RE: [digestion

[Guest guest]

Having studied digestion extensively, I can say that it takes a LOT of energy to digest and most Americans have such compromised digestive systems that they do not break down nor absorb well. This is one reason people who drink smoothies and fresh raw juices see great health benefits right away. You are basically saving LOTS of energy on the digestion process which can be used towards restoring health and the nutrients being already in liquid form can be readily absorbed by the body. Personally I have either a smoothie or vegetable juice each day - about 8 oz. it doesn't have to be a lot since you want to eat plenty of fruits and veggies too. But it is a great natural supplement for those who are starting out and those who just need that extra boost after a work out or if ill, etc.

 

Nancy

 

 

 

 

www.healthylivingstrategies.net

 

 

On Behalf Of collage360Thursday, August 02, 2007 4:42 PM Subject: New regimen: Question about combining

 

O.K. So I have been one who has sat quietly on the sidelines andobserved the information here until I was ready to take the next (andwhat I consider most natural) step and begin a raw lifestyle.That being said, I am still in a transitional phase (meaning I am not100% raw… in fact, I am detoxing and following the guidelines setforth in Natalia Rose's book "The Raw Food Detox Diet." I find iteasier doing it this way then going cold turkey). I am mostly eatingraw all day until dinner.But before I decided to start incorporating raw meals into themajority of my day, I began drinking 1 liter of green smoothie everymorning (it usually last until around lunch). The green smoothiesusually consists of 40% greens (kale, spinach, broccoli, chard,collards, lettuce, etc. *whatever I'm feeling that day) and 60% fruit.Here's my question: When combining appropriately for maximum nutrientabsorption and digestion, are my green smoothies assisting or harmingthe process? I'm trying to figure out at what point in the day is agood time to have them. I read in Rose's book and within this groupthat it is best to have fruit alone on an empty stomach first thing inthe morning. I'm with that. But does that mean I should save mygreen smoothie to enjoy around mid morning (10ish)? I am alsoconcerned that about the combination of the fruits with the greens. Iread that they are good combinations, but then again, everything saysfruit should be eaten alone. Can anyone help me on this?OHHHHH… and one more question: I have been doing light cardio… losingweight steadily. But now, I want to add some strength training to myroutine and up my cardio significantly. When I strength trained yearsago, I would do my best if I had a blast of carbs before a work outand a dense protein based meal afterward. My question is, for thosewho work out regularly, when do you do it? And how do you prepare(meal wise) for before and after workouts?Thanks for your help in advance.Peace.