I’m Just Adding Some Good Stuff! A real life story from one of our followers…

Lee Johnson is a #1 best-selling author, ghostwriter and ‘book enabler’ who lives in West Vancouver, Canada.  Lee’s one of our most avid followers since the inception of Just Add Good Stuff and so we thought we would ask him to write a personal story about how he has transformed his life through better health, diet and exercise.  Here is Lee’s real life story (thanks Lee for your ongoing support!):
 

I’m Just Adding Some Good Stuff!

 
I think many people these days are realizing that the computer principle of GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) also applies to what we put into our bodies. If we continue to feed ourselves junk food with low nutritional value and laced with a cocktail of dubious chemicals, we should not be surprised by the inevitable results: obesity, malnutrition, deficiencies, and diseases.

In recent years some of my friends have opted for a healthier lifestyle, with increased levels of exercise and wiser food choices. Some have gone further, becoming vegetarians and vegans, and one of them also runs a company producing hemp seed products.

Mmmmm, I think to myself; do I really want to do that? On the one hand I totally get it: if I want to live longer and enjoy a good quality of life, I need to watch what I eat.  And increasingly over the past few years, I have done that. Plus, I need exercise… particularly because as a writer i spend most of my day sitting at a computer… and so I made a commitment to walk at least 5 km every day. And I do that.

On the other hand, I’m not yet ready to discard all remnants of my old lifestyle. I still love boerewors and biltong (traditional South African spicy sausage and jerky-type dried meat), although now I probably eat them only every couple of months. I love taking my partner to De Dutch for a pancake breakfast, but again, that doesn’t happen more than two or three times a year. And I must even admit that a couple of times a year I will buy a small box of Timbits or a sausage and egg McMuffin.

So, yes – I have definitely made some good, positive changes to my diet and lifestyle. And, while I am still reluctant to make the transition to vegan or vegetarian, I have taken the advice of my friend Mike to heart. I am ‘just adding good stuff’.

Here’s what I do: instead of making a dramatic swing to ‘the other side’, I just try to make small changes, one baby step at a time. For instance:

– I still have cereal in the morning, but now I use almond milk. I used to LOVE dairy, but now I’ve cut that out completely.

– On top of my cereal I slice up a banana and sprinkle a mixture of nuts and seeds: flax, chia, sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

– I have stopped using sugar altogether (after years of taking 3 spoons of sugar in my coffee). Now, coffee tastes even better.

– I don’t drink pop (except an ice cold Coke once or twice a year when I have a real craving — I was once Creative Director for an ad agency handling the Coca-Cola account!) and now only drink fruit juice diluted in 70% water.

– In my wallet I carry a list of superfoods, and each time I go shopping, I cross off one ‘bad’ thing and make sure I buy one ‘good’ thing. Quite literally, I am ‘just adding good stuff’.

There are more things I could add, but I think you get the picture. I still give in to the occasional craving for a slice of pizza or a choc-dipped ice cream cone, but in small baby steps, I know my diet and my lifestyle is becoming healthier all the time.
 
And right now, that’s good enough for me.

Lee Johnson

Click here to connect with Lee!

“Lee Johnson is a #1 best-selling author, ghostwriter and ‘book enabler’ who guarantees you a published book in 4 months or less.”

RECIPE > Watermelon Blueberry Gazpacho Recipe

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, eating watermelon is synonymous with sunny and warm summer days!  So this is exactly the type of gazpacho we’ve come to love.  Introducing our refreshing, crisp and summery Waterlemon Blueberry Gazpacho recipe!  And for those in the Southern Hemisphere, summer is just around the corner, so clip this recipe and enjoy it in a couple of months when organic watermelon and blueberries are in season!
 

Watermelon Blueberry Gazpacho Recipe

 
Please share with your friends and family!
 

Servings: enough for a starter gazpacho for 10 people
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes

Here are the ingredients for the Watermelon Blueberry Gazpacho Recipe:

5 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1/4 inch dice (preferably organic)

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice (preferably organic)

1 medium cucumber peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice (preferably organic)

1/3 – 1 cup red wine or fruit infused vinegar

1/2 – 1 cup cilantro, basil and/or mint leaves, chopped (preferably organic)

1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced (preferably organic)

1/2 medium red onion, chopped (preferably organic)

1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped (preferably organic)

1/2 medium orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped (preferably organic)

1/3 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (preferably organic)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 ripe Hass avocado, peeled and cut into slivers (preferably organic)

Here are the preparation directions for the Watermelon Blueberry Gazpacho:

Step 1: Pureé 4 cups of the watermelon, the blueberries, half of the cucumber, and the vinegar in a blender or food processor.

Step 2: Add all but 1 tablespoon of cilantro with the onion, yellow pepper, orange pepper, red pepper and jalapeño. Then process until finely chopped.

Step 3: Pour into a bowl and stir in the remaining watermelon and  cucumber. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Step 4: Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours and up to 5 hours.

Step 5: Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with avocado and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled.

Of course, Just Add Good Stuff promotes healthy, organic and raw foods as much as possible … so the closer it is to its natural state, the better and more nutritious the ingredients will be for your mind and body.
 
Here are some photos of the end result!
 

Top 4 Foods for a Gentle and Safe Detox Program!

 
Did you know that a typical human is exposed to more than 2,000,000 toxins every day? Yes, read that again … that’s over 2 million toxins per day. From air pollution to plastics and from body care products to even the foods we eat, toxins are everywhere. Of course, many of these toxins don’t affect our daily routines, but over the course of days, weeks and years, these toxins will play a significant role in your health and well-being.
 
In order to get rid of these toxins, we need to detoxify our bodies. To many people, detox or detoxification is a scary process as many detox programs have bad side effects. Luckily, there are great foods and super foods that help us gently detoxify our bodies in a more natural way. Below are 4 foods for a gentle and safe detox.
 

 

Gentle Detox Food #1 > Detox with Wheatgrass!

 
Long considered a superfood (also check out our Just Add Good Stuff Wheatgrass infographic for nutritional info), wheatgrass is one of the best and safest detox foods in the world. This versatile detoxifier can be found at most grocery stores –OR- preferably, you can easily grow it yourself. You can purchase a wheatgrass growing kit from Amazon or from a local health food store. Add it to your cold pressed juice for optimal detox effects.
 

 

Safe Detox Food #2 > Detox with Cilantro!

 
Not many people know this, but cilantro is a great herb that also serves as a gentle detox super food. You can find many types of cilantro at the local grocery store (or you can grow it yourself in a herb garden). The versatility is unmatched as you can use cilantro by cooking it, juicing it or just eating it raw. Cilantro detoxifies the body by taking out mercury and other heavy metals, which is amazing. As well, cilantro also has many other antifungal and antibacterial properties that will fight infection and reduce inflammation in combination with detoxifying your body very quickly.
 

 

Gentle Detox Food #3 > Detox with Pectin Rich Foods!

 
This natural detox agent is found in many fruits that we already eat. From bananas and grapes to citrus fruits and apples, pectin is a perfect detox agent that is both safe and very gentle on your digestive system and body. Pectin itself aids in the removal of toxins and heavy metals much like cilantro. It’s best to incorporate pectin into your cold pressed juice or smoothie by adding natural and organic fruits versus pectin products which may be laced with other ingredients such as MSG.
 

 

Safe Detox Food #4 > Detox with Greens!

 
From chlorella to spirulina and from alfalfa sprouts to parsley, these types of greens detoxify your body and remove chelating heavy metals. Much like everything we promote at Just Add Good Stuff, adding greens into your diet is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
 
These are some of the best and safest foods to detox your body. Remember though, the key is also to limit the number of toxins that we drink and eat. So by eating well, we will reduce the amount of toxins that we need to get rid of in the first place!

I’M VEGAN… AND I’M GLUTEN-FREE!

 
It’s unbelievable how quickly time flies by. It’s now been close to 7 months since I went vegan and 4 months since I’ve gone gluten-free. I must admit that I am and feel healthier than ever and I’m so grateful for the incredible support from strangers, friends and family. It’s an experience that has changed my physical and mental health, diet, fitness and general well-being. Plus, it’s been a lot of FUN! This blog post is just an update on where I am in my quest for optimal health and well-being, some of the health benefits I’ve encountered, interesting things I’ve learned in the past six months and your most favourite Just Add Good Stuff Series posts. My May update on going vegan is located here.

My Vegan & Gluten-Free Experience > Revisiting the 10 Original Personal Benefits

 
In May, I updated my followers on 10 unexpected personal benefits since going vegan and I’m really happy to report that all of those things are getting even better.

1. I continue to sleep a lot better… sometimes up to 6-8 hours a night (compared with 1-2 hours before this year)
2. I’ve had only 1 migraine all year (and that was due to drinking too much the night before!)
3. Allergies to pollen, temperature and altitude change have gradually decreased.
4. My body weight has remained constant. The myths about the lack of plant based protein sources and complete amino acids in whole foods is really, just a myth.
5. My body fat content continues to drop. Still healthy though but seem more ripped.
6. I still haven’t had to take a nap in the afternoon. I don’t get the extreme tiredness at all nor the sugar spikes and troughs through the day.
7. My teeth are still white.
8. My digestion is consistent and healthy.
9. I’m more patient and a lot less anxious and it seems to be getting even better
10. My skin is still clear of acne and my hair is growing back. How’s that for a health benefit!

5 More Unexpected Health Benefits

 
In addition to the previous 10 unexpected personal benefits, I’ve also noticed a few more health benefits of note. They include:

1. I’m more focussed. I’ve always been efficient and focused when it comes to work and decision making, but since I’ve gone vegan, I find that I am less easily distracted and can focus for longer periods of time. Because of that, I’m more efficient and can get more work done within a shorter time frame.
2. I’m more positive and grateful for my health. Going both gluten-free and vegan has given me a more positive outlook on my health and well-being. By knowing that I’m doing everything possible to reduce my risk of disease and inflammation, I’m also focussing on being more positive throughout all facets of my life. This is a great mental health benefit.
3. My skin is smoother and healthier looking. I used to get really dry skin but since I’ve gone gluten free and vegan, it has a more natural hue and is more ‘radiant’. This is probably because I have a good balance of essential oils, minerals and vitamins in my diet that keeps my skin healthy and hydrated. Plus, I don’t even use any skin moisturizer.
4. My instances of bloating and cramps has diminished significantly. After decades of abusing my body through bad diet, I believe my body needed time to readjust and rid itself of all the toxins and build-up of bad cholesterol, fat and undigested or semi-digested food. After 5 months of veganism, I hardly get any bloating or stomach cramps. I believe my body has fully adjusted to this new whole foods plant based diet.
5. I feel as though I can conquer any challenge and face any adversity in my life now. The mental focus, discipline, constant action and commitment to health, diet and fitness has taught me a lot about what I am capable of doing and being. This has been one of the most important life lessons that I will never forget from my vegan experience.

My Vegan Experience > 5 Interesting Things I’ve Encountered and Learned Since Going Vegan

1. More people are asking me how long I’m staying vegan and gluten-free for. I don’t know if they are assuming that this is just a diet or fad… or something temporary. I just laugh because going vegan and gluten-free has been about a lifestyle change for me. It’s learning about nutrition and fitness and making sure that I do everything possible to live a healthy and prosperous life. The things I’ve learned will stay with me for life… so I often respond by saying: “This was a one year experiment, but the results and interest in veganism will stick with me for my entire life.” I should honestly respond by asking them: “So how long do you think you will continue killing yourself through an unhealthy diet. How long will you continue to eat processed or packaged foods? How long will you continue to eat fast food even when you know it’s unhealthy for you.” But I’m really not that mean…

 

2. My favourite SUPER FOODS now include the previous 10 as well as chaga, pomegranate, asparagus, turmeric, cumin, cilantro and parsley.

 

3. About 5 months into my vegan experience, I started ‘slowing down’. I became more lethargic and ‘slow’ in physical activities and focus. My dietician told me that I was probably deficient in Vitamin B-12 which is usually only found in meats and dairy products. So, I self diagnosed myself as being Vitamin B-12 deficient and started taking a Vitamin B supplement every morning. The difference was night and day. I will be publishing an article about Vitamin B-12 deficiencies and some common myth and misunderstandings about this very soon.

 

4. Just like my self-diagnosed deficiency in Vitamin B-12, I was probably also deficient in Vitamin D. Again, a vegan and gluten free diet doesn’t really bode well for adding these two essential vitamins into my body. Therefore, the most natural form of Vitamin D is through sunlight. I get out more often just to get 5-10 minutes of direct sunlight every day. It’s awesome.

 

5. My vegan and gluten-free diet actually does NOT cost any more than my previous unhealthy diet. I eat less but eat more nutritional food. So yes, by volume, I’m consuming more expensive foods, but I’m also eating and drinking a lot less. There are very few ‘empty calories’ in my diet now.

Great Response to our Just Add Good Stuff Series

When I first started Just Add Good Stuff, I wanted to present information in various ways that would touch people differently. From visual images to summarized nutritional info and from catchy/edgy quotes to helpful statistics, here are the highly successful Just Add Good Stuff Series that I’m so proud of:

• INFOGRAPHIC Series
• RECIPE Series
• QUOTE Series
• NOBODY ELSE CARES Series
• TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LIFE Series
• JUICE BOOST Series

The Excuses Pile On…

 
In the past 7 months, I’ve heard hundreds of excuses from strangers, friends and family as to why they’ve never tried eating healthier or going vegan or adopting a fitness/training program. Some of these excuses include:

I don’t have time / I’m too busy
I don’t believe in veganism / Veganism is stupid
There’s no difference between conventional and organic foods… it’s just marketing
I’ve survived this long, so why change
Other people who eat meat survive until they are 100, so why can’t I
Eating healthy means I don’t need to exercise
I have a family so it’s not possible
I’ve got a full time job so it’s not possible
Eating just greens and whole foods is unhealthy

 
For me, making an excuse is just an easy way out. Maybe it’s because I don’t want to change or I’m too lazy, but making excuses for myself is no longer something I do.

In every decision I make, I take a different perspective and ask myself:

“How do it do this?”
“How do I make this change?”
“How do I make time”

 
You should also try it sometime.
 
 

A Valuable Lesson …

 
One of the most important life lessons in this entire vegan/gluten-free experience has nothing to do with eating well, exercising or learning about nutrition. On the contrary, the most valuable life lessons are how this vegan/gluten-free experience has taught me about:

Discipline
Taking Action
Self-Awareness
Dealing with Change
Commitment

 
Mastering all 5 of these skills will help in EVERY FACET of my life … not just health and fitness. People who make excuses and oppose change will likely never learn how to master these 5 skills. Going vegan will teach you and push you to the limit when it comes to these life lessons. Try it and see how well you do…

RECIPE > Summer Oil-Free Vegan Pesto

 
Whether you are looking for a vegan pizza topping or a veggie dip, this new summery oil-free vegan pesto is one of the best we have encountered. Smooth, tasty and absolutely nutritious, this is a great recipe for any chef!

Quick and easy, this new summer oil-free vegan pesto incorporates some tantalizing ingredients that include organic sun dried tomatoes, walnuts, cashews and spinach as its base ingredients. The other flavorful ingredients include garlic, basil, lemon, arugula, cilantro and salt/pepper. The result is a marvellous take on a summer oil-free vegan pesto that can be eaten with just about anything!
 

 

Vegan Pesto Recipe > Sans Oil and Healthy!

Please share with your friends and family!

Servings: makes a jar, so 1-2 servings per batch
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

The Simple Ingredients for the Vegan Spinach Pesto Recipe

1 clove of garlic
2 tsp of ginger
2 handfuls of spinach (organic)
1 handful of arugula (organic)
2 handfuls of fresh basil (organic)
½ handful of cilantro (organic)
16 walnut halves (organic and unsalted)
8 cashews (organic and unsalted)
8 sun dried tomatoes (organic and medium sized)
6 tbsp of lemon juice (organic)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Vegan Pesto Directions

Step 1: Get your food processor out and plug it in
Step 2: Dump all ingredients except for lemon juice, salt and pepper into food processor
Step 3: Blend until it is semi-smooth
Step 4: Slowly add the lemon juice and blend some more
Step 5: Add salt and/or pepper as per your taste
Step 6: Enjoy and share with your friends/family!

You can store this in a jar or container and it should last at least 5 to 7 days!
 
This recipe is adapted from a wonderful pesto from Vegenista.

Boost Your Juice! Check out these 5 new superfoods to add to your morning juice or smoothie…

 
Want to BOOST your morning smoothie or cold pressed juice with some new superfoods? Getting tired of the same flavors and ingredients in your juices? Here are 5 nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost! Click here for SET 3 JUICE BOOSTERS in addition to Click here for SET 2 JUICE BOOSTERS and SET 1 JUICE BOOST INGREDIENTS!

Top Smoothie Ingredient #16 > Just Add Flax Seeds

 
Flax seeds are a great super food that can be easily added to any juice or smoothie. Some experts name flax as one of the most potent and powerful plant foods on the planet. And there’s early signs that adding flax seeds to juices and smoothies can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and even diabetes. Some of the nutrients found in flax seeds include a high level of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, lignans/phytochemicals and fiber. This top smoothie ingredient booster will also help reduce constipation, inflammation, menopausal symptoms and fighting colds by boosting your immune system. Just add flax seeds into your smoothie or juice will also give you adequate levels of fiber and some protein and they are low in calories. Just add flax seeds today!

Juice Booster #17 > Just Add Goji Berries

 
Goji berries have been a major component of Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. This exotic deep red berry has become very popular over the past few years, and rightfully so, for it’s healthy load of antioxidants and nutritional value. Just add goji berries into your juice blend or morning smoothie to reap all the benefits of the goji berry. In a recent Swiss study, a 90 day goji berry supplementation plan increased antioxidant levels and offered elderly patients with an edge against muscular degeneration. Not only that, but a recent National Taiwan University conducted a study that found that by just adding goji berries to your diet can help protect diabetics from diabetes related eye deterioration. These findings are just two of many that have been done of this superberry. Just add goji berries into your morning smoothie or blend it into your juice. They are available either dried (preferable) or juiced and can be added to your drinks or eaten as a healthy snack. Organic goji berries will pack in the most amount of nutrients.

Juice Boost Ingredient #18 > Just Add Chic Peas

 
A staple of East Indian cuisine and popular in hummus dips, the chic pea is one of the most nutrient dense foods in the world. With a mild yet nutty flavor, you can just add chic peas to your morning smoothie as a juice boost. Chic peas contain a high level of phytoestrogens, which is the plant version of the natural body hormone oestrogen. So when you add chic peas as a juice boost ingredient into your morning smoothie, you can lower your risk of cancers (for women, especially breast cancer). In addition, chic peas have been found to reduce hot flashes. As a juice boost ingredient, chic peas also contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, fiber and protein.

Juice Booster #19 > Just Add Amaranth

 
A relative of the ultra superfoods quinoa and buckwheat, amaranth is also a nutritionally packed super food that goes well with different flavors and textures in your morning smoothie or juice. If you add amaranth as a juice booster, you will be adding tonnes of Vitamins (including vitamin A, B6, K, C, folate and riboflavin) into your diet in addition to a healthy level of magnesium, copper, iron, potassium and calcium. Just Add amaranth to your juice or smoothie because it contains lots of PROTEIN. In actual fact, amaranth contains 30 per cent more protein than traditional wheat flower, oats and rice. In addition, just add amaranth is completely GLUTEN-FREE. Some of the juice booster amaranth health benefits include cardiovascular support, treatment of hypertension, strengthening of your immune system and even preventing your hair from turning gray!

Top Smoothie Ingredient #20 > Just Add Asparagus

 
The asparagus is one of our top vegetables to add to a morning smoothie or cold pressed juice blend. High in folate, the Vitamin B that helps fight heart disease, in addition to fiber (over 4 grams per cup), asparagus has an awesome side-effect as well. Asparagus superfood is high in Vitamin E, which helps stimulate the production of testosterone in men. This serves as a natural aphrodisiac and is therefore, good for your sex life. In addition, one cup of asparagus added to your daily superfood smoothie or juice will add only 27 calories but lots of Vitamin K which helps prevent osteoporosis. Asparagus also has natural de-bloating health benefits, which will make your muscles look more defined for your summer beach body! Bright green asparagus is by far the healthiest type. Just stay away from the bleached white ones that carry little to no nutritional value. Remember that asparagus doesn’t stay fresh for very long, so wrap the ends with a paper towel and store in a cool place like the fridge. Just Add Asparagus!

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: flax seeds, goji berries, chic peas, amaranth and asparagus.

HOT RECIPE > Mike’s Raw Blondie Balls

Soft, chewy and simply yummy, BLONDIES have taken the dessert and snack world by storm. A fantastic combination of nuts, dates, berries and seeds make these some of our favorite all-time desserts or mid-afternoon snacks and we want to share the recipe with you!

Introducing Mike’s Raw Blondie Balls. You can learn a lot from a recipe name. Firstly, yes, it’s Mike’s own blondie ball recipe. Secondly, the ingredients in Mike’s Raw Blondie Balls are completely raw and unaltered. In addition, they are also GMO-free and truly organic. We also try to source all ingredients from local markets and farmers. Thirdly, this is our take on the traditional ‘Blondie’, which is usually a ‘Blondie Square’ or a ‘Blondie Bar’. We’ve changed it and made the into 2-bite balls instead!

Mike’s Raw Blondie Balls Recipe, just for you

Please share with your friends and family!

Servings: 10 dessert balls
Preparation Time: 10 – 15 minutes

The Healthy & Organic Ingredients for Mike’s Raw Blondie Balls:

1 cup of cashews (organic, unsalted and dry)
1 cup of pistachios (organic, unsalted and dry) > you can substitute with pecans, walnuts or macadamia nuts
¾ cup of Medjool dates (organic and pitted, cut into smaller pieces)
1 tbsp of chia seeds (organic)
2 tbsp of sunflower seeds (organic)
1/8 cup of agave syrup (raw and organic)
1 tsp of lemon juice (freshly squeezed from organic lemon)
1 tsp of vanilla extract (organic if possible)
1/8 tsp of salt
0.5 oz of dried blueberries (organic and wild blueberries if possible)
0.5 oz of dried cherries (organic)
0.5 oz of dried cranberries (organic)
0.5 oz of raisins (organic)

Preparing Mike’s Raw Blondie Balls is easy and fun:

Step 1: Plug in your food processor
Step 2: Place all ingredients (except dry berries and raisins) into food processor
Step 3: Process until it becomes a bit sticky and wet
Step 4: Gradually add in the dried blueberries, cherries, cranberries and raisins and continue processing until the mixture becomes firmer*
Step 5: Form into balls and lay on a baking tray or plate
Step 6: Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or the freezer for at least 30 minutes)
Step 7: Enjoy and Share with friends

* The process usually takes 45-60 seconds.

 

 
 
In order to make Mike’s Raw Blondie Balls recipe lower in nut fat content, you can replace the cashews and nuts with old fashioned rolled oats (gluten free if possible). In addition, you can replace any of the dried berries with any type of unsulfured, dried organic fruit (such as mango, pineapples, coconut and freeze dried strawberries).
 
You will note that Mike’s Raw Blondie Balls get their sweetness from agave syrup (optional) and Medjool dates. These are much healthier than refined sugar. If you find that the dessert balls are too sweet, you can take out the agave syrup (as opposed to the dates which act as the binding agent for the balls).
 

Want to ELEVATE your smoothie? Try Adding These 5 Nutritious Juice Booster Ingredients…

 
Want to ELEVATE your morning smoothie or cold pressed juice?  Getting sick and tired of the same textures, flavors or ingredients in your juices? Here are 5 nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost! Click here for SET 2 JUICE BOOSTERS and SET 1 JUICE BOOST INGREDIENTS!

Top Juice Booster #11 > Just Add Acai Berry

 
Yes, Just Add Good Stuff is recommending the berry that nobody can pronounce.  Just add acai berries into your smoothie or cold pressed juice blend because they are amazing super berries!  Acai berries are indigenous berries commonly found in the Amazon rain forests.  They are anti-oxidant rich fruits that have been heralded for hundreds of years as an immune stimulating, healing and energy boosting super berry.  As one of our top juice boosters acai berries are easy to find at your local market.  Or you can also opt for powdered acai berry powder but just make sure that it only contains these super berries, no added sugar as comes from an organic source and has never been heated.  Acai berries are amazing for your heart and lowers cholesterol in your blood stream.  In addition, just adding acai berries will boost your immune system and aids in weight loss programs.  The top juice booster also promotes skin health and helps with a an upset stomach, bloating or gas.  Just adding acai berries will also improve your cellular health (high in anthocyanins) and may help fight or even prevent cancer.  Acai berries also contain properties that support normal inflammation that may prevent inflammations due to allergic reactions.  The high levels of phytochemicals also contribute to the ability to slow or reverse typical processes related to aging and cellular oxidative damage, creating anti-aging effects.  The top juice booster also gives you an energy boost, which is great before workouts or physical activity.  Just add acai berries starting today!

Smoothie Boost Ingredient #12 > Just Add Turmeric

 
Turmeric is one of the new super foods and there are many reasons for this!  Turmeric is a rhizomatous perennial plant that belongs to the ginger family and its native to tropical South Asia.  Turmeric is being thrust into the super foods limelight as there are many health benefits by just adding small amounts of turmeric into your daily diet.  As a smoothie boost ingredient, turmeric super food is one of the best boosters in terms of natural health benefits.  Just add turmeric into your smoothie or juice blend will give you the following health benefits: natural anti-inflammatory agent, natural antibiotic, natural antiseptic, natural analgesic plus turmeric speeds up wound healing and improves digestion.  Other turmeric super food health benefits include: prevention of bloating and gas build-up, lowers cholesterol, heals stomach ulcers, strengthens ligaments, improves asthma, prevents progression of Alzheimer’s, aids in fat metabolism and weight management and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy.  Other amazing health benefits of turmeric as a smoothie booster ingredient includes prevention of many types of cancers including breast, prostate, skin, colon, lymphoma, leukemia as well as improving skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and it also slows the progression of MS.  As you can see, just add turmeric today!

Top Juice Booster #13 > Just Add Sunflower Seeds

 
Often overlooked, seeds are a perfect addition to any juice or smoothie.  These health promoting seeds will give you a firmer texture and a nuttier flavor.   Sunflower seeds as a top juice booster may be new to you, but contain very high levels of Vitamin E, B1, manganese, copper, tryptophan, magnesium, selenium, Vitamin B6, phosphorous, folate and are low in calories.  Not only that, but just by adding sunflower seeds as a top juice booster ingredient also comes with several health benefits.  Firstly, sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E which is a fat soluble antioxidant.  This aids in our cardiovascular system and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent as well.  The sunflower seeds health benefits continues with the phytosterols which help lower cholesterol levels.  Another great sunflower seeds health benefit includes its high levels of magnesium which help to calm our muscles and nerves and counterbalances calcium, thus helping regulate our blood vessels.  As well, the top juice booster in adding a tablespoon or two of sunflower seeds to your morning smoothie includes its high levels of selenium that aid in detoxification and cancer prevention.  The best way to just add sunflower seeds into your juice blend or morning smoothie is to add shelled sunflower seeds that are organic, raw and unsalted.

Juice Boost Ingredient #15 > Just Add Papaya / Papaw 

 
In North America, you may call them papayas but in Australia and South Asia, you may refer to them as papaw.  Other people may call them tree melons… but in the end, papaya, papaw or tree melon are a super fruit!  Cultivated worldwide in the tropics and subtropics, over 7 million tons are now produced globally every year.  Due to the high levels of vitamins and minerals, just adding papaya or papaw into your morning juice blend or smoothie will give you lots of natural health benefits.  This wonder fruit is especially great for digestion and treating digestive problems.  In addition, certain enzymes like papain make papaya or papaw truly unique when it comes to super fruits.  Papaya is also very beneficial for your cardiovascular system.  Rich in provitamin A carotenoids, Vitamin C, folate and dietary fiber, papaw or papaya also contains lots of Vitamin B in the form of folic acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1 and riboflavin.  The skin, pulp and seeds of the juice booster ingredient papaya or papaw is also nutritious with high levels of phytochemicals including polyphenols and lycopene.  Pectin in papaya is also amazing.  Just add papaya into your smoothies and you’ll also be able to treat arthritis, osteoporosis or any other pain as papaws are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and promotes faster healing.  Also, papaya is used for treating colds throughout the world.  Just add papaya!

Top Juice Booster #15 > Just Add Broccoli

 
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables in the world and it adds to both the flavor and texture of your cold pressed juice or morning smoothie.  With high levels of minerals, fiber, vitamins and even protein, broccoli is a welcome addition in order to elevate the nutritional value of your smoothies.  Containing powerful antioxidants, there are ongoing studies of how broccoli consumption can prevent and fight cancers.  In addition, your immune system is boosted considerably by just adding broccoli because of its richness in beta carotene, zinc and selenium.  Broccoli is also high in Vitamin C which is an anti-inflammatory and it also contains high levels of magnesium and potassium that help regulate your blood pressure.  Broccoli as a juice booster also helps fight heart disease and prevents strokes and atherosclerosis.  Vitamin K and calcium in broccoli also promote healthy bones and the folic acid prevents birth defects.  Just adding broccoli will create a great nutritional shake before a workout as well.  This top juice booster will add tonnes of protein (as much as corn or rice) but half the calories.  Just Add Broccoli today!

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: acai berry, turmeric, sunflower seeds, papaya/papaw and broccoli.

Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables Infographics > Know When to Grow and Buy Fresh Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs According to Time of Year

Choosing high quality produce that is fresh and in season takes a bit of self-education. In today’s world, all types of fruit, vegetables and herbs are available year round at local grocers and large supermarkets. From genetically modified produce to streamlined agriculture and shipping methods, consumers have gotten a false sense of reality about what fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables are. Here are a couple of seasonal fruit and vegetables infographics that will tell you when produce is in season:

So when are herbs, vegetables and fruits in season? When should you grow certain types of produce? Why do certain veggies and fruit cost so much more during different seasons? As mentioned above, in today’s world, we can purchase vegetables and fruits any time of year. However, we know that these fruits and veggies are not ‘fresh’. They’ve been picked long before they’ve ripened or are ready for human consumption, then they are packaged and shipped globally before landing in a storage facility at your local supermarket. The environmental impact and carbon footprint is substantial.

Therefore, if you buy your fruits and vegetables by the season, there is a better chance that your produce will be much cheaper, fresher and tastier! That’s why most of the top restaurants in the world will change their menu according to seasonal fruit and vegetables (and herbs), so that their food can taste the best that they can. Another easy way to tell if your fruits and vegetables are in season is by visiting your local produce market and co-op farmers market. They can’t sell anything that’s not fresh, because you’ll know it!

When are Fruits in Season? Check Out This Awesome Seasonal Fruit Infographic!

 
This fruit infographic will tell you what fruits are usually in season at what time of year. YEAR ROUND fruits that are fresh include citrus fruits, bananas and passion fruit. Seasonal SUMMER FRUITS include tomatoes, rhubarb, watermelon, mango, papaya (papaw), grapes, figs and apples. AUTUMN FRUITS that are fresh during the fall and in season include pears, pomegranates, persimmons, cranberries, and coconut. WINTER FRUITS include dates, pineapples, kiwi fruit, guava and kumquats. Last but not least, seasonal SPRING FRUITS include plums, peaches, melons, cherries, berries, avocadoes and dewberries. Buying fruits in season will not only save you money, but will also give you tastier, healthier and more nutritious options.

When are Vegetables in Season? Look at This Amazing Seasonal Vegetables Infographic!

 
So when are vegetable seasons? This infographic will outline when veggies are in season and ripe for purchase at the local grocery store or farmer’s market. YEAR ROUND seasonal vegetables include some surprising ones: beets, celery, fennel, ginger, onions, spinach, broccolini, chard, garlic, greens, potatoes and various types of sprouts. Seasonal SUMMER VEGETABLES include corn (non-GMO), eggplant, bell peppers and okra. FALL/AUTUMN VEGGIES seasonal include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, daikon, parsnip, squash, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Contrary to popular belief, there are also some awesome WINTER VEGETABLES that are in season during the cold period that include: leeks, rutabaga, turnips, chicory, carrots and celery root. SPRING VEGETABLES in season produce include new potatoes, mushrooms, green beans, pea, snap peas, cucumber, zucchini, chives, ramps, asparagus and artichokes. Buying vegetables in season will not only save you money, but will also give you tastier, healthier and more nutritious options.

When are Herbs in Season? Yes, that’s right, even herbs have seasonal growing patters so check out this educational Seasonal Herb Infographic!

 
Many of us don’t know that herbs are also grown seasonally. In season herbs will give you the best of all worlds when it comes to nutrients, taste and price. So when are herbs in season? Check it out here. YEAR ROUND HERBS in season all the time include savory, rosemary, parsley, fennel, capers and bay leaves. SUMMER HERBS seasonally grown include mace, nutmeg, marjoram, oregano, turmeric and lavender. Seasonal AUTUMN HERBS grown and fresh during the Fall season include fenugreek, lemongrass, cardamom and cloves. Unfortunately, there are no WINTER ONLY seasonal herbs (except for the ones that are grown year round as listed above). SPRING HERBS in season include angelica, anise, arugula, sorrel, basil, mint, caraway, cumin, catnip, chamomile, sage, cilantro, coriander, chervil, dill, thyme and tarragon. Buying in season herbs seasonally will not only save you money, but will also give you tastier, healthier and more nutritious options.

A Guide to Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables > The Bountiful Year

 
If the above isn’t enough information, check out this seasonal fruit and vegetables infographic that is designed to be printed out to hang on your kitchen fridge or to be brought with you to your local market when grocery shopping. Nothing tastes better than eating fruits and vegetables at the peak of their growing season. But how can you keep track of what’s vegetables and fruits are in season? The below infographic shows when various foods should be harvested and likely available in your local market. By picking seasonal fruits and vegetables, you are getting the most nutritious, cheapest and tastiest produce throughout the year. For this summer, try to pick up fresh raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates, peaches, cucumbers, basil, lemons, grapes and figs to name a few summer seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Juice Booster Ingredients > Want to Elevate Your Smoothie or Juice Blend to the next level?

 
If you are looking for 5 new ingredients to add to your morning smoothie or juice, please read on! These five organic, natural and raw ingredients will pack your drink with lots of nutrition, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and trace elements that will keep you going through the day! If you missed SET 1 – JUICE BOOST INGREDIENTS, click here or our new SET 3 – SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS. Otherwise, here are 5 new nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost!

Juice Booster #6 > Just Add Spinach

An easy way to elevate the health benefits and nutritional value of your juice blend, spinach is one of nature’s best superfoods. A cup of spinach has nearly 20% of your daily dietary fiber requirements which will help in your digestive processes and lower your blood pressure. Recent studies also link spinach to fighting prostate and other cancer with its high levels of phytonutrients. Adding spinach as a juice booster also improves your vision, disease immunity, and brain function in addition to maintaining healthy bones and skin. Just adding spinach to your juice or smoothie will also fight inflammation. Spinach is also very high in antioxidants, which help in combating atherosclerosis as well as osteoporosis. You can find organic spinach at any local grocer or farmer’s market or you can easily grow your own. Spinach is one of our favorite juice boost ingredients!

Smoothie Boost Ingredient #7 > Just Add Hemp Seeds

One of our favourite juice boost ingredients at Just Add Good Stuff is hemp seeds. This is nature’s highest botanical source of essential fatty acids. Hemp Seed as a smoothie booster ingredient will aid as an anti-inflammatory agent, improving circulation and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, there are no known allergies to hemp seeds, so they are completely safe for people who are sensitive to lactose, sugar, gluten or nuts. In addition, food cravings are reduced and therefore, hemp seeds are often added into a weight loss program. A juice boost ingredient like hemp seeds will also help you increase focus and energy levels in addition to reducing stress. Hemp seeds are a superfood and there are several reasons for this. They contain high levels of protein (including 20 amino acids … and all 9 essential amino acids). In addition, the hemp seed juice booster also contains fatty acids, Vitamin E and lots of fiber. They are easy to digest and offer a rich source of natural phytonutrients, the disease protection that will aid in your immunity against diseases and infection. Just Add Hemp Seeds!

Juice Booster #8 > Just Add Maca

Derived from a herbaceous plant that is found on the high plateaus of the Ande’s Mountains in Peru, South America, the maca root vegetable has often been referred to as the ‘Peruvian Ginseng’ because of its many health benefits. Often coming in powder form, adding maca as a juice booster will give you lots of added nutrients and energy. A relative of the turnip and rash, the maca root smells a bit like butterscotch and adding maca to your morning smoothie or as a juice booster will help treat everything from chronic fatigue to anemia. Not only that, but maca in any form when consumed will reduce stress levels, anxiety, depression and help balance your mood. In addition, the maca juice booster can also contribute to clearing acne in a natural way in addition to promoting sexual function in both femals and males. Athletes use maca juice boosters to increase energy. WARNING > DO NOT add maca to your smoothie or juice booster if you are breast feeding or if you are pregnant.

Smoothie Booster Ingredient #9 > Just Add Lemon

Many of us forget that lemons help us balance our body’s pH levels. Although acidic in taste, once our body metabolizes lemon, they are alkaline which is the key to good health. Just add lemon into your daily smoothie or juice to boost your immune system as lemons are very high in Vitamin C and potassium. In addition, studies have shown that pectin fiber in lemons help curb food cravings and therefore have been an essential ingredient in many weight loss programs. As well, the smoothie booster ingredient also aids our gastrointestinal tract and keeps things moving in our digestive system. Another often overlooked property of lemons is that they hydrate our lymph system which prevents dehydration and adrenal fatigue. The lemon juice boost also decreases blemishes, acne and wrinkles, promoting healthier skin.

Juice Booster #10 > Just Add Seaweed

Seaweed has been around for centuries and it serves as an ideal choice for any morning juice blend or smoothie if you are looking for more Vitamin A and C as well as magnesium, iodine and calcium. Seaweed doesn’t contain any fat, and a serving only contains 5 to 10 calories, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. The juice booster seaweed includes edible species like Red Dulse, Black Hijiki and Green Kumba, and all are equally nutritious and tasty additions to your smoothie or juice booster. Some of the health benefits of seaweed include aiding your digestive system and lowering your high blood pressure. As well, recent studies have shown that adding seaweed into your diet may have anti-cancer properties. So instead of just having seaweed as part of your sushi roll, try seaweed as a juice booster!

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: spinach, hemp seeds, maca, lemons and seaweeds.