Day 11: 

Juice: Citrus Apples 

Citrus Apples:

3 Apples
2 Tangerines
1/2 Lime

Yum-zo
Tangerines - let's talk turkey. So, Tangerines are apart of the citrus family, closely related to oranges, but smaller and generally sweeter. The peak time for tangerines is now - October to April. Get 'em while they're hot folks.

Tangerines carry a huge amount of Vitamin C, much like their relatives Oranges (Check Out Day 9 For More About Oranges). But, I didn't cover it all it seems. Apparently, biomedical researchers interest in citrus fruits has been growing since the mid-2000's due to citrus flavonoids.

What the heck is a  flavonoid?
Well, I talked about them briefly in one of my other entries, but they've been getting a lot of press lately, so I'll give them a little more too. Flavonoids are compounds found in fruits and vegetable and actually some beverages (certain hops carry a surprising amount of flavonoids). Flavonoids have a variety of beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects. They are also referred to collectively as Vitamin P. (For More On Classifications Of Flavonoids).

Now, when you look up these biochemical or phytochemical compounds you'll either find a very, very vague description or a very, very, scientific description.

Vague: 

"Flavonoids are plant-based compounds with powerful antioxidant properties, which means they reduce inflammation, promote healthy arteries, and help fight aging by preventing -- and repairing -- cellular damage"(Source)
*Quick, easy, and gets the job done, without explaining why.

Scientific:

"Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are ubiquitous in nature and are categorized, according to chemical structure, into flavonols, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, catechins, anthocyanidins and chalcones. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been identified, many of which occur in fruits, vegetables and beverages (tea, coffee, beer, wine and fruit drinks). The flavonoids have aroused considerable interest recently because of their potential beneficial effects on human health-they have been reported to have antiviral, anti-allergic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant activities. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen, superoxide, peroxyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. An imbalance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species results in oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage." (Source) 
*WTF, mate?

SO, from what I can gather based on these two sources and these to papers released by the USDA on flavonoids (USDA Data on Flavonoids; USDA Data on Citrus Flavonoids) is that flavonoids are used by your body to help fight protect cells against damage and decay from external toxins and the radical components floating around internally. This is excellent, especially when you live in a city like New York and are exposed lots of junk everyday. 

Emotional Lifestyle:

I don't understand how people can watch commercials for over the counter or prescription drugs and take them seriously. Maybe it's just because I was raised without television and with a healthy distrusts in pharmaceutical wonder drugs...I don't know....but drug, vitamin, and over the counter med. commercials all get the same judgmental skepticism I use while watching shampoo commercials. I mean at the end of the day they're all going to do something, whether it is the desired result of luscious, luminous curls or a horrible adverse reaction leading to sever itchiness all over your body - something will probably happen. So, when a commercial is on, I like to listen - really listen - to what they are saying and figure out the gaps. 

One of my favorites is the 5-Hour Energy Commercial that was on around the Olympics (mainly I saw it on Comedy Central shows online, since I don't have TV). It is ridiculous. 

I love it. 

73% of the 'over 3,000' doctors said they would recommend "a low calorie energy supplement to their healthy patients, who use energy supplements." Then a little grey box with tiny white writing appears at the bottom of the screen: "56% would specifically recommend 5-Hour Energy for their healthy patients, who use energy supplements." 

Okay, so not 73% said 5-Hour Energy specifically...whatever 56% is a strong amount. They could have gone with "over half" instead of 73%, but obviously the higher number is a corporate preference. 
It also repeats 73% like it is an astounding figure. Guess what 5-Hour Energy, in school 73% is a C and sometimes even a C-, so I wouldn't keep repeating that. 
But the commercial goodness goes on...

It then says: "5-Hour Energy has 4 Calories and is used over 9 million times a week..."

9 million times a week! Wow! Clearly everybody's doing it guys, so why aren't you. Some nice school yard peer pressure for ya'll, but I also love that it says that figure as if all of the people already using 5-Hour energy (9 million times a day) are the same "healthy patients" that doctors would recommend it to...sure, we'll go with that. 

I saw a new one on TV the other day, while babysitting. 
I couldn't find the video online, but...it was for Woman's 1-A-Day multi-vitamins. Firstly, she was ballroom dancing in the commercial, obviously, because what else does the average woman do. Secondly, it says Woman's 1-A-Day's promotes "cell heath" - the woman twirls into the arms of her male dance partner - then the commercial says "research has shown that cell health is important to daily life".............................................................................................................................
....Wait really? You mean to tell me researchers have discovered that cells - the fundamental building blocks of our bodies - should be healthy to help us with the daily function of our bodies! Go figure!

Seriously, everyone should be more discerning when it comes to commercials, especially when dealing with your health. If everyone researched food, medication and doctors like they researched a car before buying it...maybe everyone would be a little healthier. 

Just food for thought.

Day 10:

Juice: Apple Tropics

Apple Tropics:

3 Apples
1/2 Pineapple
1/2 Lime
1/2 Passion Fruit

Sweett, tangy and delicious! Yum. This is a new one for me and I think I'm in love. If only I could be in Aruba instead of in rainy New York. This is the first time I have used a passion fruit in a juice, so I was very excited. Don't be put off by the gelatinous seed filled insides, 'cause it's worth it. 

Passion fruits (or Passiflora edulis) are native to Southern Brazil through Paraguay to Northern Argentina. However, now they have migrated all over the world. It is in season in June, July and early August. So I had to hunt, but I managed to find some.

Passion fruits are known for their amazing aroma and flavor. But they also pack a nice nutritional punch. It is a good source for vitamin A & C and potassium. The seeds are also a good source for fiber. Passion fruit also provides an array of minerals: Iron, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.
(More On Passion Fruit)

This juice is filled with photo-nutrients, vitamins and minerals, but most importantly it is Oh So Good!

Happy Juicing!

Emotional Lifestyle:

What is it about rainy days that makes people sleepy or cranky?
I was working today, giving tours, and man oh man were there some cranky, sleepy people on my tours. Most of my co-workers were one or the other or both. I was tired to and it was a short and easy day!
Is it the loss of the sun?
I know we get Vitamin D from the sun and Vitamin D helps regulate moods and makes us happy, but I can't imagine that less than 48 hours of exposure to Vitamin D creates such a deficiency that one will proceed to frown through and hour long tour. (And I'm funny...my jokes have been time tested).
I swear, I had a the sour faced old crown who invented the frown - truly. I have never seen anyone's lips head for the ground like this lady's. I know you can't ever be sure how they feel (blah, blah, blah) because even at the end of the tour she came up to me, pursed her lips (still frowning) and said: "very informative." Yeah, well maybe if you'd smiled or laughed it might have been enjoyable or dare I say fun.
But it is ultimately something to do with the weather, because I know it irked me more than usual today. Is is the grey color? Or the wetness? It was also humid today - really humid - like shoot me in the face humid - maybe that was part of it. Is it just people are cranky when they are uncomfortable?

Well, whatever it is, its annoying.

Day 9: 

Juice: Sweet C Too

Sweet C Too:

2 Apples
2 Oranges

Deja vu...well not quite. It is a vitamin C bomb - yes - but made with a different combination. This is a great alternative to the apple and guava juice I made yesterday, especially if guavas are out of season.

Oranges are a citrus fruit cultivated in topical and subtropical climates. It is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, found their way to Europe through Persian traders and eventually to the US. (History of the Orange). Oranges are already well known for their Vitamin C. "Lot's of water and lot's of vitamin C" was always the advice from my school nurse in high during flu season.

So, why Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is both effective and nutritious, but mainly, it is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body. What does that mean? Well...Water-Soluble: a substance capable of being dissolved in some solvent (usually water).  Antioxidants": "substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases." (Source)  Basically, it protects your body from damage, both inside and out and we all need a little protection from damage, right? 
(More on Oranges)

Emotional Lifestyle:

I hate being late. I know that no one probably 'likes' to be late, but if I am late every minute over hurts my soul. If I agree to do something or be somewhere - I will do it or be there. However, I fear with all of this technology lateness will only increase.

People are always going on about how useful cell phone are. Don't get me wrong I love mine, but I think with the advantages come a lot of disadvantages. Lateness and bailing out on plans are big ones.
Yes, it's great that you can call people and let them know you will be late or change plans last minute, but this doesn't mean it should be a regular occurrence.

Recently, I have been waiting for everyone: friends, co-workers, and even a guy who planned an interview with me (I waited for an hour outside his office in the rain). In all instances, I tried to contact them via phone and text and no one got back to me in under an hour. This is what a cell phone is for. Also, I hate the whole "I'll text you when I'm done" when arranging plans. Make a date, plan a time (even if it could change) and do you darnedest to get there on time.

Day 8: 

Juice: Sweet C

Sweet C:

3 Apples
2 Guavas

Alright boys and girls. Here it is. Today's juice. However, I couldn't find any guavas since they are out of season. So, I am going to give you the recipe, so when you and I find guavas we can make the juice.

Here's why guavas, not only have a cool sounding name, but are also great to incorporate into juices. The guava is a tropical fruit, believed to have originated from southern Mexico and Central America. Besides being low in calories and rich in fiber and dietary minerals, guavas are teaming with vitamin C. One guava actually has four times the amount of vitamin C than an orange.

So, the next time you feel a cold coming on, maybe you should try a tall glass of guava for you troubles instead of OJ.

Emotional Lifestyle:

I think spending time outside - in nature - should be a daily requirement. I feel like it keeps one sane especially here in the concrete jungle of New York....

....

....

....although, the homeless population might be evidence to the contrary.

Whatever. It is beautiful out. Get outside!

Day 7: 

Juice: Sweet 'n' Savoury

Sweet 'n' Savoury:

3 Apples
2 Sticks of Celery

Sweet and Salty, a famous combination. Celery is another food, like ginger, I cannot stand, mainly because of the strings. Yuck. But celery juice is one of the most refreshing juices you can make. It alone is wonderful, but I prefer it mixed with other wonderful things.

It has been hard for historians to ascertain when celery became a cultivated plant. Celery leaves were discovered in Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb (died 1323 BC), but it cannot be told weather it was cultivated or wild. Wild celery has been reference throughout history, mainly as a grass for grazing animals. But somewhere in there it started to be cultivated, not only for the stalks but also for the root of the plant - Celery Root. The big, knobby lookin' thing. The entire plant is and can be used for food, seasoning and medicinal purposes, but most people typically only use the stalks.

For celery juice, one should used the entire stalk, leave and all. The root can be a bit hard on the juicer (at least the cheaper one I have), so I say stick with the stalk. You wont regret it, because celery juice, even without the root, is incredibly nutritious. It is chock full of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K, also known as the "clotting vitamin" because without it blood wouldn't clot. It has also been proven to help maintain strong and healthy bones, especially in older adults. (More on Vitamin K).

Celery is also rich in organic sodium, which is soluble, unlike any kind of processed salt. This helps your body absorb other nutrients and help you stay hydrated. (Source Material) This makes celery juice a great re-hydration drink, a healthier alternative to Gatorade. Celery Juice also helps fight cancer, lowers cholesterol, aids in digestion, is an anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pressure, prevent stones and many other ailments. Celery Juice is a powerful health tool to have in your back pocket.
(Great Article About Celery Juice).   

Day 6:  

Juice: Apple Blush

Apple Blush:

3 Apples
1 Nectarine
8 Strawberries

This is the first time I have made this juice and...wow. It was amazing. I made it first thing this morning before for I had to run and it was a wonderful pick me up! Fruity and smooth (due to the nectarine). Yum-zo!

Two new ingredients! What's a nerdy, nutrition obsessed girl to do! I choose Nectarine.

I never knew the difference between a Peach and a Nectarine until I researched for this blog post.
It is the fuzz and the coloring. Other than that they are pretty much the same. It is theorized that the Peach is formed from dominant genes, while the Nectarine is formed from recessive. (Document on Peach & Nectarine Genetics). It may not surprise you to learn that this fruit originated in China and were brought to America by European colonists. Imagine that.

Besides being the delicious cousins (I think more like sisters actually) of Peaches, Nectarines are rich in Beta-carotene (Definition), Vitamin C, and a bunch of other minerals. The consumption of Beta-carotene has been shown to decrease the risk of "asthma symptoms caused by exercise; to prevent certain cancers, heart disease, cataracts, and age related macular degeneration (AMD); and to treat AIDS, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy, headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, infertility, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, and skin disorders including psoriasis and vitiligo." (Source). I like that list.

So, adding beta-carotene rich fruits (Nectarine and Strawberries) to our photo-nurient full apple juice bumps the health benefits up, while providing a sweet morning treat.

Emotional Lifestyle:

So, I've never really been to a wedding. I went to my kindergarden teacher's wedding and one of my father's employees wedding. That has been it...in 25 years. People always complain about how much work it is and all that, but me I've just been waiting to go.

Today was my lucky day because one of my very favorite  people here in New York asked me to be one of her bridesmaids! I am excited!

I am mainly excited to see how real wedding work. I only know about weddings from movies and if they are true depictions than something disastrous is going to happen, the mother-in-laws will get into a fist fight, someone will interrupt the service confessing their undying love for either bride or groom, drunken friends will confess sleeping with either bride or groom, bride or groom with run off (probably to the airport to chase down their real true love) and rice will be thrown (though I know it is illegal in some states or counties).  I hope NONE of that happens.

So, I am looking forward to a long boring day of hairspray, happiness and celebration.
I'll let you know if it lives up to the hype.

Day 5:

Juice: Orchard Blend

Orchard Blend:

3 Apples
1 Pear

I love whenever pears are in a juice. It is just extra delicious! Not only in taste, but also in texture. When juiced, pears are frothy and creamy.

Pears are natives of China which have now migrated around the world. Like apples (and many other foods), Pears where brought to America by European colonist. These fruits come in all shapes and sizes and are full of phytonutrients (also called phytochemicals), especially vitamin C. A medium sized pear contains 10% of your daily need for vitamin C. They are also rich in fiber, which helps you feel full longer, so they are a good snack for a long day.

Pears skins have been proven to carry as much as "three to four times as many phenolic phytonutrients as the flesh". So don't peel them, because that skin carries antioxidants, anti-inflammatory flavonoids (more on flavonoids). Studies have shown that pears can help decreased risk of several common chronic diseases that begin with chronic inflammation and excessive oxidative stress. These diseases include heart disease and type 2 diabetes. (More on the health benefits of Pears).

This juice is frothy, sweet and works at all times of the day.

Emotional Lifestyle:

I love British Television. Always have. My parents too, so maybe it is genetic. But this clips is from one of my favorite sketch shows: The Mitchell and Webb Look.