My Diary Update

So, it's been a while since I have done an update on my Juice Plus+ journey so I thought today would be a good day to start. First of all, I am not very well today, a little under the weather...which I am quite shocked about. Since starting the Juice Plus lifestyle back in April I haven't been ill once! And for me that is pretty amazing as I used to be ill quite often. So it feels very weird to be unwell. But I know why I am, I have been working very hard and not getting much sleep. What has been amazing whist I have been ill is that I have had no appetite, but I have kept taking my Juice Plus shakes/capsules as I figured I had to eat something, and why not let it be something really good for you. I have also been having lots of Oranges to up my vitamin C. Would you believe it, I am actually feeling ALOT better! I spent all day yesterday in bed and this morning chilling of the sofa, and this afternoon I feel pretty much back to normal! I know a lot of people who have had this flu thing that I have got and for anyone reading this I would just say, rest up and stay eating healthy!

Any way, on to my Juice Plus journey. I started back in April and it has literally changed my life as I have said in past blogs. I can't believe I ate as unhealthily as I did and also how easy it is to be healthy! After completing the first 16weeks of the Juice Plus lifestyle change, taking the capsules and having the shakes, I lost just under 2 stone. I feel amazing and it is great having clothes that actually fit me! I now should be on the 3rd stage if the plan which takes you back to healthy eating however I decided to stay on the shakes as I still have another stone I'd like to loose. I am a bit looser on the diet now in that if I need to have an off day (party/lunch out etc) I will.

A few things that struck me this morning which I thought I'd write about...some advice for those on the Juice Plus plan (or just people loosing weight).

1. Exercise (don't get scared...read on...) When my clients enquiry about Juice Plus they always ask me 'Does it work without exercise?'. It really does! BUT!  I really advise that you should exercise with the plan....one reason is that it does make you feel amazing! You will find you have a lot more energy when you eat healthy and use the Juice Plus project so you will have energy you want to burn. It doesn't have to be much if you don't have time or don't want to. 15 minutes a day is a lot better than an hour workout every so often. Get into a schedule! But my main reason I wanted to mention exercise is....if I had done more of the exercise as I was loosing the weight it would have toned me as I lost the weight. I have a bit of an issue now in that I have lost the weight...but I'm not toned! I especially notice it in my arms and have been going mad on the Kettlebell workout recently. So that's something I would really stress to people. It's great that you are loosing weight, but stay on top of the exercise! Even if its just 30 squats, 20 sit ups, set of arm work outs etc. Just do something!

2. Clothing. Like I said it has been great having my clothes fit me better and also fitting back into clothes I haven't worn in a while. One thing I realised the other day....I was on holiday in Spain and I was wearing some black high waisted shorts with a vest top. Every time I walked past a shop window I would look at myself (as you do!) and think...why do I look so big? I know I am physically smaller...but I look big? I then realised that my shorts were two sizes too big for me!! And they were really baggy around the high waist! I have now noticed that I have a lot of clothes that I wear on an everyday basis that are way too big for me! I need to get a new wardrobe. I have been putting it off until I get down to my target size but I'm thinking I'm just going to do it now as it is no fun looking at yourself in baggy clothes!

3. Don't let yourself cheat too soon. When I started the Juice Plus lifestyle I was extremely dedicated and actually didn't take any of the daddy cheats for the first 8 weeks. It was difficult but I powered through and I got results. A few of my clients are allowing themselves to give in too soon and then finding it hard to get back on track. I really think it is a good idea to be as dedicated as possible in those first 8 weeks. It is really important! Obviously don't become a bore! There are ways you can still be healthy when you go out for dinner..have a BBQ etc. And if you want to have a big drinking night out, substituting wine/cider for Gin and Tonic is a great help! But I do think it is really important to give it your all from the word go. No point in doing half a job!


Anyway, just a little update from me. Hope you are loving Juice Plus like I am if you are on it! Take a like of my Facebook page if your interested in getting healthy!

Rachael

Meal Plan

I have been asked by one of my clients to help them put together a meal plan for a week, so I thought I would share it on here. This is based on their likes/dislikes but should give a good start to anyone looking to plan a healthier week of food. This client is on the Juice Plus+ Shakes and taking the Vineyard Capsules daily for added nutrition.

I will copy in the recipes below but please do email me with any questions
Rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com

Day 1

Breakfast: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: sliced apple with peanut butter

Lunch: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: oatcakes and avocado 

Dinner: Turkey Pizzas

Day 2

Breakfast: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: banana with Greek yogurt and granola 

Lunch: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: carrots and humus

Dinner: Clean Curry

Day 3

Breakfast: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: Fruit - mixture of your choice..blueberries...satsuma..strawberries. Add Greek yogurt if you like.

Lunch: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: protein bar

Dinner: Portabello Mushrooms recipe

Day 4

Breakfast: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: banana pancake

Lunch: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: nuts and raisins 

Dinner: Salmon Fishcakes

Day 5

Breakfast: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: grapes with yogurt 

Lunch: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: cucumber and humus

Dinner: Stuffed Pepper recipe 

Day 6

Breakfast: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: watermelon

Lunch: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: grilled tomatoes (see recipe)

Dinner: Chicken with seasoning recipe

Day 7

Breakfast: Juice Plus Shake

Snack:  mango, melon and strawberries fruit salad

Lunch: Juice Plus Shake

Snack: roasted veg in lettuce leaf

Dinner: Fish, steamed vegetables and brown rice or boiled potatoes 

A nice dip to add to meals is a healthy guacamole made of avocado mixed with Greek yogurt. 

Drink plenty of water each day. If it starts to get boring add in squeezed lemon/lime/orange 

Mix fruit with both Juice Plus shakes each day. This way you are definitely getting more than enough fruit.

Try not to eat too late in the evening.

When appropriate, try and add to the meal/snack: garlic, tomato, avocado, kale, hemp seeds, spinach, cucumber, grapefruit, pepper as these are great things to have in your daily diet

The banana pancake is great to have, especially after exercise. It is also very filling so if you are especially hungry one day then have it as ur snack. Make sure u follow the recipe though:
Slice up a banana and brown off in frying pan. Beat together 2 eggs and then pour over the banana. Once the bottom has started to cook put under the grill. Voila!

Recipes:

Stuffed peppers. This has everything u need in be pepper so if u want to fill the plate out more add more veg.

Salmon Fishcakes. You can add good carbs to this if u want...boiled potatoes, sweet potato, brown rice....

Turkey pizzas.... Take a turkey breast...cover with tomato purree, out on too sliced onion, mushroom, pepper, tomato, mozzarella and sprinkle with oregano. Serve with sweet potato chips. (There is a knack to cooking the chips...I haven't quite mastered them yet...but it's all to do with slicing them to a good size and keeping an eye on them in the oven...also making sure they have enough oil)

Clean Curry:

Ingredients:

1 large onion

6 garlic cloves roughly chopped

50g ginger roughly chopped

4 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp fennel seeds

5cm cinnamon stick

1 tsp chilli flakes

1tsp garam masala

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp honey

400g chopped tomatoes

8 chicken thighs, skinned, boneless (about 800g)

250ml hot chicken stock

2 tbsp chopped corriander

METHOD

Roughly chop the onion, transfer to a small food processor and add 3 tablespoons of water - process to a slack paste. You could use a stick blender for this or coarsely grate the onion into a bowl (there is no need to add any water if you are grating the onion). Tip into a small bowl and leave on one side.

Put the chopped garlic and ginger into the same food processor and add 4 tbsp of water - process until smooth and spoon into another small bowl. Alternatively, crush the garlic to a paste with a knife or a gralic press and finely grate the ginger.

Heat the oil in a wok or sturdy pan set over a medium heat. Combine the cumin and fennel seeds with the cinnamon and chilli flakes and add to the pan in one go. Swirl everything around for about 30 seconds until the spices release a fragrant aroma. 

Add the onion paste - it will splutter in the beginning. Fry until the water evaporates and the onion turns to a lovely dark golden - this should take about 7-8 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger paste and cook for another 2 mins, stirring all the time.

Stir in the garam masala, turmeric and honey and continue cooking for 20 secs before tipping in the tomatoes. Continue cooking on a medium heat for about 10 mins without a lid until the tomatoes reduce and darken.

Cut the chicken thighs into 3cm chunks and add to the pan once the tomatoes have thickened to a paste. Cook for 5 mins to coast the chicken in masala and seal in the juices, and then pour over the hot chicken stock. Simmer for 8-10 mins without a lid until the chicken is tender and the masala lightly thickened. You might need to add an extra ladleful of stock or water if the curry needs it. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and serve.

Tomato Snack:

Also for making the banana pancake...
Slice up a banana and brown off in a frying pan, whilst that's browning beat together 2 eggs. Pour into frying pan. After bottom has cooked a little put under the grill. (Not sure how easy the grill part is on the Aga but if need be just fry it) 

Setting Goals

Hello!

I have a had a bit of a naughty couple of weeks...well! To be fair...I have been relatively good but just had a couple of weekends or odd days of naughtiness! What I have found hard is that before I was working towards a target. I had a gig (I'm a performer) which I wanted to be at a smaller size for, which also fitted in perfectly with the first 8 week cycle. However since then I have gone a little off track...only a little though! So, it is time to re set my targets! It is SO important to have something to work towards. I would like to loose 1/2 a stone in the next 6 weeks, which will be the end of my 2nd 8 week stint. This is very much do-able!

I am extremely happy with my weight at the moment and it has made such a difference, people commenting on how I look, clothes fitting better, feeling better etc. It's great! But I still have a little way to go. In fact, I probably could loose another stone however I want to set a realistic goal that I can work towards achieving.

I weighed myself yesterday and I have put on 1lb (phew! thought it would be more than that!) however I haven't lost anything in a couple of weeks so I definitely need to get my head back in the game.

I am down to 1 shake a day so I am having a healthy breakfast (usually Granola) a Juice Plus+ Shake for lunch, and a healthy meal in the evening. Along with a healthy snack mid afternoon. I haven't felt like I have needed more snacks which is nice as I was worried about going down to 1 snack a day. But it all works!

So, this week is all about re setting my goals and getting on it! I did a 2 hour workout this morning which was great. And I plan to workout again tomorrow and Thursday, and maybe a run at the weekend.

I am LOVING the Juice Plus+ products and I really can't recommend them enough. They have changed my life!

Stay healthy!

Rachael
rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com

My Diary Update

Hello!

This weekend was a big weekend for me....not only did I have a big gig (I am a performer) but it was what I was working towards with my weight loss. It nicely fell on week 8 of the Juice Plus+ Plan and I had managed to loose a stone and a half. I am SO happy and it really has made such a difference to everything!

I have a confession though...to celebrate this achievement I had planned a big naughty meal on Saturday evening...which I went to town on! It started with dough balls...then went on to pizza...then I cant even remember the pudding (a lot of drink was involved) So it was VERY naughty!

As much as I did really enjoy this meal (best pizza I've ever had!) and I felt I deserved it.....man do I feel rough now! I feel so bloated and just dirty!!! I'm looking in the mirror thinking...what have I done?

But it doesn't matter...a bit of fun every now and then is surely acceptable! And I have been so good and dedicated on weeks 1-8...it was my only naughty spell...I deserved it.

I now can't WAIT to get back to healthy food...my body is crying for it! I am starting the second 8 week plan today so going down to 1 shake a day and 2 healthy meals. I would still like to loose a further stone so am going to really up my exercise plan and also really concentrate on the good foods...especially this week...I feel like I need a clear out!

Am so pleased to hear I am also helping other people. Lots of my Juice Plus+ clients have been texting me today telling me their weight loss so far and also commenting on how different they feel. It's a great feeling to not only be helping yourself, but helping others too.

Happy Happy Happy! And Healthy Healthy Healthy! (minus the pizza!)

Have a happy healthy week

Rachael : )
rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com

The Challenge - Wednesday

Morning peeps!

Fantastic work for those who completed yesterdays challenge. I've had so many messages from people who have been doing the challenges as well as going for a run or to the gym so I am so pleased I have inspired you!

Here is todays challenge. This involves some toning exercises. If you have any light weights then use them. Or, when I first started wanting to use weights but didn't have any I would use just anything I could find...bag of sugar...a candle! Just to add that extra weight to it.

Have fun! Do some stretches before and after!

Rachael
RachaelJuicePlus@gmail.com

For New Mummies or Mummies To Be

I have had a lot of questions recently from Mums who have just given birth and wanting to get rid of their baby weight as well as Mums to be who want to add in some extra healthiness into their diet.

I have been discussing this with a midwife who also works for Juice Plus+ and whilst we do recommend that you consult with your own midwife before starting the products here is some info.

If you are with child, you can still take the capsules (giving you and your baby the goodness form 26 fruit and vegetables each day) and you can even take the shakes however not as a meal replacement if you are breastfeeding.

Here are some benefits for using the Juice Plus+ Capsules and Shakes when pregnant:

Nutrition
Long term health
Passing goodness onto the baby when breastfeeding
Weight loss - obviously this wont be as clear as if you were using the shakes as meal replacements but you will notice a healthy difference
The healthier you are, the quicker your body will recover from the pregnancy and childbirth
Energy levels - which you will need a lot of to look after a new born!

We have had some great success stories from our Mummies, a couple which are below.

If you have recently given birth, alot of the above still applies to you. I know how important it is to get your body back to what you are used to after childbirth, for many reasons as well as just piece of mind. The Juice Plus+ Shakes and Capsules along with a healthy eating and exercise plan can really help you achieve your goal.

Pregnant pic from Nov 2012. Started Shakes/Capsules along with exercise in Feb 2013...progress from then until now. 

Mel started using the shakes 5 weeks after giving birth as she was not breastfeeding due to other medical issues. 6 weeks later she had gone from 12st 4lb to 10st 5lb! 

Amazing pics and progress from Beccy Jones below.

For questions: email, Facebook, Twitter or the Website.

Rachael
Rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com

The Challenge - Tuesday

Hello,

Mega congrats to everyone who completed Mondays challenge! I am extremely impressed with how many people have joined in : )

Here is Tuesdays!

If you are finding these easy then combine with other exercises, use weights etc.

This one is more cardio based and designed to be done at home but you can easily adapt to outdoors if need be.

Make sure you are stretching before and after and drinking lots of water during.

Rachael
RachaelJuicePlus@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/letsgethealthywithjuiceplus

The Challenge - Monday

To help motivate my Juice Plus+ Customers I am starting a challenge week! I know a lot of people are eating well, taking the Juice Plus+ shakes/meal plan but struggling to get motivated with exercise.

As I explained in a previous blog, when I started the lifestyle changed I too struggled to get motivated. You have to understand how your brain and body works...look at what you enjoy and maximise on it. I find that home workouts are best for me. If I say to myself, I'm going for a run...chances are I won't do it....but if I take a home work out and think...I'll start with this...before long I am so into it I just can't stop! At the moment I am doing 2 hour long home workouts just because I am loving it so much!

So, the challenge! It's is for anyone who wants to just get into the healthy/fitness mode. Anyone can join in and I would really love it if you told me you were doing it! Facebook/email/twitter whatever works for you.

Each day I will post a different challenge. The idea is that these are for those people who want to get started with exercise so they aren't long workouts...but if you do want to keep going there are lots more workouts on my Facebook page.

Complete the below workout on Monday....at whatever time suits you.....Good luck : )

Rachael
rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com

The Results

Below are some pictures of people's success stories whilst using the Juice Plus+ Products. They have helped s many people including myself! Starting on Juice Plus has made such a massive difference in my life...from feeling healthier...looking better...and feeling good within!

Lets start with my own success story. The first pic was taken on 3rd April 2013...I started my detox on the 15th April and stayed on that for a little while before going on to the Shakes and Capsules. This second picture was taken 6 weeks (1 week ago) and I will be uploading another one next week.

Here is one for the guys!

One for the yummy mummies!

First picture was taken in November 2012 whilst still pregnant. 2nd photo is is February until now! Amazing progress.

Results of the capsules/skin complexion..

For more info take a look at the website. Join me on Facebook. Or send me an email!

Rachael
RachaelJuicePlus@gmail.com

Week 7

Hello!

I woke up today to a lovely surprise of an extra 6lbs lost : ) I didn't weigh myself last week as I seemed to have got stuck on the same weight for a couple of weeks so I thought I'd wait a little...6lbs lighter! wohoo!

Last week I ate very well however only managed to do 2 exercise sessions. So my aim this week is to fit in at least 4! Without fail! I had a really busy and tiring week last week and by Sunday I was actually dieing to indulge!!

When I say indulge....I don't crave the naughty things I used to crave on a indulging Sunday...before it was cookies..cupcakes....doughnuts... Anything sweet! But I just crave lots of food...but healthy food! It's a very strange thing to crave healthy foods....weirdo!

So yesterday (Sunday) I had my usual shakes in the morning/ lunch and in the evening I had Roast Lamb! I am salivating at the thought! Roast lamb, lots of veg like carrots, peppers, onion, parsnip, courgette..and boiled potatoes. Yum! Yum! Yum!

I also felt very much in need of a nice relaxing alcoholic drink, so I went for a gin and tonic (one of the more healthier drink options). Apparently, vodka and soda water is a 0 calorie drink, haven't tried that yet though.


For pudding I had blueberries and strawberries with Greek yogurt along with some melon.

What a great meal! I wasn't stuffed though which was nice, just felt complete : )

Looking forward to this week as I have more time to exercise and plan and research some different yummy meals.

I have also had a lot of people sign up to Juice Plus+ over the weekend so I am really glad my health craze is inspiring people! If you haven't already, join my Facebook page to keep inspired/motivated.

Stay healthy!

Rachael
Rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com

Capsules and Chewables

The Juice Pus+ capsules and chewables are a convenient and inexpensive way to add more wholefood-based nutrition to your diet. They contains concentrated juice powders from 26 different fruit, vegetables and berries where each ingredient is specially selected to provide us with the widest possible range of nutritional benefits.

Juice PLUS+® is not a substitute for eating more fruits and vegetables - but it certainly helps bridge the gap between what we should eat and what we really eat. Include Juice PLUS+® as part of your healthy lifestyle to achieve optimal health.

The benefits can include: -

Increased Energy making it possible to train harder

Increased Recovery from training
Cleanse the liver
Reduce Stress (Cortisol)
Increase antioxidants
Improve Fatigue
Reduce Inflammation by 41%
Strengthen Hair & Nails
Reduce Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
Improve Skin Complex
Reduce risk of disease… Diabetes, Cancer, Heart etc

There have been SO many success stories from people taking the capsules and chewables from things such as getting rid of acne, helping with depression, skin problems (eczema/psoriasis), massively increased energy, people noticing that they dont get ill as often (lets focus on prevention of illness by improving your bodies nutrition intake rather than curing illness) and so many more. 

There are 3 different flavours:

Juice PLUS+® Fruit Blend is created from: apples, oranges, pineapple, peaches, cranberries, papaya, acerola cherry, dates and prunes.

Juice PLUS+® Vegetable Blend is: beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kale, spinach,
parsley, garlic and tomato.

Juice PLUS+® Vineyard Blend contains: Concord grape, raspberry, blueberry,
redcurrant, cranberry, blackcurrant, blackberry,
elderberry and bilberry.

For those people who cannot or do not like to take capsules, the Juice PLUS+® Premium Soft Chewables
contain the Juice PLUS+® fruit, vegetables and berries powder blends in a delicious chewable format.

The Juice PLUS+® Fruit and Vegetable Soft Chewables are also a good solution for children,
who are able to benefit from the Juice PLUS+® powders more conveniently

To discuss the capsules and chewables further please email me rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page. 

To find out info on other Juice Plus+ products such as the shakes, click here.

Juice Plus+ Products - The Shakes!

Here is some info on the Juice Plus+ Shakes which are called 'Juice Plus+ Complete'.

Most of my Juice Plus+ takers use these as meal supplements along with a calorie controlled diet. I have been using them for 6 weeks and have lost over a stone and everyone I know on them has seen amazing differences very quickly.

For weight loss, you take these twice a day along with a healthy meal in the evening and a couple of healthy snacks between meals.

What is in it?

Isoflavones
Did you know that soy is not just an exceptional source of proteins but also of isoflavones? Isoflavone rich foods have been shown to have some benefit in helping to maintain women's health. One serving of Complete provides 24 mg of isoflavones.

Proteins
Proteins are needed to build body tissues and other extremely important substances such as enzymes, antibodies and hormones. The protein content of Juice PLUS+® Complete is exclusively of vegetable origin (non GM soya, tofu, rice and chickpea) of high biological value.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a source of energy and sugars are a form of carbohydrates. Today foods containing carbohydrates can be evaluated according to their Glycaemic Index (GI). GI's range from low to high. Low GI foods generally break down slowly, helping to provide steady energy release and better balanced blood sugar, and thus are recommended in the diet. Juice PLUS+® Complete contains carbohydrates which have a low glycaemic index. The carbohydrate in Complete comes from fructose, maltodextrins, inulin and oligosaccharides from fructose.

Fibre
Fibre has a great role in nutrition. It helps to maintain a healthy digestive system, which is important to maintain overall general health and well-being. Juice PLUS+® Complete contains fibre of natural origin,
among which are oat and rice bran, cellulose, pectin and dried apple peel. One portion of Juice PLUS+® Complete Vanilla made up with skimmed milk provides 3.7g of fibre. While Chocolate Complete contains 4.5g of fibre when mixed with skimmed milk.

Juice PLUS+® original powders
The Juice PLUS+® Complete formula is the only nutritional beverage containing the Juice PLUS+® 17 different fruits and vegetables juice powders, providing the added benefit of the phytonutrients found in the powders.


Juice PLUS+® Complete brings a new dimension to our everyday nutritional habits and thanks to its convenience it is particularly suitable for busy people!


Once you are at a happy weight (or if you already are) you can use Juice Plus+ Compltete in addition to your usual nutrition at breakfast, as a snack or as an energising drink.

Sports
As well as weight loss, Juice Plus+ is really popular with Sports people.
Used as a pre-exercise energy drink: Juice PLUS+® Complete contains carbohydrates which have a low glycaemic index and can assist in longer, more intense workouts. It is ideal as a post-workout recovery drink: replenish your energy levels after exercise with Juice PLUS+® Complete's balance of
carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals.


If you would like to contact me to find out more information please email me rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com or visit my Facebook page.

To find out info on other Juice Plus+ products such as the capsules and chewables, click here.

My Juice Plus+ Story So Far...

I first heard about Juice Plus+ through a friend. I saw the amazing results she was getting and I was instantly interested! It took me a bit of time before I actually made the move to change my lifestyle. I was cautious of things like Will it work for me? Will I stick to it? Will I be able to afford it? Well, I can now safely say it was the best decision I ever made!

I have always been a size 10-12 and although interested in eating healthily and exercising, never that motivated. I also had a lot of issues with my energy. I would often find myself completely lacking in energy and I would often get dizzy spells.

So, I decided to make that change! I am quite an organised person and I really enjoyed reading all the information that was sent to me and planning my meals for the first week. The first couple of weeks were a detox stage however it's not what you think...it's not starving yourself or drinking only liquids, it is just simply eating healthily! I really enjoyed this process although to be honest I did get a little obsessed with the recipes and probably spent a lot more money on food then I needed to! I was having a fancy healthy recipe every night when infact a simple fish, vegetables and boiled potatoes would have done!

In the detox stage I didn't actually do any regular exercise. Although I did feel great from eating so healthily I still wasn't brain motivated  - I struggle with this! Once I get going I'm really into it but it takes me a while to get exercise mad! The detox stage was great. It was just simply re-training your diet to be healthy, understanding what foods are good etc. I lost 6lbs in the 2 weeks I was on detox. Result!

When my Juice Plus+ Capsules and shakes arrived I waited until a Monday to start as Monday is my day off so I knew I would have time each week to assess how I was doing, re-plan my meals etc.

I have to say this first day was actually really difficult. I had my morning shake (Vanilla, Soya Milk and Blueberries) it was lovely. I also took the Capsules, great. I had a morning snack (oatcakes and avocado), lunch (Shake of banana and choc), afternoon snack (nuts and raisins) and for dinner I had the Portabello Mushroom recipe (listed in my Healthy Recipes section) which was ridiculously yummy! So I ate well....but when it got to the evening I struggled.....I just wanted to keep eating!!!!!!! I text my friend Allan who is also on the diet and had been for a few weeks and he said just keep drinking water and you will get through it, it's just your body getting used to it all. And he was right. I powered through and I literally haven't had a single hard day since. The beauty of this diet is that you are not starving yourself, you are eating regularly and healthily so you never go hungry.

After a week I had got in the swing of the eating side and I was shedding pounds however there was something missing...exercise! I was very aware that my body was changing and I didn't want to end up with any loose ends : ) So...how to make my brain exercise motivated.... I had seen a lot of home workouts posted on the Juice Plus+ group and I noticed alot of them were based around situps and jumping jacks, so as I work at home on a Wednesday I thought I would set myself a challenge (as I knew my brain would react to this!) I decided every hour on the hour I would do 30 situps and 30 jumping jacks. It was immense!!!!! I was feeling amazing by the end of the day, shattered but amazing....and I did have to work an extra half hour as it actually took up a fair bit of time lol But that was it, brain engaged....lets workout!!

About 3-4 mornings a week I am following some of the home workouts and working out for about an hour and a half (getting up early!). I started with just doing 1 workout like this:

But then I wanted more!!! So I now combine them, like this for example:

I am totally in the workout mode!


Now in my 6th week, I have lost over a stone. I am loving food (healthy food), and I am LOVING exercise!!!!

I am a little nervous about putting up my before and after (well mid way) pic...but hopefully below will give you an idea.

This is a pic of me taken before Juice Plus+ (I know it's not an underwear one but you get the idea)

and this is me this week, on a video shoot.

My energy levels are amazing, I never get my dizzy spells any more and my make up artist (I'm a performer) has commented on how different and amazing my skin is. RESULT!

I have still got further to go to reach my goal but I am totally in the Juice Plus+ flow and loving it. I think even when I have finished the plan I will keep it in my life as it is amazing.

My advice to anyone on it would be:

Be strong - stick to it, it's so worth it!!!
If you do have to have time off the plan then make it work...last weekend I went on a hen do, so there was no time for shakes however I kept up with the capsules, drank mainly gin and tonics (the healthiest alcoholic drink I could find!) and chose my meals with my healthy head on. I thought I would be a lot more naughty and take the time to pig out a little, but I actually didn't want naughty foods. I craved goodness!

Don't compare yourself to others. This was my main issue. I was seeing all these success stories and thinking, she's lost a stone in 2 weeks, why haven't I??? Everyone looses weight in different ways. Look at how it is working for you, you will definitely see results!!!

Don't obsess over numbers/inches. Weigh yourself every 1-2 weeks. Make sure it is first thing in the morning, straight after a wee! Make sure you are wearing the same outfit/or nothing each week. And make sure your scales are on a flat surface and in the same area each week. The other day I weighed myself in a different room in my house and it said something different to what it did in the kitchen!!??? It was only a matter of a couple of lbs but it did make me panic!

Understand how YOU work! If you are not the kind of person who likes going out for a run, then don't! Start with some home workouts! I am this person....I started with home workouts and now I actually enjoy going out for a run...mad eh!?


I am now working for Juice Plus+ because I find it so inspiring and I want to help people like it has helped me. I have a page on Facebook if you would like to check it out or get in touch : )

Stay healthy!


Rachael
rachaeljuiceplus@gmail.com

Recipes

I have been using the below meals alongside my Juice Plus+ shakes (2 a day with a healthy meal in the evening). I feel amazing and have discovered a new love for food! I don't even crave the bad things any more, I just crave yummy goodness!

Take a look at the recipes below, these are my favourites. I have made a few notes to go with them...

Portabella Sandwich Stack with Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients
4 Portabella Caps
2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
1 boneless, skinless chicken cutlet, cooked (and cut into two pieces)
2 slices of tomato
1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
2 slices cooked turkey bacon, or bacon of choice
3 tablespoons guacomole
Directions:
- Scoop out the gills and stem gently from the underside of the mushrooms.
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet and cook mushrooms for about 3-5 minutes on
each side or until the mushrooms turn golden brown on the top and become
tender.
-Remove the mushrooms from the pan.
- On one mushroom, pile on cooked chicken, turkey bacon, tomato, spinach,
and 1 ½ tbsp guacamole. Top with the other mushroom.
- Repeat with other mushrooms. Then cut in half or eat whole, and enjoy!

This has got to be my favourite meal! Soooo yummy! N.B. Don't forget the Sweet Potato Chips!!!


Stuffed Peppers

This was really yummy too! It looks like it needs something to go with it but it doesn't! There is anough going on inside the pepper!

Clean Curry

Ingredients:

1 large onion

6 garlic cloves roughly chopped

50g ginger roughly chopped

4 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp fennel seeds

5cm cinnamon stick

1 tsp chilli flakes

1tsp garam masala

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp honey

400g chopped tomatoes

8 chicken thighs, skinned, boneless (about 800g)

250ml hot chicken stock

2 tbsp chopped corriander

METHOD

Roughly chop the onion, transfer to a small food processor and add 3 tablespoons of water - process to a slack paste. You could use a stick blender for this or coarsely grate the onion into a bowl (there is no need to add any water if you are grating the onion). Tip into a small bowl and leave on one side.

Put the chopped garlic and ginger into the same food processor and add 4 tbsp of water - process until smooth and spoon into another small bowl. Alternatively, crush the garlic to a paste with a knife or a gralic press and finely grate the ginger.

Heat the oil in a wok or sturdy pan set over a medium heat. Combine the cumin and fennel seeds with the cinnamon and chilli flakes and add to the pan in one go. Swirl everything around for about 30 seconds until the spices release a fragrant aroma. 

Add the onion paste - it will splutter in the beginning. Fry until the water evaporates and the onion turns to a lovely dark golden - this should take about 7-8 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger paste and cook for another 2 mins, stirring all the time.

Stir in the garam masala, turmeric and honey and continue cooking for 20 secs before tipping in the tomatoes. Continue cooking on a medium heat for about 10 mins without a lid until the tomatoes reduce and darken.

Cut the chicken thighs into 3cm chunks and add to the pan once the tomatoes have thickened to a paste. Cook for 5 mins to coast the chicken in masala and seal in the juices, and then pour over the hot chicken stock. Simmer for 8-10 mins without a lid until the chicken is tender and the masala lightly thickened. You might need to add an extra ladleful of stock or water if the curry needs it. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and serve.

Love this dish! So when you are next craving a curry...go for this one! A clean curry : ) I had it without any carbs and I didn't think it really needed anything else? On my second time making this I used chicken breasts instead of thighs and much preferred it. There does seem to be a lot of chicken in the above ingredients but it did provide about 4 portions, if not more. 

Ratatoulli
Ingredients :
-1 zucchini
-1 eggplant
-1 red pepper
-1 onion
-3 garlic cloves
-2 tablespoons of herbes de provence (mixture of dried herbs: rosemary, basil, thyme, etc.)
-1 can of chopped tomatoes (400 grams)
-Olive oil
Instructions :
-Chop up zucchini, eggplant, red pepper, onion and garlic.
-Sauté zucchini and eggplant in olive oil. After a few minutes of cooking, add the red
pepper, onion, garlic and herbes de provence.
-Once the vegetables are all cooked, add the can of tomato and simmer under lowmedium

heat for 20 minutes.

I had this when I was on my detox stage of the Juice Plus+ plan. Before I actually tried this dish I was a little bit pessimistic about it...I'm very much a 'meat' person and a dish without meat scared me! However! It was lovely! I had it for dinner one evening and then again for lunch the next day (cold leftovers) Yum Yum Yum!

Salmon burgers
Ingredients (2 servings)
– 100 g smoked salmon
- 250 g salmon
- 1/2 (red) onion
- black pepper and salt
- a bit of fresh coriander
Directions:
- cut the salmon and smoked salmon in little pieces (or cut shortly in a food
processor)
- put in a bowl together with the chopped onion and fresh chopped corander
and mix
- add the black pepper and a bit of salt
- make 2 burgers
- bake them in a non-stick pan for around 10 mins
- Serve

I have never really been that into fish however since starting this lifestyle change I have got rather hooked on it (excuse the pun...!) I usually have the above meal with 50g of brown rice.

I have really enjoyed my lifestyle change and am very much loving being a Juice Plus+ user. I feel amazing, so much energy and have already lost lot's of pounds (in weight). It is amazing waking up every day and feeling so healthy and raring to go. 

Enjoy the meals, would love to know what you think : )

Rachael