Life Called

Sometimes we are going about life, minding our own business and just rolling with the flow. Then out of nowhere, Life tells us that it is time to up our game and more is going to be expected from us. Doesn't matter if we are ready or if we were even expecting it. Life said it... so we must listen.
Four years ago Life informed me it was my time to up it. I told Life I was perfectly content with where I was. I had a successful long time daycare and loved doing my volunteer work. I didn't need to add anything. 

Life told me I was wrong. It told me there are things I need to be doing because they were going to impact the lives of others. I had no idea back then what Life was talking about, but four years later, I am seeing the fruits of my labors.

Four years ago today I partnered with Plexus. At first it was only to help my own self become more healthy. The more I researched, the more I realized this was the opportunity Life gave me to make my impact. Through my research, I knew I needed to be doing more so I became a health coach. I then began studying exercise and helping the body to heal itself naturally.

Over the past four years, Life has allowed me to literally help hundreds of people begin their journey to a healthier self. What I am doing now is nothing grand, but who knows....what I am doing now may one day turn out to be a blessing to someone else who will be receiving that call from Life that it is their turn to up their game.

I know I am not done with this journey I began four years ago, I've only scratched the surface and I can not wait to see where Life takes me next!

Is Celery Juice just a fad?

What a dietitian wants you to know about the celery juice trend

Just another health fad - or the elixir of life?

"A quick Google search will tell you that celery juice detoxifies your body, is good for your bones and can apparently even ‘change your life’. And with every second person jumping on the bandwagon, you might be wondering if you should, too.

So which is it - a silly superfood or a miracle cure? Here’s the answer…Celery has got a lot going for it.

For just 100 grams, you’ve got yourself a small dose of Vitamin A for healthy eyes, Vitamin C to support your immune system, Vitamin K which plays an important role in blood clotting and folate which is key for mums-to-be. Plus, you’ll get a small boost of fiber. And all of that costs you just 15 calories and virtually no fat.

“Heal”, “restore” and “detox” are just some of the buzz words associated with the celery juice fad. But let me tell you – there’s no one single food that will cure all of your health woes, so don’t be fooled by these emotive words.

What’s more, when you juice celery (or any other fruit or veg for that matter), you’re removing much of the fiber content. That’s not a good thing, as fiber is key for a healthy digestive system and can also help to keep you feeling full.

Generally speaking, there’s limited scientific evidence to show that celery juice is responsible for the raft of fanciful claims you’ve seen all over your news feed. But, for some, it might be helpful in easing water retention.

It should also be pointed out the trend was not founded by a medical doctor, or a healthcare professional of any kind.

So, my verdict? Celery juice is simply not the magical elixir that it's made out to be – and if you’re forgoing medical intervention because celery juice ‘heals all’, that’s a real worry. But, if it’s worked for you and you enjoy it, celery juice probably isn’t going to hurt you. Plus, it’s a good alternative to sugary soft drink and cordial.

At the end of the day, eating celery as part of a varied, balanced diet is a great thing to do. But I don’t think you need to guzzle down liters upon liters of its juice. What’s far more important is that you’ve got healthy eating basics down pat – because one healthy food in an otherwise unhealthy diet isn’t going to win you any points."

**Melissa Meier is a Sydney-based Accredited Practicing Dietitian.**