Due to 3 major surgeries, I learned, at a very early age, that money cannot buy you good health.
It is up to me to show discipline and manage my own health for free.
Some 40 years ago, I used to chat with a dear old guy, called Charlie, who was an avid advocate of juicing fresh fruits and vegetables. I was skeptical. He could not convince me that it would help me, while I worked 7 days a week, 20 hours a day, running my restaurant.
However, Charlie being the top salesman, that he was, had another strategy.
One day Charlie visited me and placed half a dozen large carrots, two apples and two oranges on the counter
and greeted me with a smile, and, "Here, eat these".
I said, "No way, Charlie, there's no way that I can eat them". That was precisely what he wanted me to say.
Right then he came in with his punchline, "You're right. You can't eat them, but you can drink them".
He then opened up a small box and pulled out his old, well-worn, pale yellow, juicer.
A few minutes later, we had a container of juice that he insisted that I drink.
All the while, he was standing there, with his triumphant smile lighting up the room.
I have been a juice-addict ever since.
One of the greatest books out there to fully explain the benefits of juicing is "Juicing For Health" by Julie Stafford.
As well as a comprehensive introduction to the subject of juicing,
it provides an extensive overview of the benefits of each fruit and vegetable and the ailments
that they can eliminate or minimize. It is a truly incredible book.
My favorite juice recipe is 1 lb carrots, 4 sticks of celery, 1 apple, 1 lemon, 1 small/medium beet,
cucumber, and an inch or more of fresh ginger root.
It gives me a super charge of energy for my day.
Juicing machines come in a wide range of prices. It is not necessary to pay the earth for a juicer.
Our favorite brand, due to its ease of cleaning, is the Waring Juicer ProJEX328.
Herbal Tea
I love green tea... jasmine tea...
Sitting peacefully in my garden are fresh herbs that I add to various recipes and dishes.
Sometimes, I make myself a mug of tea using the oregano, sage or thyme from our garden.
Sometimes, I add a small amount of honey, with a dash of fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (with Mother).
I always seem to have more clarity, feeling of well-being and an awareness within myself,
when I have sipped away a mug of my healthy tea.
When you have a few free minutes, simply search the internet for the health benefits associated with various herbs.
You will be pleasantly surprised at the amazing benefits they provide.
Swamp Water
Yes, that's what my dear wife calls my fantastic herbal tonic. Swamp Water!!! HUH!!
(hush... she actually has started drinking it herself... LOL)
This is my amazing health drink. I make about 2 gallons of this concentrate every 7-10 days.
I start off by feeding 1 1/2 - 2 lb of fresh ginger root into a food processor. Make a fine pulp.
Boil it for 35-40 minutes in about 2 gallons of water.
Then I add a full colander of whatever fresh, washed herbs that are available from our garden;
at least 4 - fresh oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, cilantro or mint.
I boil the brew for a further 10 minutes then allow it to steep.
While still very warm, I pour through a sieve into 2 large glass bottles,
adding a cup of apple cider vinegar (with "Mother") to each bottle.
Once cooled, I store the large jars in my fridge. Use throughout the day.
Just 1/4 fill a glass and add water or some low calorie fruit drink..
Such a refreshing, health-beneficial and enjoyable drink.
Fermented Vegetables
Been having fun making my own fermented vegetable recipes.
My first try was grated carrot and ginger and a combination of sliced turnip and radishes,
with mustard seeds and chili flakes.
My first sauerkraut was with caraway seeds in it.
Have just made another sauerkraut batch with dill and chili flakes.