Fat, Sick and Sounds Like Me!
Earlier this year, as you may remember, I was having some real health issues. For periods of time I was feeling like something the cat dragged in through the back door — and that was on a good day. Very recently, that is starting to change for the better, thanks in part to a guy named Joe.
FAT, SICK, AND SOUNDS LIKE ME!
Several weeks ago Melissa and I watched the life-changing documentary, Fat Sick and Nearly Dead (again). No explanation is really needed as to why I found it of keen interest, I’ll assume.
It’s the story of Joe Cross, an Australian businessman who finds himself one day at 41 years old, almost 300 lbs, and on high dose steroids for a rare autoimmune condition. After 60 days, which are well chronicled in the film, all that has changed because of juicing. The story weaves in others’ lives as well, including an inspirational truck driver from Iowa who happens to have the same rare disease that Joe does. His results are amazing, as are Joe’s. The film is a must-see. You can find it free on Netflix or you can purchase it online in a great resource bundle. I’d encourage you to watch it, if you have any interest at all in getting healthier. As a matter of fact, stop right now and watch this Free Preview.
WE MADE A COMMITMENT
Melissa and I had seen the film before and been moved to investigate juicing, but didn’t take the leap to purchase a juicer and actually get started. This time we did, and while some of it takes some getting used to — all the extra fruits and veggies in quantity — I am so thankful that we made the commitment.
That commitment initially consisted of purchasing a quality juicer. We bought the Breville Ikon Juice Fountain Multispeed Juicer through Amazon.com. It was pricey, but it’s largely stainless steel and frankly most of us have paid much, much more for our TVs. If you’d like to check out this model, here’s a link via our Amazon affiliate program. By the way, if you purchase the DVD or a juicer through our Amazon link, at no extra cost to you, we receive a portion of the proceeds to support this website and podcast.
So far, we’ve been juicing for a few weeks and doing so pretty consistently. We’ve not replaced our meals (meaning we’ve not done a “reboot” yet. We’re just trying to eat healthier overall and doing so by adding the fresh juices to our diets.
For example, in my case, I typically skipped breakfast. I shouldn’t have but I did. Now, I’m adding a juice in the morning and taking it to the office with me. At night, instead of a soft drink or tea with my meal, I’m drinking a juice instead. Each batch of juice can vary in volume depending upon the ingredients, but they are typically 16-32 ounces each. Melissa’s juice intake has been similar to mine, if not a bit more because she’s at home most days and has ready access to the juicer.
A typical Morning Juice that I take to the office with me consists of the following:
- 2 – Apples (halved)
- 2 – Oranges (peeled)
- 2 – Carrots (whole)
- 2 – Celery stalks (whole)
- 1 – Spinach leaves (cup)
- a bit of fresh Ginger for bite
Now if I had to eat all of that whole, there is no way I could do that for breakfast. By juicing them, you get all the goodness … just in a glass.
DISCUSSED BENEFITS OF JUICING
According to Joe’s official website, “Juicing offers many life-enhancing health benefits including a faster, more efficient way to absorb immune boosting nutrients naturally found in fruits and vegetables. It provides a way to access digestive enzymes typically locked away in the fiber matrix of whole fruits and vegetables. Most commercial juices are processed and lacking in nutrition while freshly juiced fruits and vegetables are loaded with an abundance of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.”
“How does it work? Juicing removes the insoluble fiber from vegetables and fruits. While fiber is an established, important part of an overall healthy diet, removing the insoluble fiber allows for increased absorption of specific health promoting phytonutrients including enzymes, while the soluble fiber persists into the juice. By removing the fibers and consuming fruits and vegetables in liquid form, we are providing a nutrient delivery system to our bodies that allows individuals who would otherwise have difficulty consuming whole vegetables, the opportunity to reap the numerous benefits vegetables have to offer.”
EARLY RESULTS
What’s the result been? I can honestly say that I feel better already.
I’m not turning cartwheels in the parking lot at the office or anything, but I do feel better. My energy level is up, my pants are already looser, and I’m optimistic about what else will come of this dietary change that my wife and I are making together. Of course, none of this would be possible without the example that Joe Cross has shared with millions around the globe. Thanks, Joe.
As a side note, because of our commitment to “eat locally”, we try to purchase our produce from local sources, including the Slow Food Pee Dee / Florence Downtown farmers market (Wednesdays, 3:00-7:30 PM). Buying local is not always possible, but we try our best and hope you do as well.
TO JUICE OR NOT TO JUICE?
Should you try juicing? I don’t know. If you add juice as a dietary supplement like we are, I’d say “Yes, that’s a no-brainer.” On the other hand, if you go for the reboot of juice only for a certain number of days, I’d say “Maybe.” You might want to check with your doctor first, because it constitutes a major change in diet for most of us.
Also, before you buy a juicer you might want to check with family or friends about the possibility of borrowing one. We were ready for the investment, but if you’re not, don’t let that stop you from reaching for the benefits of juicing.
NOW, TELL JOE WHAT YOU KNOW …
If you’ve been inspired in any way by Fat Sick and Nearly Dead, please let Joe (and me) know. You can RT the tweet below or send your own. This was mine from earlier today:
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About the Author
Kevin Barron is a husband, father, self-described geek, and enthusiastic founder of PeeDeeFoodie.com. He also hosts its companion podcast, the Pee Dee Food Show, which can be found on iTunes and the blog. Learn more about Kevin under the Contributors tab above.Thanks for reading PeeDeeFoodie.com™
That documentary left my jaw on the floor. I juiced for a while after watching it, but I would need to go off and stay in a secluded apartment to go through the withdrawals and stuff like the guy in the documentary did LOL I was NOT a real pleasant person to be around. I did replace breakfast for a while though, and that was great, but I would be ravenously hungry an hour later. Maybe I was juicing the wrong thing.
IF you DO the reboot you must let me know!
Would you get the same benefits from using a Vita-mix instead, that pulverizes the whole fruit or vegetable?
