For the last 25 years I’ve been facilitating two annual fasts – the Bauman College Vitality Fasting Retreats. I am able to use my deep appreciation for and extensive knowledge of the traditional art of fasting to help participants cleanse and rejuvenate. With blood sugar stabilizing mineral broths, energizing fruit and vegetable juices, and a safe and supportive environment, participants experience the benefits of a cleanse in a fully supported, comfortable, non-threatening way. Participants will leave refreshed and rejuvenated; it is a life and health changing experience.
Our first Vitality Fasting Retreat is coming up, May 16th – 19th, and we’re diligently preparing recipes. Our juice fast offers fresh herb teas, seasonal organic fruit and vegetable juices, and savory mineral broths throughout the day.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes for the upcoming fasting retreat:
GREEN SMOOTHIE
Juice the following for 4 servings:
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 2 stalks of celery
- ¼ inch or teaspoon ginger root
- 1/4 bunch parsley
- 1 apple
- Juice of 1 lime
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Water, as needed
Parsley is a great source of antioxidants and vitamins that help control blood-cholesterol, prevent constipation, and protect the body from free radicals. Rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid antioxidants, parsley is rated as one of the best plant sources for antioxidants.
MORNING SUNSHINE JUICE
Juice the following for 2 servings:
- 4 Granny Smith or Gravenstein apples
- 2″ fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 Meyer lemon, peeled
- 4 oz. water to dilute
Ginger has been in use since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent, and anti-microbial properties. It is a great source for potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell development that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
ALMOND MILK
Blend together for 4 servings:
- 1/3 cup almonds, ground
- 2 Tbs honey
- 1 cup purified water or milk (soy, rice, and oat)
- Dash almond or vanilla extract
- Optional: raisins or dates
- Can be used with any nuts or seeds. Add spices or herbs as needed.
A serving of almond milk contains 30% of our recommended daily value of calcium and 25% of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps improve immunity and cell function. Studies have even linked it to decreasing osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, a serving of almond milk contains 50% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin E, a great source for the primary regulatory nutrient that improves skin health.
Try these recipes at home or join us at one of our upcoming retreats. The first runs from May 16th-19th and is held at the serene Stillheart Institute, in Woodside, CA. If you can’t make it in May, we also host a retreat from August 17th-23rd. Imagine yourself being surrounded by abundant nature, supportive classes, soothing activities, and wonderful new friends. A fast does not need to be about starvation. It is a wonderful opportunity for nourishment and abundance. Whether at home, or with us, take the next step to change your life with the age-old tradition of fasting and be sure to include all kinds of delicious juices and broth.
