Juice Feasting Day 9

Well, I still feel good. But I think I have decided that today will be my last day. I thought long and hard about it yesterday and my body is calling for foods more and more. I'm not hungry and I probably could go on. But I think the thought of thanksgiving is getting to me as well as other things. So instead of beating myself up I am choosing to start eating again.

So I am going to transition out of this thing and go back to the raw food diet and implement a serious workout regimen to get to complete my final leg of my goal. I may revisit the juice thing again when I have a little more control over my environment and myself but for now I've concluded it's time. I still have 24 more pounds to lose though so the journey is not even close to being over. And once I get there I will have a new goal and or journey set in place.

Juice Feasting Day 8

Good morning,

Not much to say today. I feel pretty darn good. Yesterday was a breeze. Kept myself busy all day with football and raking leaves all day. No problems no worries no food issues to talk about just an over all good day.

What did I consume?

40oz of fresh green juice (spinach, broccoli, broccoli rabe) made it in the blender and then strained it through the juicer's screen

24 ozs of grapefruit and orange juice (mainly grapefruit)

Cup of Smooth Move tea with lemon and Raw Organic Honey

About 70oz of plain water

The Numbers:

Weight: 244 -4lbs (since Friday morning) 13 since last Monday AND 52 Since I began eating Raw Foods in late August!!!

BP: 111/68

Energy: Energy yesterday was really good amazed at how much energy I had doing the leaves

Body Changes: Overall I feel really good, no issues caught myself looking in the mirror a little too long yesterday and trying on old clothes that I haven't been able to fit in years but thats all good.

Determination level: 10

Problems: None

Juice Feasting Day 7

Hello All,

I made it through to day 7. Yesterday was a bit challenging. Again not because I was hungry at any time it was all of the "food stimuli" at home. My wife attempted to wait until I left the house to cook breakfast for our guests but I told her not to wait as I was not going out anytime soon and that I would be okay. However, I opted to stay upstairs in the bedroom, my safe haven from food temptations. It's almost like I revert back to my childhood when mom used to say go to your room.

Well anyway, I stayed in bed and the smell of pancakes, sausage and syrup crept through the house and into my room. And did I mention that your sense of smell is heightened tremendously when your doing this? So everything was intensified. I stayed in the bedroom until about 11:30am listening to and reading info on fasting, health, watching you tube videos on anybody and everybody that was doing, had done a fast. And sort of fortifying my position and the reason I wanted to do this. I was also looking at examples of people that have done this and are in the Raw Food Lifestyle also helped.

So at about 12 noon or so, I went downstairs and looked in the fridge and saw a container with leftover eggs and sausage in the fridge (in the past I would have devoured that) I just looked past it and went to my two grapefruits I had in there and I juiced those and an orange. After that I felt satisfied. So I went to the store and rented a leaf blower and went outside and embarked on picking up some more leaves which kept me busy. My wife took two of the kids to her highschool's football game. I had quite a bit of energy considering I only had the juice that morning. And didn't have very much the evening before. I was happy to see that. So I worked for about 2 1/2 hours in the yard and worked up a really good sweat and decided to come inside and watch some football. When I came inside my cousin was cooking potato skins with cheese and bacon. That smell was back and even stronger. So I just mentally blocked my self off from it and watched football. Throughout the day the smell never went away in the house but I made some more juice and I was a okay. After Rutgers lost I was a little upset so I decided to go upstairs. I tried to go to sleep but my assistance was urgently requested downstairs (the TV went out) by the five year old(she is so cute). "Uncle Jeff, The TV Shut Off And Auntie Can't Turn It Back On."

I think I was a little irritable because I kinda snapped at my wife about the smell in the house and how it was bothering me when she asked me what was wrong. Of course she snapped back reminding me that not everyone is doing this in this house. And the world shouldn't have to change because I choose to do something different. Not those exact words but that's what I got out of it and it was a wake up call for me because she was right. I have to make this work for me and be able to deal with not so perfect circumstances.

This is my journey and I can't and shouldn't try and force my journey on anyone else. I also shouldn't have expectations about things. Because it's the real world and we each have our journeys that we travel in our own time. We are also responsible for our actions, choices and reactions. I was aware of this but it's always good to have a reminder. I have to find ways to deal with these things as they come up so I don't make others feel uncomfortable around me. And I honestly believe over time like any "recovering addict" I will be able to handle the real world and not be tempted by it's temptations because I will at a cellular level know that they are not good for me on my journey to health, wellness and happiness.

So yet another lesson learned and I feel good for experiencing it and being able to reflect on the value in the experience.

I woke up this morning at about 2:30 am and started reading www.juicefeasting.com and found that what I'm actually doing is more juice fasting than feasting as I'm only consuming a couple of quarts, if that a day. I now understand the concept of juice feasting and it certainly makes sense if I decide to do this long term (more than 30 days). But for now this is working for me fine. And I will keep reading and feeling my way through it.

Heres a pretty good podcast (Health Ranger, Mike Adams) on juice feasting that I was listening to also: http://www.naturalnews.com/podcasts/HRR011_48.mp3 .

See you tomorrow for my post weekend weigh in...

Juice Feasting Day 6

Juice Feast Day 6

Good morning. Waking and feeling good today. I made it through another day yesterday. I did the water fast all the way up until 8pm. I was strong through most of the day but around 6pm started feeling a little foggy and tired at work. I only had two appointments scheduled (Massage therapy) so I thought I could get through the day on water only. However, a third last minute appointment came in this changed the game. And to make things even worse I forgot my emergency juice that I made that morning. Yep left it right on the counter. So I had nothing as a energy back up. By the end of the third session I was spent. My speech started getting just a little jumbled but I made it home.

I wanted to tough it out when I got home but I walked into a house with house guests, my wife's cousin and 3 beautiful energetic kids 5, 18 mos, 8 mos. They were staying the night and me sitting around comatose(sp) with three kids wasn't going to happen. On top of that they were eating cookies, icecream etc. (When I walked in the christmas cookies were on the counter in the kitchen. I was so tempted to grab one. And I won't lie if that plastic container they were in wouldn't have been too loud I may have done it.)

Okay so instead of doing anything crazy I pulled out my new cheap citrus juicer I bought yesterday and a few oranges. I started juicing oranges. Of course I offered and everyone wanted some. Which was cool some healthy fresh orange juice to go with the cookies and ice cream. Although I didn't feel the energy to do it I started cutting up the oranges and making some juice. I found that oranges don't make a lot of juice to give to 4 people. And the cutest thing was when the five year old came up and said, "what you doin?" I said, "making orange juice". She said, "why you wasting oranges". By this time I had juiced about 6 or so oranges and the peels were sitting on the counter. I looked at her and laughed. As I began to poor into the glasses, She looked at the yielded juice (about 10 ozs at this point) in the container and said, "that's not enough orange juice". I smiled and said, "I know honey" and commenced to cutting more oranges. I poured about 3 ozs in each glass. Lord knows I wanted to fill up my glass and guzzle it. But I shared and she (the five year old) took a tiny sip and put it on the counter and opted for a cookie. So with the help of an all to funny God she walks up to me with a cookie in her hand and half of it hanging out her mouth. And starts to tease me with the cookie. Okay maybe that wasn't her intension but that certainly was the effect. Again I looked over at the plastic cookie tray and it was closed. I hadn't had enough juice to clear my mind yet. And I'm thinking here I am starved for juice and I poor her juice and she is eating cookies. I was going to steal her juice but then her mom came into the kitchen and said, her 18 month old drank all her juice. So I sacrificed the glass I was eyeballing to her. I looked at my empty glass and turned it upside down to try and get the last drop out. Pulled out some more oranges and started juicing again. I'm on about the 10th orange and the five year old comes up wired off the cookies and says, "where is my orange juice, you wasting more oranges. I then hear her behind me go into the cookie tray for another cookie. I thought, that damn tray is so loud. I was too into my own drama to tell her that she doesn't need any more cookies. All I could think about was how to get some energy into my system and that OJ was my easiest option. So I finally made enough juice to get about 10 ozs of OJ. I went and sat on the couch and played with the kids for about an hour and then made an early exit up to bed. Wasn't necessarily sleepy just needed to break away. Another day is done.

It's really not that hard but its a great journey and amazing when you become the observer how the mind when it is addicted can play tricks on you.

Thanksgiving is going to be very tough!!!!

So it is Saturday morning and I decided I won't weigh in until Monday. See you tomorrow...

Juice Feasting Day 5

Juice Feast Day 5

Yesterday was another good day. Had my juice (in the juicer) Carrot, Apple, Celery, Cuke, Orange, Lemon. In the evening I had a cup of chamomile tea(with a tablespoon of Organic Raw Honey) and about 8 oz fresh grapefruit juice.

Nothing major to report about yesteday. I still feel really good. My energy levels are good.

Went to the supermarket last night spent a lot of time in the produce isle looking for new stuff to juice. I bought some green peppers. Not sure how they will juice but figured I'd give them a try. Somehow I found myself walking through the potato chip isle. I was day dreaming about all of the different types of chips. I know, why was I there. Well actually I was looking for a cheap citrus juicer for my oranges and grapefruits. And some how I found myself walking up and down the isles looking at all the different types of processed foods that I used to love to eat (don't be mistaken I would still love to eat them but I choose not to). I found myself thinking how these innocent looking nicely packaged foods were killing me softly and how much cheaper they were then the foods for life(live fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds). I made my way out of the chips and snacks isle safely and not tempted in the least bit.

Oh and Donald if you're reading this I did the Sea Salt Flush. Had a good movement and like I said not fun man, not fun. But it is certainly effective. And being the glutton for punishment I am I did it again this morning so I'm just waiting for the eruption. Thanks again for your support and advice.

Today, I'm really feeling a water fast day. I made some juice this morning but I didn't drink it. I have about 16 ozs on Standby if I need it. But I'm going to try and do water all day and see how it comes out.

Todays Juice, Apple, Orange, Lemon, Celery, Cuke (did not put carrots in today needed a break)

Okay The Numbers:

Weight: 248 (-1 lbs) 9 total..

BP: will do it again on Friday

Energy: Energy today was good

Body changes: Last time I did this I experienced some cramping. So far, this time it's not the case. My brain is clear no foggyness and body is happy.

Determination level: 10+ (scale of 1-10)

Problems: As mentioned above, there are so many temptations out there and even here at home. But I am choosing to stay the course. While this is not a problem(just an observation), the fast weight loss, which was water weight has slowed down and I will probably not see the big numbers from this point forward. I am perfectly fine with this. I know my body is working and doing its thing and totally enjoying this much needed much deserved break. See you tomorrow let's see what the weekend brings...

Juice Feasting Day 4

Juice Feast Day 4

Yesterday was interesting. I had my watermelon juice while driving to NJ in the morning. Gave me a really good energy boost. Went to see mom in the hospital and she's doing better. Then drove back around 11:30 or so and started getting really sleepy also my mouth was a little dry. I didn't have any more juice with me or any water and decided to tough it out until I could get home an make a fresh batch of the elixer. Made a carrot, apple, pear, cucumber drink. Was pretty good. Yielded about 28 ozs. It was enough to hold me over until I get back home. Felt good went in to work and strength and energy levels were fine.

Came back home about 8pm from work and decided to fast for the rest of the night. So i drank about 16 ozs of water and went to sleep. Got up about 2-times through the night to go to the bathroom which I think means that my body has released a good amount of the excess water that it was holding onto. Brain feels clear and I'm ready to take on the day.

Funny thing, I had a biggest loser moment this morning on the scale. When I stepped onto the scale it seemed to take forever to calculate. I thought I was going to go to a commercial. Of course I was expecting a loss 3 pounds or better. I had a picture of my previous weight 251 in my head. As the scale finally stopped it said 249. And I had that dumb look on my face like, what happened? And I looked out at Jillian and Bob and shook my head. Everyone was shocked. I was imagining myself on stage explaining how hard I worked and that I was disappointed at the small loss. Then I heard Jillian say 2lbs in a day what are you crazy get over it. I was actually disappointed that I only lost 2 lbs in a day. Go figure. Then I just laughed at myself. Seriously, while this isn't mainly about weight loss (it's a fortunate byproduct of doing this) for me I am recording my weight and sharing it because it is one of the better measurable results of this program. Higher on the priority list, is cleaning and detoxing my system, getting it weaned off of the dead cooked foods, disciplining myself and retraining my mind not to want the junk foods.

Today's juice: Apple, Orange, Carrots, Celery, Cucumber, Lemon. 48 ozs

Okay The Numbers:

Weight: 249 (-2 lbs) 8 total..

BP:112/70 -Previously 125/75

Energy: Energy today was okay I wasn't racing like the day before but I felt strong

Determination level: 10

Problems: No Problems, still no movement going to do a sea salt flush now (Not Fun!!!)...

Juice Feasting Day 3

Good morning everyone!!!

I just completed day 3. Yesterday and last night I had boundless energy. This is really not that hard. I am actually over the hump now. It will essentially be from here on out up to me as to how far I want to take this. I will need your prayers that nothing overwhelming will happen to derail this ride. For me, my big issue is emotional eating and that's when I seem to break down. If something upsets me I will crave food and at that point I am weak and will sometimes give in. So your prayers and positive energy is needed!!!

Yesterday was easy, I made my green juice in the morning (I used a blender) but it was very refreshing and I used a strainer to poor it into the glass to attempt to get any pulp out. My drink for the day was apples, carrots, celery, orange, lemon. It tasted like Sunny delight I kid you not. It was really good!!! At night I had my watermelon and lemon drink....I juiced the entire watermelon piece this time as I was told that the rind is very good for you(thanks Anthony Gartmond). It wasn't bad...

Today, I'm only having watermelon juice this morning as I have to make a drive to NJ. My mom is in the hospital (please pray for her) and I am going to see her for a few hours and I want to get on the road early. I know I should be juicing rather than typing. LOL But this for me is a part of my process and it will help me keep going as I share my thoughts, even if no one reads them. So I'm gonna cut this short as I hate driving in traffic...

The Numbers:

Weight: 251 (-6 lbs) another 3 since yesterday morning.

BP I didn't do it last night I will do it tomorrow

Energy: Through the roof

Determination level: 10

Problems: No bowel movement yesterday...

Juice Feasting Day 2

Good Morning,

It's 6:30am and I just completed day 2. All is well with the exception of going to the bathroom 3-5 times last night. I think I went at least 2 times while sleep walking. I know I didn't consume that much juice and water. So where was all this water coming from? My theory is this, the potato chips and popcorn that I was killing during the past two weeks caused my body to start to store water. By just stopping for 2 days my body started to release the water and excess fluids. I knew my body was storing water because of the indentation ring around my ankles caused by my socks.

I went to bed last night about 10:00 because I was a little tired. Woke up about 2 for my first trip to the bathroom and then I just remember mumbling something. My poor wife had to suffer from me getting in and out of bed so many times. But she is a pretty hard sleeper so I don't think she noticed more than two times out of the five.

How am I feeling? I feel great. No hunger, no headaches, I feel satisfied. Last night for dinner I juice a quarter watermelon which yielded about 40 oz of fresh juice. I drank about 25 and saved the rest for today. After juicing it I found that there was very little pulp. So I probably could have just ate the watermelon as it's 90% water anyway. But by juicing I was able to get some of the rind in there. I was able to fillet a watermelon finally getting use out of the stupid set of knives I bought from the fast talking guy at Sams Club. LOL.

This morning, I drank about 30 ozs of green juice with spinach (about 4 cups) and a half celery stalk and water. I made it in the blender because juicing greens is just not productive. And I put enough water in it to liquify it. It wasn't bad the wife even drank about 12 ozs (with a little coaxing).

I juiced Carrots, Apples, Celery, Orange, 1/4 Lemon made about 56 oz (gave the wife 16) that plus my watermelon should get me through the day... The downfall to this juicing stuff is it's much more of a pain in the you know what to clean but it's worth it. Also, going to have a shot of e-3 Live Brain on...

Okay for you number people:

Weight: 254 (-3 lbs)

Blood Pressure: 122/75

Exercise: Plank Push ups and walked for 15 mins...

Juice Feasting Day 1

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday, Sunday, November 15, 2009 I started the beginning of my juice feast. I did water only for 24 hours and I must say it wasn't too bad had a few hunger pains after that depressing Cowboy loss but I survived. This morning I woke up and made about 40 ozs of juice I figure that will last me most of the day and I will make some more this evening when I get home.

What was in it?

Carrots, Apple, Celery, lemon, spinach

Issue, because of the type of juicer I have the spinach didn't juice very well. So I think from now going forward I will use the leafy greens in the blender with water so that I get the full nutritional value of them. They are too expensive to use a whole pack of greens and only get 3 ozs of juice.

I want to thank you for joining me on this journey it should be interesting at the very least. I'm not new to this as I did it 3 1/2 years ago for 21 days. It was a great experience for me as I really felt for the first time a true sense of self control. While on the first fast the only thing thing that I would have changed knowing what I know now is that I would have consumed more leafy green vegetable juice. But nevertheless I felt great during the duration of the fast.

What made me make the decision to go from the Raw foods to the juice fast?

While I lost 46 lbs on the raw food diet and was feeling great I had a problem. On Holloween I consumed a bunch of chocolate candy. Which led me to binging on chocolate and potato chips, popcorn, more chocolate. This consumption led to me craving I mean seriously craving cooked foods again. Nevertheless, I gained 7 lbs over the course of a couple of weeks while fighting and sometimes giving in to my cravings. Mostly good foods with the exception of the chips, and peanut butter(skippy). So I felt myself going backwards and I figure that I need to rededicate myself to my goal of being healthy and feeling good again.

Currently my weight is 257 and I have a goal of getting down to 220 by New Years Day. This is the what I weighed in high school/freshman year of college. So I have about 45 days to lose 37lbs.

Here are a couple of interesting websites I came across last night on Juice Feasting: http://www.juicefeasting.com , http://www.globaljuicefeast.com

I would love to hear your thoughts, concerns, questions or advice... Until next time!!!