January 1st, 2020. A new year. New opportunities. New ambitions. How do you get started chasing after new goals? This year, I’m just going for it. I learned a lot in 2019, A LOT. But maybe the most important thing I learned was to stop doubting myself so much and to just start doing. For too long I have held myself back in what they call “analysis paralysis” but not any more. So this year when I get an idea, a desire, a want… I am GOING FOR IT. Who is with me on this?

When we opened Fresh-twist, my main goal was to reach as many people as possible with the message that “Food is Medicine.” I not only wanted share what I have learned and discovered about nutrition, but I also wanted to push myself to keep learning. Opening our doors in 2019 turned out to be better than I had even imagined and I am certain 2020 is going to surprise me again. So today, I will START working on my original intention to share more with all of you. 2020 is here – let’s make it our best year yet!

Many of you have reached out to me about our Juice Cleanse options. I’ve received numerous messages asking “how to” or “what are the benefits” and so on. That’s why I’ve decided to kick off our Fresh-twist blog with some of my favorite tips, tricks, and transforming benefits of juicing. If you have more questions, stop in to see me!

This is IMPORTANT. To reap the benefits of drinking freshly pressed juice, you must drink it in a fasted state. That means, first thing upon waking in the morning or at least 2+ hours after eating. OK, let me explain that. Let’s use a carrot for example. When you eat a carrot, you start by breaking it down during the process of chewing. Then your digestive system gets to work. Did you know the process of digesting food is one of the most taxing on our bodies? more on that later. The process of digesting fibers in food allows us to only absorb about 40-50% of the nutrients in the food we are eating. Think your getting the full benefits of the beta-carotene contained in that carrot you’re eating? Think again. Don’t get me wrong, eating carrots is certainly good for you and will help you maintain optimal health but what happens when you incorporate fresh carrot juice in your diet? When you extract that bright orange colored juice from the carrot and remove it’s fiber, you give your body the opportunity to absorb a higher percentage of the nutrients contained in it (think 90-95% compared to half of that mentioned before). Not only that, you get a hefty dose of concentrated antioxidants while your digestive systems gets a much needed break (more nutrients, less energy expended getting them, that’s a win-win). Let me drive this point home before we move on. If you’re sipping on a green juice while eating your kale salad, you’re kind of wasting that juice (sorry, not sorry). Drink the juice in a fasted state, let the nutrients in the juice flood your system for at least 20 minutes and then go ahead and crunch that kale ladies and gentlemen. New year, new you… that’s how we’re doing things, am I right?!?!

We’ve put together two Juice cleansing options to help you reach your 2020 goals. Some of the benefits include: more energy, increased stamina, improved immune function, weight loss, fat loss, detoxification, clear skin, clear mind, clearly… worth trying.

Our One Day Reset is a great way to introduce and truly experience the benefits of juice without feeling like you are starving all day. It looks something like this (customized to your preferences). Wake up and flush your system with 16-20 ounces of water. Then enjoy your first juice. Mid-morning have another juice, more water and herbal tea if you’d like. Then enjoy a super-food greens and veggies salad for dinner and our cashew milk as an evening snack. More water, more herbal tea, followed by great sleep. What. A. Day. I feel healthier just thinking about it. 😉

Our One Day Cleanse is a juice-only fast. We will recommend the order in which you will enjoy your juices, but you can use your own discretion. The benefits of a cleanse like this will help you jump start changes to your every day diet. I’m a firm believer that if you start giving your body the nutrients it needs, you will change your cravings to want more of that. After years of dieting and deprivation, I love that I now crave juice, smoothies, salads, fresh fruits, and veggies. I honestly find many processed foods unappealing now. If it doesn’t bring you (lasting) joy, don’t eat it. It’s so much more fun to focus on giving your body what it needs instead of feeling like you can’t have what you want. This is a great way to start on that journey.

I hope this information helps. Legally, I think I should disclose that I am not a doctor. I am not here to offer medical advice of any kind. However, I am a health enthusiast. I study nutrition for fun. I became certified as a Holistic Health Coach just so I could learn more and help my daughter fight an “incurable” disease, and trust me, we are fighting the good fight. In my experience, I have found that some of the greatest teachers and experts on nutrition and lifestyle are the people who are simply passionate, and constantly seeking & sharing information. I think it’s important to have an open mind and don’t discriminate based on degrees & credentials. I bet that applies for almost any subject. Not to take anything away from formal education, but knowledge is power regardless of the means by which you acquire it. Just saying.

Here’s to health, happiness, and a 2020 Vision that is so clear you can see it as if it has already happened, and then some.

xoxo,

Angela