Not long ago I had the pleasure of collaborating with Joe Cross, who starred in and produced the film Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. He’s not only a likeable Aussie, he’s also a pretty stellar businessman so it’s no surprise that his film is spreading like wildfire and with it… is a staggering interest in juicing.
Let me give an example:
I’m currently staying with new friends in Glendale, AZ who graciously put us up after a prolonged stay due to Hurricane Irene sweeping the East coast.
Like many Americans, our friends recently watched the film Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, which was an immediate connecting point. Naturally, it peaked their curiosity in regards to juicing and where on earth to begin with so many available options for juicers, blenders and healthy recipes.
To recap, the 2010 documentary was recently (in the past several months) made available on Netflix, Itunes and even Comcast. Here’s the film summary to give you an idea of what it’s all about:
100 pounds overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, Joe Cross is at the end of his rope and the end of his hope. He trades in the junk food and hits the road with juicer and generator in tow, vowing only to drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice for the next 60 days. Part road trip, part self-help manifesto, FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD defies the traditional documentary format to present an unconventional and uplifting story of two men from different worlds who each realize that the only person who can save them is themselves.
Like I stated earlier, juicing is becoming more popular. In fact, Joe shared some impressive statistic, which I can no longer recall, indicating that many inspired folks who watch the film join the juicing band-wagon the very next day by going out and purchasing a juicer.
What does this mean for stores selling juicers? It means they’re selling out, quuuuick!
Yesterday, I assisted my new friend on a spontaneous scavenger hunt to locate a Breville juicer. Keep in mind there are tons of stores around here. After investigating Target, Kohls, Bed Bath & Beyond, among their neighboring facilities – the Breville Juicer, used in the film, appeared to be sold out everywhere.
I associate this with the fact that the film was recently made available on home television, hence more people are viewing the film, becoming inspired to juice and seeking out that very juicer which is used in the film: the Breville.
Eventually, we found THE Breville Die-Cast Juice Fountain Elite model and a Vita-mix 5200, the Mack Daddy of all blenders, at a Williams & Sonoma. That’s right, mi amiga is muy motivated to get healthy by upping her intake of fruits and veggies!!
We had them hold both machines until that evening. Upon picking up the contraptions, the staff told us that they no longer set out the Breville juicers these days – because they are selling too fast! They also touted their praise for the Vita-mixer, but we already knew that 
I’d say juicing (and blending!) is catching on and hopefully it’s more than a trend, hopefully it becomes a habit!
Later, I had the opportunity to try out the Breville juicer for myself and I’ve got to say – I like it more than my Omega 8006 Juicer. While my Omega produces quality juice, the Breville is much quicker, more powerful, and it has a larger shoot which really cuts down on prep time. It also catches the juice in a small pitcher which is more efficient than transferring the juice from one container to another.
The bottom line: Quicker prep means more use and better outcomes. So if you’re looking for a juicer, check out the Breville.
After juicing, we made a delicious tropical whip with the Vita-mixer, and let’s just say my friend is sold.
Here are a few useful links I shared with her to begin her juicing journey!
- Joe Cross’s Jointhereboot.com has a member forum, juicing guidelines, juice and smoothie recipes
I’ll leave you with two previous articles I wrote in regards to juicing:
- Juicy Details – Summarizes one of my clients’ experiences with her first 3-day juice fast, why one might do a juice fast, why I chose the Omega 8006 Juicer and Juicer Reviews
- CANTaloupe CAN Sustain – Provides a tasty Canteloupe juice recipe. If you haven’t added this fruit to your juicing repetoire, I encourage you to give it a try!
How many of you are already juicing? If so, what juicer do you use and why would you or wouldn’t you recommend it to someone else? Thanks in advance, for your time – I know it’s ticking!
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi! We have the Breville and while I have no comparison to other juicers, I do really like it. We’ve always been happy with the juice we make! I haven’t juiced recently but between that and the Vitamix, feel very fortunate in how they both help me with my healthy living! Thank you for this great post – I haven’t seen the film yet but will look for it now!
Hi Laura! Lucky for you that you have the Breville
Definitely check out the film, it’s truly inspiring and I’m guessing you might make some fresh juice the following day 
It’s really vital that you have these tools to help you succeed in your overall well-being. As you know, juicing isn’t a magic bullet – it’s simply part of a healthy lifestyle but one that’s worth exploring!
I do not have a juicer yet. I can afford the juicer, but the cost and availability of organic produce to shove into the thing terrifies me!
Hi Christie!!
Being able to afford a quality juicer is half the battle! Juicing can be costly but mainly when doing a juice fast – because you juice SO much during that time. However making a fresh juice daily, or even every other day 3 or 4 days a week, is a worthwhile investment in yourself.
I purchase the organic produce that doesn’t cost too much more than the regular versions (let’s say $0.5 – $1 more) and I purchase it in bulk. It took me a while to work up to spending money on organic produce – but then I realized that I vote with my wallet. If I want organic prices to come down, then I have to demonstrate that their is a desire for organic produce. The bottom line is, stores will stock whatever we as consumers buy – how empowering!
With that said, my hubby is still a full time student with pricey tuition. Soooo, I’ll buy a 5-pound bag of organic carrots, a large bag of organic celery, and a 5-pound bag of organic apples. However, cucumbers are outrageously expensive so I purchase them non-organically (unless my organic CSA provides them!) and then I peel the skins off of them since cuke skins are known to have some of the highest levels of pesticides.
You can also rinse non-organic produce in vinegar, prior to peeling, to help strip their skin of chemical residue. You don’t have to purchase organic limes, lemons and oranges if you peel their skin off – but keep in mind the organic variety usually tastes better. I typically don’t purchase organic melon since it has such a thick rind and can be found locally.
If you can join a local organic CSA next year, that’s a great way to acquire affordable organic produce while supporting your local farmers. Go to your nearby farmer’s market and ask the farmer how he grows his crops. You may find that although he didn’t pay the fees to become USDA certified organic – that he does avoid using pesticides and herbicides.
Either way, treat your body to fresh squeezed juice whenever you can. It will help enhance your taste buds for the better and it could prevent medical expenses later. Invest now, save later!
Great article, I just given this onto a co-worker who was doing a little research on that. And he in fact purchased me lunch because I discovered it for him
Hahaa! Way to go, that’s a mighty nice co-worker
Thanks for sharing my post! Have a good one!!
Great article, I just given this onto a co-worker who was doing a little research on that. And he in fact purchased me lunch because I discovered it for him
Right on! I hope your lunch was goood
Hi Elisa
have you ever juiced a pomegranate. and if you have do you juice the seeds or the whole fruit. I found some at a local market recently and just juiced the seeds, but it would be easier if you could juice the whole fruit.
Thanks, Cheryl
No, I’ve never juiced a pomegranate! It partly depends on the juicer and if it can handle the skin. If it’s okay to juice limes or lemons with the juicer, than I would assume it’s okay to juice the pomegranate skin. However, I would only do so if it’s organic or if you soaked the pom in vinegar to remove some of the pesticide residue that is readily absorbed in juice form.
Hi,
I have had a Champion juicer I bought over 20 years ago, which I used to use a lot, then put on the shelf. I’ve been juicing more the last 2 yrs. This is a large, pig-like masticating juicer. I have to cut up the celery first into pieces and do the kale/collard first then push it down with a carrot or apple. Otherwise it doesnt go thru well. I did see the film “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” this spring and did an organic 6 day juice fast. It was time conusming, but worth it. I wondered if the Breville would be easier to use and take up less space in our tiny kitchen. Anyone have experience with the Champion and the Breville juicer? I already have a Vita-Mix which can do blended salads/smoothies also.
Thanks,
Chris
Chris – my understanding is that the Breville is a more upright juicer and the Champion is longer, so a Breville may save some space. The Breville I used required very little cutting/prep compared to my masticating Omega juicer. However, I don’t know how they compare in cleanup, since I didn’t have to wash the Breville! Nice work with your 6 day juice fast!! How did you feel afterward? ~E
Hi Elisa!
I have a VitaMix 5200 and a Omega HD VRT350 – I had the Hamilton Beech Big Mouth Juicer before but it couldn’t handle my daily juicing routine so I graduated to the Omega after countless hours of research. I like it but you are right about the prep work. It takes less time to clean though so I feel as though it all evens out. I juice some days and make green smoothies other days… I can’t decide which I like better! I love adding fresh organic mint to my juice and smoothies… and ginger, that’s my favorite!! Enjoy your weekend, I love reading your site! Thanks for all your help today too, I really appreciate it!
April
Thanks for your input April – I haven’t cleaned many juicers so that’s good to know! Love your suggestion to add fresh mint and/or ginger to fresh juice and smoothies, both are lovely additions. Great talking to you too! ~E
Elisa, would like to have your comments on the Lindsay Nixon’s (Happy Herbivore) revelation yesterday the Drs. Essy and Campbell say green smoothies (and other colors too) are bad to consume because the ultra fine chopping of the greens ruins the nutrients and fiber. And they don’t like juicing due to the removal of the pulp and the sugars go immediately into bloodstream. Thx
Hi Suzanne,
Great question! I saw the article you’ve described yesterday – which has been taken down actually – and I have MANY thoughts on the subject as I’m currently writing an ebook about when and how to juice for health benefits.
Juice contains simple sugars that are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore raise the blood sugar easily. It’s important to avoid sweet juices and smoothies by limiting one portion of the ingredients to sweet and starchy fruits and vegetables, and 3 portions to non-starchy dark leafy greens. This promotes a more even blood sugar following ingestion.
That’s not to say that juices or smoothies should make up the bulk of ones diet, but they can be a helpful addition for folks who struggle with green consumption or those with digestive challenges such as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD).
On the other hand, those who have diabetes and heart disease must be especially cautious of the simple sugars consumed in such an easily absorbed form. If you have a health condition, I suggest working with a health professional who is familiar with this topic to ensure proper implementation.
In the end, the key is to include a variety of greens in various forms steamed, water-sauteed, stewed, in soups, green juices and green smoothies.
For instance, cruciferous vegetables contain cells called glucosinolates. These cells are broken apart by chewing, cutting, blending, and pulverizing. These actions actually activate an enzyme called myrosinase, which yields the byproduct: isothiocyanates (ITC’s). These phytochemcials offer tremendous health benefits.
So again, a variety is key. Stay tuned for my book, which will discuss these topics in much greater detail.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to seek out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site is something that’s needed on the web, somebody with somewhat originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!
Hey – thank you for that! Please come again