CLEANSES!

So, there have been many speculations on the truth behind the health benefits of detoxing cleanses. There are lots of different cleanses out there that are intended for varying health purposes.

This website lists cleanse options in order of popularity. I cannot vouch for any of these cleanses; however, I have tried Bragg's Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar.  According to Bragg's website (www.bragg.com), consuming Raw ACV contains both internal and external health benefits.

Internally:

• Rich in enzymes & potassium
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Helps control weight
• Promotes digestion & pH balance
• Helps soothe dry throat
• Helps remove body sludge toxins

Externally:

• Helps maintain healthy skin
• Helps promote youthful, healthy bodies
• Soothes irritated skin
• Relieves muscle pain from exercise

^ The stuff. ^

The Bragg company recommends you consume 2 tsp of ACV a day. It can be used in cooking, in dressings or sauces, put into a daily drink, or consumed as a "Bragg's health drink" which contains 1 tsp of ACV, 8 oz of hot water, and honey or maple syrup to taste. I've tried this and it is delicious and soothing. Be careful, though, it smells of feet...! Don't let it put you off, though. Bragg.com also recommends that, once a week, you only consume purified water and the apple cider vinegar health drink in order to mildly detox your body.

I've witnessed the benefits of ACV first hand. Better digestion, more energy, and healthy new habit I can feel good about. You can purchase it at the grocery store or any health food store. 

Hope you all found this somewhat informative! Please post comments or suggestions.

No. 1

Hey, you. This is the first entry of the blog. The aim of this blog is to help motivate myself and you to live better and be healthy. There is a history of health problems in my family, and I'm going to take as many preventative steps as I can early on in life. The entries will cover topics related to healthy eating and living. There won't be as much exercise advice on here, though. Because, well, I am lazy. Food, though, let's be honest here- I got that on lock.

As we all know, Netflix is revolutionary and the best thing to happen to technology in the 21st century. (Debatable, I know. Also, save for Apple products. Obviously.) One of the best things about Netflix is gaining FREE access to documentaries that, living in a small town, we may not have access to otherwise. There are many great food documentaries on Netflix such as Food Inc, King Corn, Food Matters, Fat, Sick, and Nearly dead, and the list goes on-- and I highly recommend all of them! 

The most recent food doc I watched was one called "Forks Over Knives." The documentary discussed the health benefits of following a whole foods, plant-based diet. Meaning, animal products such as eggs, milk, and meat are being significantly reduced or cut out all together. There are many facts and statistics discussed in the movie, and some may be biased or modified, but the overall idea of the film is that to prevent heart problems, diabetes, and other significant illnesses, one must put good in to get good out. 

Prevention with healthy food is 100% preferable now over five heart bypasses or hundreds of dollars in medication later in life. This is a fact that, as Americans, we should all be passionate about. The rising obesity rates are staggering, and the most simple solution is staring us right in the face- fresh, clean, simple ingredients, made with your own hands.

I've been vegetarian and vegan in the past, and I can safely say I will never return to veganism. However, I'm pledging now to make an effort to cut back significantly on my red meat intake and try to eat chicken only once a week. And here's hoping this poor college student can afford a good cut of salmon every now and again.

Forks Over Knives- available on Netflix instantplay. Give it a shot! And let me know what you think. Are you going to take any new, healthy measures in your life?