Primitive Diva

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Three Goats Farm of Montgomery, Texas
Melissa is a former beauty queen, personal trainer and certified holistic health coach. Melissa founded Queen Bee Wellness to specialize her coaching practice towards Women's Wellness and Beauty. She helps women focus on finding their own natural beauty from a integrative approach of balancing Mind, Body and Soul. Melissa believes that what we put in our mind is just as important as the nourishing food we put in our bodies and products on our skin. She strives to coach women to balance a healthier body image, approach to wellness and authentic living. With her passion for a clean lifestyle, Queen Bee Wellness therapeutic skin care products were born- to help women enhance their natural glow, without causing harm to their health from chemical laden toxic products. Melissa's philosophy to real beauty is summarized in "Wellness is Beauty". Melissa resides on a 10 acre farm in Montgomery, Texas with her husband and teen aged children. In her spare time she is chief goat wrangler and milker of her "Queen Bee" herd of dairy goats at Three Goats Farm.

Friday, February 24, 2012

RESTORE with Shoots, Roots and Fruits




                                               Pineapple, Cucumber, Fennel, Ginger Infusion 


I have been feeling a bit off lately in my digestion, weight and immunity. It could be the extended travel that I did for the month of November. Some of that was incredibly STRESSFUL, like my mother’s hospitalization and some EXCITING, like Italy and the WAPF conference). Of course, there were also a succession of holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Three Goats January birthday celebration(s) all followed up by February’s sweet valentines treats~ YUM, Chocolate!  It is no mystery why I may be feeling a bit “toxic” haha. My body has been sending me a few not so polite messages via my skin, energy and the dreaded dimples on my thighs (gasp, cellulite). So, its time to nurture myself a bit and RESTORE.  I typically juice 2-3 times per week to keep my system infused with nutrients and minerals. Since I am a meat loving omnivore, I also use fresh juices to keep my body alkalized from the intake of my beloved protein. Several times a year, I give my body a gentle restorative cleanse.This type of renewal can last between 3-10 days, determined by what my body is experiencing. I will ease into the jucing today (I will be sharing my regimen and recipes in my next few blogs). I never advocate water fasting as it is too harsh on the body, in my opinion. I must imagine, that from an ancestral perspective to diet and lifestyle, that our primitive sisters would have had the innate and intuitive sense to approach healing their bodies with rest, herbs and nutrients. Although they did not live in such a chemically burdened environment. If you take a few moments to think about the foods you consume on a daily basis, the environment in which you live and work, and even the air that you breathe, it can be a little daunting. No one is perfect, and while our bodies are incredibly resilient, toxicity manifests in a wide array of health conditions, which includes everything from weight gain, fatigue, aches and allergies to chronic diseases.

Primitive Juicer


One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that only fast-food junkies are in need of detoxifying their systems. But the truth is, even those of us who keep clean primitive diets, filled with organic whole foods and pastured meats, need to give our digestive system a break from the heavy load of work it does 24 hours a day. Every time you eat, it takes 18 hours before your body eliminates that one meal. Considering most of us consume three meals a day plus snacks, your digestive system is working almost all the time. And even while it eliminates, the more unnatural “foods” we put in our body, the less of each substance your body actually is able to get rid of. That means there is toxic residue inside each of our systems that needs to be cleared out.

Your immune system and your health depend on healthy elimination of toxins from your body, as you can only contain so many damaging substances before your system slows down and starts to produce symptoms of illness. It is estimated that over 90% of diseases can be attributed directly or indirectly to an unhealthy digestive system. I know you guys get tired of me quoting Hippocrates....but ALL disease begins in the gut!

Juice cleansing is an optimal way to give our bodies the break they deserve, while also keeping ourselves energized and nutritionally satisfied. Raw vegetable and fruit juice is the most phyto nutrient dense nourishment we can get. Vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients from the live juice are easily assimilated straight into the bloodstream, simultaneously hydrating our bodies with the pure water that comes straight from the plant. This water contains elements absorbed directly from the earth and sun and energizes our systems in a most unique and important way.

Essentially, you are freeing up extra energy in your body to focus on deep inner healing and nurturing. I personally believe that there are no limits to what you can achieve on your renewal journey, as long as you have a healthy vehicle that functions at its optimal level. Think of a RESTORE cleanse as the finest tune-up you can get. Expect to complete your cleanse feeling clear, optimistic and rejuvenated on the inside, and radiant and lean on the outside. So, if you are interested in joining me on this restore, dust off your juicers, grab your bounty from the garden and show your body some nourishing LOVE.



Possible benefits of a RESTORE cleanse will include:

 A regulated, cleansed colon

 Balanced pH and sugar levels

 Diminished aches & pains

 Weight adjustments

 Increased energy and stamina

 Increased mental clarity

 Restored liver function

 Blood, tissue, and organ cleansing

 Strengthened immune system

 Diminished allergies

 Balanced hormones

 Better sleep patterns

 Cleared complexion

 Healthy hair and nails

 Improved self-image

 Feeling of lightness

Your mind and your body will thank you for delivering pure, living nutrients straight to your bloodstream, energizing and alkalizing your system back into a balanced and RESTORED state.

There are countless nutritional benefits of juicing, but to give you a better idea of the intense vitamin and mineral content of the fruits and vegetables that i suggest in my recipes(these and more will be in my Primitive Diva book), I am sharing this list of how to use Shoots, Roots and Fruits to Nourish and RESTORE your body.



                                                GREENS and SHOOTS



Greens and Shoots (aka Leaves) are the basis of a RESTORE program. Using fresh, organic green vegetables, sending live enzymes, oxygen and phytonutrients directly to your cells. It's the most natural energy source that exists and highly recommended as a part of your daily diet.

The following vegetables are all included in my Green juice recipes. They contain plenty of water-soluble fiber that supports detoxification and they are all excellent for balancing the system's pH levels.



Kale:

Loaded with Calcium, Kale is high in fiber, rich in Lutein, a major anti-cancer phytochemical, and is one of the best sources of beta-carotene, an antioxidant believed to be a major player in the battle against cancer, heart disease, and certain age-related chronic diseases. It is also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Mint:

A wonderful way to soothe the digestive tract, mint also has been known to slow the growth of bacteria in the body and contains many anti-fungal properties.


Romaine:

One of the most nutritious salad greens and an excellent source of A, B, and C vitamins, manganese and chromium. As an antioxidant, it battles certain cancers, heart diseases, and cataracts.

Spinach:

The benefits of spinach are endless. A dark, leafy green, spinach possesses several important phytochemicals, including Lutein. It also contains lipoic acid, which helps antioxidant vitamins C and E regenerate. Some other highlights include being a great source of vitamin K, magnesium, protein, and iron, as well as a blood sugar regulator.

Cucumber:

Cucumber is the best natural diuretic and aids in kidney, liver, and pancreatic detoxification. The potassium content in cucumbers makes it highly beneficial for conditions of high and low blood pressure.

Celery:

Celery is highly alkalizing and contains at least 8 families of anti-cancer compounds. It provides inflammation relief and has been known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Parsley:

One of the most potent disease-fighting spices, it aids in blood purification, fatigue, digestive restoration, and is great for clear skin due to high concentrations of beta carotene and chlorophyll.

Watercress:

Watercress is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can put in your body and an anti-cancer superfood. Rich in calcium, absorbable iron, potassium and a whole host of other vitamins and minerals, watercress has one of the highest nutritional ratings in the world.

                                                                             ROOTS

Packed with minerals and enzymes, our Roots juices are aimed at cleansing the blood and strengthening the body on a deeply cellular level. Carrots and beets contain powerful healing qualities that can combat free radicals, detox the liver, soothe the nervous system, and strengthen bones and teeth.

Beets:

Beets are blood-builders. They detoxify the blood and then renew it with minerals. Combined with carrots, consuming beets is a major way to heal the liver and kidneys.

Carrots:

An excellent source of antioxidants and beta-carotene, carrots are easily assimilated into our bodies. They play an outstanding role in anti-cancer effects on the body and provide optimal immune support.

Ginger:

This super root contains many healing properties. Benefits include aiding in digestion, circulation, and inflammation. It is the ultimate fighting nasty cold and flu symptoms and is considered to have many anti-cancer properties.






                                                                        FRUITS

When your body gets a load of the ingredients in our signature detox drinks, it will feel renewed and full of life. Fresh servings of lemon, apple, and ginger stimulate the system and alkalize the blood, allowing the body to uncover its innate healing power.

Apple:

Apples are filled vitamin C, antioxidants, and soluble fiber. They are also well a great way to lightly sweeten an otherwise tart juice.

Lemon:

An incredible fruit. Lemons are a natural antiseptic, clearing bad bacteria out of the system. They have an incredibly alkalizing effect on the body, and as they stimulate the digestive system they purify the liver and clear out toxins. We recommend adding lemon to everything!


Pineapple:

Used in our Detox 2, we love pineapple because it is not only delicious, but loaded with anti-oxidants, manganese, and an enzyme called bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory agent.

Pear:

Pears contain an immense array of beneficial vitamins and minerals, including A, B1, B2, C, E, folic acid and niacin. It is rich in copper and potassium and has a high pectin content which lowers cholesterol levels and has a mild laxative effect.


Grapefruit:

Grapefruit is a vitamin C powerhouse. With more than a day’s worth of the vitamin, its no wonder grapefruits are a staple in so many healthy diets. The same lycopene that gives tomatoes their red hue helps grapefruits in fighting cell damage in the body. While lycopene and limonoids inhibit many forms of cancer, pectins in the fruit provide soluble fiber to lower cholesterol and prevent kidney stones.

Blueberry:

These contain the highest content of antioxidants of any fresh fruit and have also been known to reduce belly fat.


Strawberry:
A rich source of the phytonutrient Phenols, strawberries contain antioxidants which have repeatedly been shown to help protect cell structures in the body and prevent oxygen damage in all of the organ systems. They are heart-protective, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory.

Lime:

Like all citrus fruits lime is rich in vitamin C, supporting the immune system and fighting inflammation. Limes contain unique flavonoids with an antibiotic and anti-cancer cell effect and help to protect the body from inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.







                                           NOURISHING BOOSTERS

 
Coconut:

Coconuts contain Lauric Acid, an essential fatty acid which has been recognized for its properties related to antiviral and antibacterial functions. Coconut helps normalize body lipids, protects against liver damage, and improves the immune system's anti-inflammatory response.

Young Coconut Water:

An excellent source of electrolytes, Coconut Water is often thought of as the natural alternative to Gatorade. It contains essential minerals, such as high levels of potassium and calcium. It has an incredibly soothing taste, while it simultaneously provides a natural energy boost to the body.


Almonds:

Almonds contain many proteins and vitamins, such as vitamin E, along with minerals that aid in detoxification. They are high in magnesium, iron, and amygdalin, an anti-cancer nutrient. We soak our almonds for maximum nutrient absorption. We add pure vanilla bean and organic date to sweeten our almond milk without raising the sugar content to a high level.

Chlorophyll:

Helps in the growth and repair of tissues. Delivers magnesium and stimulates red blood cells to improve oxygen supply. Contains vitamins A, C, and E. Helps neutralize the pollution that we breathe in - a good supplement for smokers. Also an effective deodorizer to reduce bad breath and body odor.

Aloe vera:

Helps to detoxify the body and blood stream and cleanse the colon. Helps with intestinal or stomach problems. Improves circulation and acts as a antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent, preventing illness.


Cinnamon:

It turns out cinnamon is classically paired with sugar for a reason: cinnamon is a powerful aid in regulating the body’s blood sugar levels! Cinnamon is also rich in trace minerals, iron, calcium, and quality dietary fiber. This spice lessens inflammation and puts and fights microbes in the body.

Cacao:

Cacao is chocolate in its purest form. As well as diminishing your appetite and enhancing your mood, cacao has many cardiovascular benefits and is rich in antioxidants.

Cayenne:

Cayenne contains high concentrations of capsaicin, widely studied for its cardiovascular benefits and pain-reduction ability. Peppers such as cayenne have also been shown to reduce cholesterol and are an excellent source of vitamin A. The heat you feel in cayenne stimulates the body’s circulation, renews the digestive tract, and effectively relieves congestion.

I will be sharing my RESTORE journey over the next few days......please let me know if you are interested in joining in.

Cheers....TO YOUR HEALTH (clink)




2 comments:

  1. Yesterday went well on my cleansing juices. However, I was feeling a bit under the weather by afternoon and had a glass of raw milk with manuka honey and cinnamon in the evening. Slept like a BABY! Off to make a cucumber, apple, kale fennel juice for breakfast and then going to play with our new composter---THANKS Hubby! I am also researching the RAW Milk Cure 2012 being hosted by fellow Weston Price chapter leader, Sarah Pope at The Healthy Home Economist BLOG. I know that most of my readers are hard core paleo/primal more than PRIMITIVE--but any experience on a RAW Milk cleanse?

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  2. Five days of amazing nutrient infusions and then I just had to enjoy a meal with my family-grass fed beef roast. I feel so much better and am looking forward to the next challenge of REAL nourishment....The raw MILK DIET! I will be posting the links and blogging my adventure stay tuned....off to enjoy my citrus prep today!

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