One might think, with all the media hype, that the only way
to do a healthful juice fast, is to use only organic fruits and veggies.
One might – but I don't. I can’t afford organic prices. And, in my small town, I
can’t always get the different vegetables I might want for variety, let alone the
same versions with organic ribbons and bows.
None of us, except maybe the chemical companies, would
prefer to have food treated with pesticides, nor am I arguing for them. In a
perfect world we would want all our food organic and easily affordable. But as
far as vitamins and nutrients go, they are virtually equal.
Crystal Smith-Spangler, who led a team of researchers from Stanford University and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care, examined more than two hundred studies with her colleagues and found, “There was no difference in the amount of vitamins in plant or animal products produced organically and conventionally. The only nutrient difference was slightly more phosphorous in the organic products,” they stated.
I won’t use the fact that I can’t afford organic produce as
an excuse to substitute greasy food. Organic or not, which would your body (not
your mind) rather have?
I don't know if I will eat hamburgers after this fast, but I plan on a vegetarian diet for the next six months. I'll let my body decide. I will be using fresh juices along with my food because of how good I feel right now. I have greater energy, as witnessed by my family, and I have been free of the usual pain in ankles and knees. I feel lighter, walking is easier, and for moments at a time feel youthful. Can't wait to see the end results, though it 's only the beginning of a better lifestyle. (Oops, there's that yuppie word!)
Yesterday I promised to show the results of my purchases from the store and my newfound desire to store it better. Here goes: These are my F&V's, washed, prepped, put into containers, and ready to slide into the refrigerator. With the exception of the onions, carrots, squash, and beets (which I already had), this produce cost $45.70 and will last several days.
For breakfast, toddler and I had glasses of this lovely juice (1 whole pineapple, 1 kiwi, 2 bananas, 2 oranges. "More juice pease, Ga'ma."
