HEALTH

 Due to 3 major stomach surgeries, I learned, at  a very early age, 

9 months old and again 2 operations at 24 years old, that money cannot buy you good health. 

It  is up to me to show habitual discipline and manage my own health for free.

That was proven on multiple occasions in the summer of 2022, 50 years later, when I had a heat stroke and brain stroke. 

Learning to function on so many simple tasks is tackled in my eBook, "Stroke Striving Thriving".

The key aspects to success have been a top food regime, good hydration, sleep and regular exercise.

Juicing

Some 40 plus years ago, I used to chat with a dear old guy, called Charlie, who was an avid advocate of juicing fresh fruits and vegetables. He was in his 70's and as spry as could be. 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. Love it!! My energy boost. 

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 granny smith apple, 1  lemon, 1 medium beet, 

cucumber, and an inch or more  of fresh ginger root.

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. We also have a cold press. 

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. Hundreds of years old.

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. Over recent years I have changed my original way of having jugs of herbal and 

vegetable juice in the fridge. I now freeze the juice concentrate in ice block trays and 

store the blocks in zip-lok bags in the freezer.

Then, the drink - each 60 oz jug has a good splash of apple cider vinegar, with Mother. 

I then add an ice block cube of cold-pressed ginger root juice, two cubes of smoothied lemon skin and flesh,

with two cubes of herbal concentrate - rosemary, basil, cilantro - boil in saucepan then freeze in ice block trays.

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.

Love the turnip and garlic one.