I wanted to take a few minutes to share a recipe for a green juice that will work well for those of you just beginning to juice.
But first, I thought I’d give a quick update for my juice fast so far.
Day 1: I woke up with a sore throat. Ouch. I fasted, but with difficulty swallowing, didn’t drink nearly enough juice or water.
Day 2: Sore throat and now a cough. Still didn’t feel well, but juiced twice and sipped water and hot herbal tea. Started using essential oils to treat whatever this is. A friend stopped by with a big full of herbal remedies.
Day 3: It’s official, I’m sick. Wheezing, coughing, throat still sore. Still attempting to juice, but not drinking nearly enough.
Day 4: Still sick, wheezing worse. Started steroids. Continuing to mostly juice, but tonight I also had soup and a handful of crackers. I will not consider this a failure. I am still mostly fasting.
Day 5: Pretty much a repeat of day 4.
Day 6: Starting to feel better, but weather is crazy cold today and I cannot get warm. Complete juice fast has resumed though.
Day 7: Feel like a new girl. Loving the juice, but the steroids are wreaking havoc with my appetite!
Day 8: Today was a good day. It’s the last day of steroids. I weighed in this morning and saw a 6 lb weight loss, which is always encouraging. Happy to begin really detoxing (steroids!) all this junk from my body.
The last time I fasted, I was feeling really good by this time. Most of the symptoms of detox had passed and I was in a good place mentally and spiritually. I do feel a little bit derailed by this illness. But I am not defeated.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
I know that technically I had 2 days where I consumed some food. But because I still mostly fasted those 2 days, and considering the circumstances, I am going to keep right on counting my fasting days from January 1. No guilt. No shame. No regrets either. I am counting it all joy and moving forward.
And now for some juice . . .
Here’s a recipe for a juice I made several times this week. It is clean and fresh, mild in flavor, a great juice for a beginner. If you are just beginning to juice, it may take a few days for your taste buds to really start enjoying the taste of green juices, so beginning with a milder flavored juice (usually from using a milder green, like spinach) may be exactly what you need for success.
2 large handfuls baby spinach
few sprigs parsley
2 granny smith apples
2 ribs celery
1/2 english cucumber
1/2 lemon
This yielded about 20 oz. for me.
Just one more thing. I wanted to make sure you all saw the beautiful Scripture and Prayer Journal for Juice Fasts that my friend, Laurie created for you all. It was a real encouragement to me last week when I was feeling so icky. It’s completely free, so be sure to click over and grab it.
Happy juicing!