Monday, February 9, 2009

The Juice, part three.


You ask, I deliver. A comment came in about another post on juicing, so here you go.

I think I'm going to go a little deeper into my story this time... mostly because I've been inspired by other women (see the Sonbreak post below) to share the truth, even when it's hard.

So lets try and keep the judgement to a minimum, ok? ;-)

I started talking about juicing last Summer when I was completely fed up with my weight. Picture me, if you will, 30 pounds heavier, eating junk for dinner, sitting on the sofa, wondering why on earth I felt tired and depressed.

And here is the tiny part I'm going to add, which I may regret later, but its the truth and I want you to know.

Along with eating junk for dinner (fast food, pasta, lots of dessert) I was also unwinding at the end of the day with a beer or a glass of wine. I had developed a habit of coming home and using that to de-stress. I didn't remember when exactly the pattern began. Like most things in my life, something starts really small and really quiet, and then after a few days turn into a few weeks which turn into some months, I find myself in a habit that I don't know how to break.

Interestingly enough, the beer/wine habit wasn't making me feel any better (or more relaxed) - in fact, it was doing the opposite. I was becoming more depressed, more tired... and my pants were fitting worse.

This is where God stepped in and did for me what I could not do for myself. I'm so thankful that God is patient enough with me to deal with me sometimes as if I am a small child. He knew that I needed a "replacement" instead of just saying "no more wine" - and through the encouragement of my friends Channah and Amy, I bought a juicer. Sure enough, the very first day I made the juice, I thought "Well, I don't really want to drink a glass of wine" because I didn't want to undo all the work I'd just done to get some health and nutrition into my body. Thus, the fresh juice replaced my bad habit.

Now, I'm not just talking about throwing some apples in a juicer. I used a very specific recipe of mostly vegetables. And yes, at first I hated the taste. But it was only because my taste buds were used to junk. Believe me when I say it only takes a few days to begin to crave this fresh juice. And if you already like vegetables, well, then you are light years ahead of me.

Once I got the juicer on the counter, and my husband willingly would go to the store and help stock the fridge, I found myself little-by-little beginning to look forward to the time of day when I would juice.

A few days turned into a week which turned into a month, and before I knew it, my bad habit was now a good habit. The side benefit was that my pants were fitting better, but the real benefit was that my mind was clearer, the depression was lifting, and I felt healthier.

After a few months, I was shopping one day and a sales gal said to me "you need some new pants, those are practically falling off of you." She offered me a pair of jeans that were two sizes smaller that what I was accustomed to wearing. I said "thanks, but I will not fit into those." She said try and so I did. They fit.

I walked out of that store in prayer. I was so thankful to God that He was moving me along a path of health. I was not doing it on my own. He was doing it for me.

Here we are, 8 months later, and I am wearing those same jeans today as I type. Thats another milestone for me - losing weight and not instantly gaining it back. And I believe the reason for that is that I'm no longer in this about weight loss.I'm in it to be a healthy person, because I don't want to be back in that slump where I was. Now that I'm out of the depression, and up off the couch, and my mind is no longer in a fog, I realize that I don't want to go back.

So... I just spoke with Cherie Calbom, author of Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing For Life and she says "Lets give away some more books!" So you can feel free to leave a comment in the comments section (as long as it has a way I can get a hold of you, like an email or a link to your blog) and I'm gonna give away 10 more books, just like last time. I love Cheries books. She is a believer with a master of science degree in nutrition from Bastyr University - and her lifes mission is to help women regain their lives through proper nutrition. She and I both agree that when we have a clear mind and a healthy body, we are better able to serve God and love others!

Oh, and one more thing: I have another special juicing announcement coming soon that might make you laugh, but I will post more about it when it's 100% official.

34 comments:

McMahan family said...

My Facebook status right now says, "Mandy is in a slump and needs to rededicate herself to accomplishing her goals." I wrote that this morning. The fact that you used the word "slump" in your post as well (not like too common of a word) is further proof to me that God so speaks through you to get to us. Part of my "slump" is that I have seriously been irritated with myself for not sticking to a work-out routine or working harder to make sure we're eating healthier meals at home (which means carefully planning out grocery lists for dinners which takes me FOREVER). Thank you for writing this. I have 10 more pounds of baby weight (a year after my sweet Emma was born) that I just want to GO AWAY. But it's not going to just melt away unless I get off my rump (hmm...that rhymes with slump) and make a change. Thanks for again being truthful and sharing your stories. We're all in this together and God wants us to encourage one another. Thank you for opening yourself to us and sharing a success story! :)

anne said...

I asked for a Juicer this Christmas! Ben was nice enough to fulfill this wish. Since then, we've been enjoying some random mixes. I would love to have a book...it might help give us some direction!

Congrats on the healthier state of being. Not only do you feel better, but you also look great Sarah! ;)

Aimee B said...

I want to do something different for myself since I am turning 40 in a month. I need more energy, to lose a few pounds and something tasty and de-toxing. I also feel like I'm in a slump. I have a really nice juicer my mom gave me that just sits, so I would love some recipes. Thanks for sharing your deep thoughts, Sarah. It's inspirational to know I am not the only one going through this and that there is hope.

Lyndsay said...

Thank you Sarah for so openly share yourself with us on this blog. I'm glad you feel comfortable to do so and I would hope that no one would judge or look down at you. Afterall we are ALL human! I'm very interested in juicing as I've been trying to get more healthy myself. Not for the weight thing. I've lost all my baby weight mostly due to not buy Little Debbie brownies anymore...they call my name I swear. I woulld definitely like my mind to be clearer and to not be tired as much. With two little ones I feel tired all the time.

J.J.A.G. Hanson said...

Dear Sarah,
Thanks for sharing your journey to better health. What a great story! I'm a happy young mom of an almost 2 year old girl, Grace, who will not eat vegetables. So I'm turning to fruit & veggie juices like the Harvest Surpise blend made by the Juicy Juice people. I'd love to hear more specifics about juicing for toddler's tastebuds. Ofcourse if I can sway the tastebuds of our unborn little one, that wouldn't be a bad idea either. Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah,
Thank you for opening up and sharing your story. I've made a 'commitment' to eat better in 2009. We'll see how that goes. I'd LOVE to get a book from you. Thank you!!

Heidi
monuteauxdesign@gmail.com

Felton/Casey said...

That book really is great! And since I already won one from you, I don't need another, but I can't wait to hear your next juicing announcement. Where do you get all of the good fresh organic veggies though? The selection at some stores is very limited.

Jessi said...

I've been reading your blog for a while. Remember the person that you felt like you were good friends with, even though you'd only been reading her blog? I'm the same way with your blog! This post was especially encouraging for me. I do have a question about juicing. I've been interested in getting started, but I've heard that juicers are an absolute pain to clean. What do you think?

Jen said...

I have a juicer thingy sitting on my counter.. I used it once last year to make pomegrante jelly, the year before that I used it again (once) because I had too many carrots in the fridge and needed to do something with them, and that brings me to the 1st year I begged my husband to buy it for me because I had purchased the "7-Day Miracle Cleanse" off an infomercial and needed it for the "cleanse".. Did I mention that was the week before Christmas?? Yeah. Basically my juicer is more of a pretty shiny thing to look at and collect dust..*blush* So I would LOVE to be inspired with some actual recipes.. And maybe I could shed those extra lbs in the process- that are preventing me from wearing 3/4 of my pants hanging in my closet..

Addy said...
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Anonymous said...

I'm entering!! Thank you, Sarah, for your post! I was the one who asked to read another post on juicing a while back (but I'm sure other people have too)! While I don't know you personally, reading about someone who's making healthy choices both physically and spiritually is just such a blessing. Thank you for your example!

Sarah Taylor said...

Wow - look at all of you who are so interested, I had no idea. I guess I'm not alone in my struggle! Ok, well, I will do another post about the Frequently Asked Questions - like what kind of juicer I have, what else you can eat, blah blah blah. I'll work on it tonight. And to dispell the biggest myth: No, Juicing is NOT expensive. Not at all. Hogwash.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for being so transparent Sarah! It's good to be used by God isn't it?! As a mom like you, I need lots of more energy to keep up with them, so thanks for the inspiration! Grace to you!

Mrs. Smith said...

I have a juicer and it is sitting in dust in my storage unit but I would love to get it out and start using it for the first time. I would love to win a book and be healthier.

Cliff and Dana said...

Thanks for being so honest about your juicing experience this past year. I think I might have to try juicing...it sounds great! God bless you!!! :)

Andrea Himmelsehr said...

I too know I need to replace the bad habit of comfort eating with healthy choices. And just last week I saw an infomercial that made me for the first time in my life want to buy a juicer! So cool to see your post about it today!

Leah said...

I am a mother of 3 teenagers & I am so in a slump. I don't feel like doing anything with them. I have been in this slump over everything that has happened to us in the past year or so. I lost my Aunt (who was like my mom, I didn't have a mom growing up so she stepped in & helped my Dad). She was my best-friend! That was Dec. 9, 2007 Then in June my Grandma went home to be with the Lord. That was a shock to the whole family. Then my husband & I are struggling to make ends meet. So, I have just been so depressed & I am trying so hard to pull myself up.
I would love to win a juicing book!
You can contact me @
dptxmomof3@yahoo.com
My name is Leah Farmer.

AK said...

What a KOOL story! Thanks for being transparent! It is an encouragement! I totally feel the same way! Done the same thing! And totally understand! YES! I am not the only one! Thanks Sara.

Vannoys said...

I love your blog Sarah, and your post was so good! I love how you put your self out there and were so honest! I too have a juicer, and many small children (4 girls 11 and under), but run out of ideas for good juice recipes. We have made some ... mm how should I say, grody concoctions. trying to come up with something good. Usually end up with carrot juice, which is good, but not very exciting. You look amazing! thank you for putting this out there, It was very encouraging! Thirty pound is a lot!!! woo hoo!
my email is vannoys07@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

You've sold me on juicing, now I just need to try it! I'm glad to hear you say that the expense is a myth, because that was one of the reasons I've been hesitant to start. And, thanks for your honesty as always :) 30 lbs! You look amazing. Go mama!

Anonymous said...

I am definitely feeling like I am in a fog these days. I have been reading your blog for a while and am inspired by your most recent entry. I am a mom and a pastor's wife and I feel like I need to do something for myself. Getting healthy and trying something new...Juicing...could be just the thing! My mind needs to be sharp and this can only draw me nearer to God...as I treat my body like a sanctuary, not a garbage can.

Thanks for your encouragement!

ejcellochick@comcast.net

Eva said...

I need that book! I went to the doctor for depression, have a gym membership and don't have the time to go! Nursing school and mommyhood keep me in a fog, slump, sad, blue, angry state all the time. I tried to win the book on your blog before. I love your blog Sarah. Thank you for sharing this with us!
What is your favorite juice to make?

Ball family updates said...

Well, it looks like I haven't gotten in for the free 10 books, but we are eating healthier and smaller amounts of food. Channah would be proud of us! Guess we will request that book for Mothers Day or Fathers Day from her. Tyler and her gave us a gift card for Christmas that we used to get a fit and fat free book with and with the juicer book life would be so much healthier!
Cannot wait to hear the news!

noell said...

Thank you for sharing your personal journey Sarah. It's so great that you have found success in juicing! Although I love salads, I also love all of the other junky stuff that becomes "easy" in our grab-n-go life. I would love to lose the extra baby weight and be more comfortable in my clothes, my mind and my body. I've tried to get on the eliptical machine to get some extra energy from exercise but don't you need the extra energy to exercise? :) It's so hard when you have two little ones wanting any extra attention you can give them.
Thanks again for sharing!

The Crawford Family blog said...

I have so appreciated your honesty on your blog! The juicing info. is so helpful, we recently bought a juicer and use it here and there since we kind of don't know what we're doing. A book like hers would help us out so much! Thanks for the giveaway. :-)
My hope for juicing regularly, like you, is to be healthy, lose some weight and feel more energy too! My husband I will both turn 40 this summer....feeling sluggish...
THANK YOU!
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Camie said...

Sarah,
Thank you for your honesty! I'm encouraged by your willingness to "put yourself out there"!! You're a blessing to me!
Camie

CallinaP said...

I want the book! Am I allowed to enter to win?! :)

Nancy Oren Wilson said...

I have been paying attention to your blogs for a while, and I REALLY was enthusiastic about this one. I have a juicer in my pantry and it sits there calling my name. I would love a book. Here's hoping...

anna said...

i started reading about this so skeptically... but my interest has been piqued. i guess it's because of how you've described the change in yourself... truly FEELING better. and making one change, not a string of overwhelming changes all at once- changes that are sure to become temporary and short-lived. your experience with juicing is making me desire the same kind of experience; a good healthy, CHANGE. thank you for sharing so honestly. that takes a lot of guts and a lot of trust. and i appreciate it.

needless to say, i'm interested in a book. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah, Thanks for sharing your story. I don't know if you realize how wonderful it is to hear about other women’s success! It renews my hope! I want to be here and healthy for my someday grandbabies! I hit 40 this year and I can see and feel the results of many years of not caring for my temple. Keep taking care of yours and God Bless you in your ministry to other women. Trina
trina.david@clearwire.net

Nathan said...
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Anonymous said...

Since Thanksgiving I had my eye on a juicer but it was too expensive...and the idea of juicing slipped into the recesses of my mind. Well,...a few weeks ago I get a little card from AXPress (credit card company) reminding me that I had "points" to use. I never really paid attention to these "points" and realized that I could get that juicer!! So, I just paid $50 for my sweet lil juicer and probably juiced more than my lil tummy can handle :). Kinda OD'd (hee hee). Anyways, I'm back on your blog reading about your juicing experience and am gonna try your recipe soon.

Thanks!
Nancy

Lindsey said...

Hi,
I know I'm a little late; I just read your post, but how can I get the book?

Laurane said...

Sarah--I was wondering if you could give us an update on your juicing journey...especially since it is the time of year where we are wanting to get healthy and start some good habits. Thanks for your sharing! You are an encouragement.