowly, but surely getting there. I am registered for a 10k on October 25. I'm getting really nervous, but I'm starting to train really hard. I've also started getting into yoga. I'm excited for all the wonderful things it will do to my body and mind. I think it'll be a great addition to my running.

So, today is day four. As you may recall at the end of my last fast I had lost 37 pounds and was weighing in at 148. I really hate this, but I have to share. At the start of this fast I weighed in at 164. I'm really ashamed that I let all my previous hard work get away from me. I've learned my lesson!! I've forgot to take photos, but I will try to get on that asap.

I would like to do weekly updates (like my last fast) again this time. I want to see how this fast compares to my last. So far I'm feeling alright. My detox period wasn't as horrible. I didn't get any headaches. I just feel kind of "blah". Today has been rough to get through. I'm hungry. Contrary to my last fast I'm craving a salad more than anything else. I also would really like some carrots and hummus.

My blog is truly what kept me going and got me through my previous fast, so I'm hoping it can get me through it one as well! Thank you all for your support in advance. I love you all and I'm so grateful for my followers.

Xo Hay

OMG juice

I sampled a juice like this one at a Farmer's Market in Dallas. It's called OMG because it has Oranges Mint and Grapefruit. It sounds like it would be tart and unpleasant, but the three ingredients blend nicely to create a refreshing tasty treat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.


Ingredients:

2 Oranges
2 Handfuls of mint
1 Grapefruit

Juice and enjoy!

Virgin Healthy Mojito

This one doesn't need an explanation :) Enjoy

Ingredients:

4 Apples
2 Limes
1 Large handful of mint
1 Handful of spinach
1 Splash of coconut water

Green Ginger Ale Goodness

This is a very refreshing green juice. Great for spring days :)


Ingredients:

3 Apples
2 Celery Sticks
1 Cucumber
1 Lime
1 BIG ginger slice

Detox green stuff

This juice is not for beginners that don't yet have a liking for green juice. I still have to chug this one. While it may taste very "green", it is incredibly good for detoxing. If you need to blend in a banana with the juice to make it tolerable, that is okay. 


Ingredients:

1 Handful of spinach
1 Handful of parsley
1 Cucumber
2 Celery Sticks
1 Zucchini
1 lime
1 slice of ginger
1 banana (blended; optional)

Spicy spice juice

This juice is Hot! This is nice for times when you need something savory. It is easy to get tired of the sweet and green tasting juices, so spice it up a little. The color makes it look less than appetizing, but don't judge a book by its cover. 


Ingredients:

1 Green bell pepper
1 Yellow bell pepper
1 Red bell pepper
2 Chili peppers
2  Celery sticks
2 Large carrots
1 Lime
1 Handful of cilantro

Toasted chickpea chipotle avocado

I pretty much love this as a meal. It's so filling and tasty.

-Toasted chickpeas (click for recipe)
-1 avocado pitted
-Chipotle seasoning
-garlic seasoning

Make the chickpeas with chipotle and garlic seasonings. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Take half of the avocado and sprinkle both seasonings all over it. Stick that in the oven for about 5 minutes. When that comes out fill the center with a few Toasted Chickpeas. Throw it back in the oven for 5 more minutes! Enjoy!

Toasted chickpeas

If you have never tried chickpeas you are in for a treat! There are several ways you can make them (sweet or savory). 

-Raw chickpeas

-water

-seasonings 

Let the raw (not canned) chickpeas soak in water for 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Toss the soaked and rinsed chickpeas in your seasoning of choice. Spread them on a pan only 1 layer thick. Throw them in the oven for about 25 minutes stirring them once or twice. Take them out of the oven and toss them with a little more seasoning while they are warm. I like eating them warm, but they are good cooled as well. Enjoy!

Note: let the rinsed chickpeas dry on a towel for about 10 minutes before tossing them with seasonings! You can chose spicy seasonings, cinnamon, honey, or garlic. Try your version and e-mail me your favorites at healthyhaley60@gmail.com

No bake protein bites (gluten free and vegan)

So I made these lovely little bites for pre or post workouts! They are packed with protein and are super delicious. Feel free to modify the recipe to better fit your life.

-1 cup gluten free rolled oats
-1 cup fresh (non processed) peanut butter
-3 Tablespoons chia seeds
-3 tablespoons flax seeds
-1/4 cup of honey (nectar)
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-dash of vanilla

mix everything together in a bowl. Roll them into bite size balls. Put them on a small pan or plate. Put them in the fridge for 30 minutes before transferring them into an airtight container.

That is it! Super easy and quick!

Notes: Some vegans do not eat honey and some vegans are find with it. I used honey, but feel free to use whatever sweetener you'd like!!

Overwhelmingly Delicious :)

I just made this juice for the first time on day 51 of my 60 day juice fast. I'm sad I didn't make this sooner! This is absolutely my favorite green juice. It's so light and refreshing. It's very stimulating to the taste buds (this is always nice when you're on a long juice fast. Sometimes it's nice to really stimulate our little taste buds!)

Yields: 48oz

-1 XL green apple

-1 lemonade apple

-1 pink lady apple

-1 lemon (I peeled it this time)

-1-2 inches of ginger

-1 XL juicy peach (use 2 if they are small)

-1 bunch of spinach

-1/2 to 2/3 of a cucumber

-3 large celery sticks

Juice it all up and pour over ice :)

Notes: I get all of my produce from Central Market. They have a huge variety of apples! I like to test them all out! I couldn't resist their huge juicy peaches this week! 

You can always make simple substitutions if you don't like something.

-if you don't like lemons opt for a lime 

-Not big on ginger? You can leave it out

-If you don't have spinach on hand, use any type of dark leafy green

Remember that you don't have to stick to any one recipe! Change it up and use ingredients that are tasty to you. It'll help you stay on track if you are juicing flavors that appeal to you.

1 more thing; remember this juice has a ton of fruits in it! Make sure this isn't you're only juice. We need an 80%-20% veggie to fruit ratio. 

Good Morning Sunshine

This is a really simple green juice. It is light and refreshing for the morning time, but this is a good recipe to add chia seeds to to get protein before or after a work out! It almost just tastes like lemonade! Keith made a variation of this recipe and I changed it just a bit. Here are both vatiations:

Keith's:

1 apple (green)
1/2 a bunch of spinach
1 lemon
1 inch of ginger
1 prickly pear (optional)

Yields about 16oz of juice

Haley's

2 apples (1 pink 1 green)
1 lemon
1 bunch of spinach
1 inch of ginger
1 cucumber
3 celery stalks

Yields 40oz



Notes: I keep my juices in 16oz mason jars. When I want to add chia seeds to a juice I simply add 2 Tablespoons in my juice right before I drink it. Chia seeds are a great way to get protein, fiber, and omega 3.

Where did you learn about the juice fast and other information?

 I have watched tons of documentaries and I’ve done my research. “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead” was the documentary that kicked my butt into gear; In this documentary a very inspirational man named Joe cross goes on a 60 day juice fast. Everyone who is planning a juice fast should watch this. I also watched “Vegucated”, “Hungry for Change”, “Forks Over Knives”, and “Food Matters”. Each of these films has a ton of useful information. I use www.rebootwithjoe.com all the time for information, recipes, tips, and a community board.

Did you get the "poops"?

Maybe this is TMI. The first few days you'll poop all day long. Every person is different. You may have solid poop...you may have runny poop. Stay close to a potty. Your poops will become regular. 

Can I drink coconut water?

You should actually drink at least a full glass of coconut water a day. I’m guilty of not doing this as much as I should. It is highly recommended. (use unflavored coconut water)

Can I use almond or soy milk?

Just like the protein powder, I don’t recommend it. During a fast you really want the simplest of foods, but a juice fast is a very personal thing, so make your own adjustments. 

Can I make smoothies instead of juice?

Yep! I recommend getting an industrial style blender for this. I have used both a Vitamix and a Blentech and love them both. If you use a more standard blender your fruits and veggies will not blend enough and it will be kind of gross to drink. I prefer juice; I think it’s easier to drink. I’ve also read that people who do juices usually lose weight faster. Juice also keeps me just as full as a smoothie.

A fast isn't for me. How can I drink juice and still lose weight?

You absolutely do not have to do a juice fast to get healthy. Putting any amount of juice in your diet will be healthier. There are several different “reboot” plans on the www.rebootwithjoe.com website. He gives easy to follow recipes, a laid out eating plan, and a shopping list. It’s very organized and easy to follow. Anyone can do a juice fast, but it isn’t for everyone. Listen to your body and decide what is best for you. Any steps toward healthy change is a positive step. There is something to be said for that.

Should I peel my citrus fruit before I juice it?

This is completely optional. Of course it’s more nutrition if you leave it on, but it can taste very bitter. I usually leave them on, but sometimes I just don’t feel like it. Personal preference really comes into play here.

I don't like fruits and veggies; I'll hate those juices.

Before my fast, the only fruit or veggie I would eat was pineapple and spinach. I hated fruits and veggies. With that being said, I love my juices. They are delicious. Every now and then I’ll make one that I’m not fond of, but I can usually modify it to make it tasty. I actually crave juice.

Should I put protein powder in my juice?

I don’t recommend it. It’s more work for the digestive system. Also, if you use spirulina, hemp seeds, or chia seeds, there is no need for a protein powder. If you really feel the need to use protein powder, get one that is organic, gluten free, and vegan. This will be the easiest for your Digestive system.