Over the last three weeks, I have made so many changes, both to my diet and to the exercise I’ve been doing. Its been hard, I’m not going to lie, and I’ve really pushed myself exercise wise. but the positive changes I’ve made are definitely forming healthy habits that I will be continuing with.
So what have I been up to?
Well, I’ve been working out 5 times a week, that been a real shock to the system, its Hiit, so only short burst of exercise, but I’m starting to enjoy it now. I’m drinking 2 litres of water a day and I’ve swapped my usual fizzy drinks and the big coffee and tea habit, for juice that I’ve been making myself with my new Philips Avance Collection Centrifugal Juicer. This has actually been the easiest of all the habits to get in to, and that’s one of reasons I wanted to tell you about it today. Philips have invited me to be part of a the #HealthyHabitSwap, which is all about the everyday benefits of juicing and starting new habits, that are for life.
Every morning, I’ve been getting up, and making myself enough juice to last me for the next couple of drinks. I’ve also made some for the family too, so they can have it with their breakfast. I make juice again in the afternoon, which is when I usually have a dip energy wise, and head for either very strong coffee or a fizzy drink for a caffeine hit. Not any longer though! So far its gone really well, I’m loving my own creation of ginger, apple, carrot and kale juice first thing in the morning, as that seems to wake me up and give me the pep in my step that I need.
Philips Avance Collection Centrifugal Juicer : £220
In the afternoon, I’ve tried different versions of green juice, so I’ve been adding lots of green vegetables, that I know I need more of in my diet. Celery, cucumber, broccoli, watercress and kale have been favourites. Once I can find fresh raw beetroot, I’m definitely going to start using that too, but it’s not in season yet. I don’t get hung up on quantities, though there are some great resources online, including an app from Philips that has recipes and more information on the health benefits of each juice and ingredient. I’ve just been buying things that I enjoy and would like more of in my diet. I’m really to believe in you body telling you want it wants ad needs. I’ve found it so easy to experiment and I’ve gotten used to what we all like. The girls love strawberry kiwi and celery juice, I add a little black pepper to it, for some extra spice.
I think I would have found it a lot harder if the Philips juicer hadn’t been so simple to use and clean, to be honest. I have used juicers before, and it was those two things that always put me off in the end. This takes about a minute to clean and seconds to make a glass of juice. You don’t need a cleaning tool, you just wash it in some warm soapy water and rub with a soft cloth and everything comes off. Even though I work from home, I just don’t have the extra time to spend on either extra cleaning or preparation, what busy family does? I quickly wash the fruit or veg under the tap, and then add it whole to the juicer. No need to chop, as the feeding tube is really large, and would fit in a large apples even oranges in whole.
The only decision you need to make is if you want to opt for the low fibre setting (1) or the high fibre one (2) which gives the juice the boost of up to 50% extra fibre. The resulting juice is thicker and creamier. I tended to have the thicker high fibre and more wholesome juice in the morning, and the clear more refreshing juice in the afternoon.
I made a video that I thought would give you more of a practical visual of me using the juicer in my home.
I’m not just saying this, but I feel great. This isn’t just another gadget that’s going to be relegated to the back of the cupboard. I am loving trying new recipes every day. I’ve had a few aches and pains recently, and I’m convinced its my diet and the fact I’m getting older to no doubt. I’ve even been suffering from a few strange allergies, but these all seem to have been getting slowly better over the last three-weeks. Now I am amazed how clear-headed I am, my skin looks good too, and I even seem to find getting up in the morning a little easier? So you can see now why I am going to keep up these new healthier habits.
I do hope you enjoyed this post, and video. I hope to be making a few more videos over the next couple of weeks, so it would be great to get some feedback. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2017!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Philips. I received compensation in exchange for this post, however all opinions stated are my own.
Jane Taylor says
Lovely photos. Nice to see you in front of the video camera, Amanda. Like the idea of adding a bit of ginger to spice up the juice too. I like the fact there’s an app and recipe ideas!
Amanda Cottingham says
Thank you, hope to do a lot more of it! The ginger is so delicious in juice.
Becky says
Oh now this looks completely brilliant and I love the video
Amanda Cottingham says
Thank you, I enjoyed making it.
Amanda says
This looks great! Like you, I’ve had juicers in the past and simply not used them because they were such a nightmare to clean. We currently tend to make smoothies but I shall have to look into juicing a bit more.
Amanda Cottingham says
Absolutely that’s always been the worst thing about them. Hurrah for quick clean!
Lori says
I really need to get into juicing! You have totally inspired me x
Amanda Cottingham says
Come over to the Juice side 😉
Jen says
Love your photos on this! You look fab & like your skin is glowing!
Candy Pop says
Love the video. The juicer looks amazing! Have a lovely weekend. x
Louise Edwards says
I have never done any juicing as i just love eating the whole fruit or veg but you looks just radiant – juicing is clearly doing you good. Will investigate this product as it looks awesome. xx
Alice says
I’m so tempted by one of these! I’d love to try a juicer, and I love the fact this is easy to clean. x
Lottie | Oyster & Pearl says
This sounds like a fab juicer. I’m the same – always find the washing and everything such a faff so I’m interested in this Philips one being easy. And I love a beetroot juice too!
Amanda Cottingham says
I’m a bit obsessed with beetroot Lottie, can’t wait for it to be in season again. Yes, that’s definitely a major plus with the cleaning.