NUTRITION RESOURCES

In our latest Raw Generation Juice Club Webinar, Lisa Testa, M.S., Holistic Nutritionist, guided us through a nuanced discussion of plant-based versus meat-based diets. While Raw Generation is a plant-based company, Lisa shared a balanced view of both diet styles, breaking down the pros and cons. Whether you're a long-time plant-based eater or someone who incorporates meat, this webinar offered valuable insights into making healthier choices. Here are the key takeaways: 1. The Benefits (and Pitfalls) of Plant-Based Diets Lisa began by discussing the growing popularity of plant-based eating. While incorporating more fruits and vegetables is undeniably beneficial for your health, not all plant-based products are created equal. Many processed plant-based options, like almond milk or fake meats, contain chemicals, preservatives, and unhealthy oils. “Real plant-based food means eating actual plants—not processed substitutes,” Lisa emphasized. She advised sticking to whole, real foods rather than over-processed plant-based alternatives. For those opting for plant-based products, it's crucial to choose clean versions with minimal ingredients. Lisa highlighted brands like Elmhurst for almond milk, which only contains almonds and water, compared to more common brands that are loaded with unnecessary additives. 2. Is Meat the Enemy? Not Always! Lisa also spoke about the benefits of incorporating high-quality animal products, noting that not all meats are harmful. The key is to choose grass-fed, organic, and pastured meats. When consumed in moderation, these meats can be nutrient-rich and part of a healthy diet. “You can thrive on a balanced diet that includes some high-quality animal proteins, as long as you make thoughtful, informed choices,” Lisa noted. She encouraged participants to focus on grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and pastured eggs if they choose to eat animal products. 3. Avoid the Health Food Traps Beware of seemingly healthy options like yogurt, egg whites, and skim milk. Lisa shared that these “diet foods” are often highly processed and stripped of nutrients. For example, egg yolks—once vilified for cholesterol—are actually full of essential nutrients, while the whites alone lack the same benefits. Similarly, whole milk is often a better choice than skim, which can be full of fillers and chemicals. 4. Eating for Weight Loss and Hormone Balance Lisa reiterated her proven strategy for weight loss: eat light to heavy throughout the day. This means starting with hydrating, light meals in the morning (like fruit, juice, or smoothies) and saving fats and proteins for dinner. This method optimizes digestion and helps reduce bloating, supporting both weight loss and hormone balance. 5. Q&A Highlights The webinar concluded with a lively Q&A session where Lisa answered various questions. One participant, Stacy, asked about craving heavier foods like nut butters and dairy, to which Lisa responded that these cravings are often the body’s way of signaling a need for healthy fats, especially during hormone shifts like perimenopause. Lisa also addressed a question about the sugar content in Raw Generation juices, clarifying that the natural sugars in unpasteurized juices are entirely different from refined sugars and are packed with nutrients that aid in healing and energy.

In this session, Lisa shared her personal health journey, how she became involved with Raw Generation, and introduced key healthy eating principles. The focus was on incorporating raw foods into your diet, understanding how to read labels, and addressing common misconceptions about fruits, carbs, and fats. She also provided detailed insights on managing bloating, digestive health, and achieving weight loss goals. 1. How to Read Food Labels Lisa emphasized that most people focus on calories, grams of sugar, or protein but should be looking at ingredients instead. The key is to avoid: Refined sugars: Look out for ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, or maltodextrin. Refined flours: Avoid products labeled as "enriched" or containing processed wheat. Hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, and natural flavors (which can include hundreds of synthetic chemicals under the umbrella term). When looking for healthier options, prioritize products with whole, recognizable ingredients and fewer additives. 2. Myths About Fruits and Weight Gain A major focus was on dispelling the myth that fruit sugar is harmful or contributes to weight gain: Fruit sugar (fructose) is not the same as refined sugar found in processed foods. Our bodies are designed to thrive on natural sugars from fruits, which offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Lisa also reassured participants that fruits should be a staple in a healthy diet, particularly for those seeking to improve energy levels and lose weight. 3. Combining Foods for Better Digestion Lisa introduced the concept of food combining for better digestion and less bloating: Fruit and fat should never be eaten together (e.g., avoid fruit and yogurt or fruit and nuts in the same meal). Light to heavy eating: Start your day with lighter foods like juices, smoothies, or fruits, and save heavier, fattier meals for later in the day. Heavy foods like fats (avocados, nuts, seeds) and proteins (eggs, meats) should be consumed once daily, ideally in the evening or as your final meal. 4. Juicing and Raw Foods for Health Juicing is a significant part of Raw Generation’s philosophy. Lisa stressed the importance of consuming raw, unprocessed foods to promote health: Juices and smoothies can provide the nutrients your body needs when whole foods are harder to digest. Enzymes in raw foods help the body digest more efficiently and support better metabolism and digestion. 5. Managing Bloating Bloating is often caused by improper food combinations and slow digestion. Lisa suggested: Avoid mixing fruits with fats (e.g., apples with peanut butter, or avocado in smoothies). Start the day with water-rich foods like fruit and avoid fats and proteins until later in the day. 6. Weight Loss Tips Weight loss isn’t just about calorie restriction: Eat plenty of fresh, whole foods without counting calories or portion control. Focus on high carbohydrate intake from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and heavy fats early in the day. 7. Addressing Specific Dietary Concerns Participants asked about various health concerns: Plant-based meats: Lisa advised avoiding most processed plant-based meats due to the poor quality of ingredients, including fillers and refined oils. Instead, she suggested clean whole-food options like organic tofu or minimally processed alternatives. Lactose intolerance: Dairy, particularly processed dairy, is not ideal for digestion and can cause bloating and other issues. Raw milk and raw cheeses can be better alternatives for those who tolerate them well, but reducing dairy altogether is often beneficial. 8. Holiday Eating Tips Lisa reassured participants that they can still enjoy holiday treats without derailing their progress: Focus on 80/20 balance: Eat clean 80% of the time, but allow indulgences 20% of the time for events, holidays, and special occasions. The key is to maintain a healthy baseline diet and treat indulgent foods as occasional rather than habitual.

This month’s Raw Generation Juice Club Webinar focused on the role of protein in weight loss, along with tips for clean eating and avoiding common nutritional pitfalls. Hosted by holistic nutritionist Lisa Testa, the session also delved into the power of raw foods, smoothies, and natural skincare tips. 1. Protein and Weight Loss: Myths and Facts Lisa debunked the common belief that more protein equals better weight loss. While protein is important for muscle repair and transporting oxygen in the blood, carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, not protein. Key Insights: Dark leafy greens are the highest bioavailable source of protein – they contain protein your body can fully use, unlike cooked meats, which lose nutrients when heated. Carbs are essential, and healthy carbs from fruits and vegetables should make up 80-90% of your diet, with protein and fats filling the remaining 10-20%. Focus on whole, plant-based proteins and avoid processed protein powders and bars. The only clean protein powder Lisa recommends is Sunwarrior Raw Protein. Support your active lifestyle with a HIGH PROTEIN CLEANSE,  2. Balanced, Clean Eating Tips Eating a predominantly raw, plant-based diet is a great way to fuel your body, lose weight, and maintain energy levels. Processed foods, even plant-based ones, can have hidden gums, oils, and additives that hinder weight loss and overall health. Healthy Alternatives: Instead of processed plant milks (like Almond Breeze), opt for clean brands like Malk, Elmhurst, or Three Trees that only use nuts and water. For a protein-rich breakfast, Lisa’s favorite is a green smoothie made with frozen ripe bananas, medjool dates, spinach, and parsley. 3. Protein Bars and Powders: Clean or Junk? Lisa emphasized the importance of avoiding highly processed protein products that often contain sugars, fillers, and gums. These are often marketed as healthy, but many do more harm than good. Clean Options: Sunwarrior Raw Protein is the best option for those who want a protein supplement. Go Macro Bars are relatively clean, though they still contain ingredients like brown rice syrup. Raw Generation is working on a clean protein bar, coming soon!

In this month’s Raw Generation Juice Club Webinar, holistic nutritionist Lisa Testa broke down the importance of reading food labels and exposed some of the shocking ingredients often hidden under vague terms like "natural flavors." Whether you're trying to eat cleaner or simply make healthier choices for your family, this session offered critical insights into the food industry's labeling practices and how to navigate them. 1. What's Really Important on a Label? Most people focus on the nutrition facts—calories, sugars, fats—but Lisa emphasized that the ingredients list is far more important. The numbers at the top of the label don't tell you where those sugars or fats come from, which is why the real story is in the small print underneath. “Sugar grams don’t mean the same thing when they come from a sweet fruit juice versus a processed snack with high fructose corn syrup,” Lisa explained. Learn to read past the nutrition facts and focus on what’s actually in your food. 2. Beware of "Natural Flavors" One of the most concerning aspects of food labels is the term “natural flavors,” which may sound harmless but can hide a lot of questionable ingredients. These flavors can legally contain up to 100 different substances under that single label. Even companies selling “clean” products can include ingredients derived from animal parts, petroleum, and more. Here are a few examples of what might be hiding under “natural flavors”: Castoreum: Secretions from a beaver’s anal glands, often found in vanilla flavorings. Shellac: A resin derived from insects, used in shiny candies like jelly beans and even some citrus fruit coatings. L-cysteine: An amino acid derived from human hair or duck feathers, used to soften bread. Methylparaben: A preservative from female dogs in heat, used in many canned goods. Lisa’s advice? When in doubt, call the company or avoid natural flavors altogether unless the company specifies what’s included. 3. Food Dyes: The Hidden Toxin While food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 are labeled as artificial colors, they’re still prevalent in a surprising number of products. These dyes are not only linked to behavioral issues in children, like ADHD and autism, but they are also known carcinogens. You’ll find these dyes in unexpected places, like Life cereal, children's medications, vitamins, and pickles. Lisa stressed the importance of reading labels carefully, especially on foods marketed to children. 4. New Products on the Horizon Exciting news for parents! Raw Generation will soon be launching Little Sippers, a line of small, kid-friendly juices. Each juice contains a rainbow of fruits and vegetables—up to 40 per week—with clean ingredients kids will love. These will be available soon, providing a convenient and healthy way to get kids more nutrients. 5. Take Action with Healthier Choices Lisa also touched on her ongoing commitment to clean, unprocessed food options at Raw Generation, explaining that while cleaner products can sometimes be more expensive, the long-term health benefits are invaluable. Raw Generation's juices are raw, unpasteurized, and full of live nutrients, which is why they are a premium product.

This session introduced several new products from Raw Generation, provided insights into health and nutrition, and allowed for a Q&A where attendees could ask personal health-related questions. Below is an overview of the new products discussed, along with some general tips on healthy eating and detoxification. 1. New Product Launches Lisa provided an in-depth look at several recently launched products and what makes them unique: Protein Method: Designed for individuals needing a high-protein diet for weight loss or muscle support. It includes macronutrient-calculated recipes and guidelines tailored for high and low-intensity workout days. This product helps manage hunger and support daily protein needs. Half-Day Juice Cleanse: Combines juices with a healthy veggie burger for dinner, designed for those worried about hunger while cleansing. It delivers comparable weight loss results to the full juice cleanse while allowing participants to eat a balanced meal in the evening. Instant Smoothie Detox Cleanse: Powdered fruits, vegetables, and nuts in sachet form, perfect for people on the go. These smoothies contain no added sugars, flavors, or fillers and can be mixed with water or clean plant-based milk like oat milk. Bridal Reset: Specifically formulated for brides, bridesmaids, or family members preparing for a wedding. The focus is on improving skin, hair, and energy levels, while reducing bloating and improving sleep quality. Metabolism Boost Supplement: A unique product made from dehydrated juice pulp powder, berberine, cinnamon, and ALC carnitine, designed to promote stable blood sugar levels and boost metabolism. 2. Additional Products in Development Skincare Reset: A new program focused on improving skin from the inside out using raw foods and chlorophyll for detoxification. Lisa is also developing a topical honey-based mask. Perimenopause and Menopause Program: A program to support women through perimenopause, designed to balance hormones naturally through diet. Blender Shots/Water Enhancers: These concentrated juice or smoothie cubes can be added to water or smoothies for easy nutrition, targeting both adults and teens. 3. General Nutritional Tips Importance of Chlorophyll: Lisa emphasized the power of chlorophyll, particularly from green juices, for reducing cravings, alkalizing the blood, and preventing disease. Chlorophyll-rich foods help curb salty cravings and promote overall health. Combining Foods: Lisa reiterated that eating light to heavy throughout the day (juices and fruits in the morning, heavier meals with fats and proteins in the evening) promotes digestion and reduces bloating. She emphasized avoiding mixing fats and fruits, as it can lead to digestive issues and slow weight loss. Managing Bloating and Digestion: If you're experiencing bloating, it could be due to improper food combining. For better digestion, focus on consuming water-rich foods earlier in the day and save fats and proteins for the evening. 4. Addressing Specific Health Concerns Post-Cancer Health: Lisa emphasized the importance of keeping the body in an alkaline state to prevent cancer recurrence. She suggested testing pH levels with strips and ensuring a diet rich in chlorophyll to maintain an alkaline environment. Menopause/Perimenopause: Lisa shared that balancing hormones with diet can ease symptoms of menopause and promote a smooth transition. Eating more raw fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in moderation can help regulate hormonal fluctuations. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, especially raw with "the mother," has been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits and can help with conditions like arthritis. 5. Weight Loss and Maintenance Stay Skinny Method: A popular weekly weight-loss system that continues to help customers maintain their post-cleanse weight loss while teaching sustainable eating habits. Signature Reset: A 90-day program designed for long-term weight loss and lifestyle change. This comprehensive program provides support through instructional videos, recipes, and guides, with the goal of losing 20 pounds and keeping it off. Additional Questions Answered Nuts as Snacks: Lisa advised against nuts as a snack due to their high-fat content and ease of overeating, which can hinder weight loss. Instead, nuts should be eaten sparingly, ideally at dinner or blended into meals. Leg Cramps: Magnesium was suggested as a natural remedy for leg cramps, although Lisa recommended consulting further for other supplements like C.A. Bark, as her expertise does not heavily focus on supplementation.

In this session, Lisa introduced several new products launched by Raw Generation and discussed how these can support your health goals. The focus was on weight loss, intermittent fasting, managing cravings, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She also shared her personal journey with nutrition and answered audience questions. 1. New Raw Generation Products Lisa introduced several new offerings to the Raw Generation product lineup, designed to make health and weight management easier: Cleanse for Two: This allows you to cleanse with a partner and save $55 by purchasing two 5-day cleanses. Cleansing with a friend offers accountability and better results. Intermittent Fasting Fuel Pack: A comprehensive support system for intermittent fasting, including the Craving Crusher (chlorophyll-rich greens to manage cravings), Skinny Boost (a pre-meal enzyme shot), and Hunger Delay (a low-calorie tea blend to curb hunger during fasting periods). Higher Fiber Gut Reset: A line of smoothies with higher fiber to promote gut health, made from whole fruits, vegetables, and seeds to keep fiber intact. Vanilla Protein Shakes: Part of the meal replacement pack, these shakes are made from whole food ingredients (almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds) with 16 grams of protein per bottle. 2. Managing Cravings Lisa emphasized that cravings are a signal from your body about nutritional deficiencies. The Craving Crusher shot, rich in dark leafy greens and chlorophyll, helps balance cravings by providing nutrients your body may be lacking. Key Insights: Craving salty foods? Your body needs more greens. Craving sweet foods? Your body is asking for fruit. By consuming chlorophyll (from greens like kale and spinach), you can reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks. 3. Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting is an effective way to manage weight, and Raw Generation’s Intermittent Fasting Fuel Pack is designed to support various fasting protocols. Key Products for Intermittent Fasting: Craving Crusher: Starts your eating window by managing cravings. Skinny Boost: Take before your largest meal of the day to help with digestion and reduce bloating. Hunger Delay: Enjoy during fasting periods to curb hunger and boost metabolism with ingredients like vanilla and chamomile. There’s also a higher-protein option for those who need more protein, featuring Vanilla Meal Shakes as a meal replacement or dessert-like treat to sustain you through long fasting windows. 4. Weight Loss and Lifestyle Tips Lisa explained the importance of whole, raw foods for effective weight loss. She shared her personal journey of shifting from calorie counting to focusing on nutrient-dense foods, which helped her lose weight effortlessly and maintain it long-term. Key Weight Loss Tips: Eat light to heavy: Start your day with lighter foods like fruit, juices, or smoothies, and save heavier foods (with fats and proteins) for later in the day. Avoid mixing fats and fruits: This can cause digestive issues and hinder weight loss. Stay consistent: Maintaining healthy eating habits over time is key. Lisa advises keeping a balance of 80% healthy eating and 20% indulgence to avoid feeling restricted. 5. Community Support The Raw Generation Facebook Group was highlighted as a valuable resource for customers. It offers recipes, challenges, and a space to share your experiences with other customers. 

In our latest Raw Generation Juice Club Webinar, Lisa Testa, our in-house nutritionist, offered expert advice on maintaining your health while traveling—without sacrificing the fun! Whether you're headed out for work or pleasure, Lisa shared strategies to keep you on track with your wellness goals, even when you're away from home. Here are the top takeaways from this month’s session: 1. Plan Ahead to Stay on Track The first piece of advice Lisa gave was simple but essential: planning is key! Before heading to your destination, do a little research on nearby juice bars, healthy restaurants, and supermarkets. By knowing what’s available, you can easily stock up on snacks and essentials when you arrive. “I always stop at a grocery store before I even check into my hotel,” Lisa explained. “That way, I can grab fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats like nuts and olive oil, and have quick options ready in my room.” This approach helps you maintain control over your meals, even if you're indulging in local cuisine for dinner. 2. Balance Healthy Choices with Enjoyment Lisa stressed the importance of finding a balance between indulging in local foods and staying on track. You don’t have to be perfect with every meal. Instead, focus on making healthier choices for the majority of your day, so you can enjoy a special meal without guilt. “If you want to have fun with food and drinks, just balance it out by sticking to healthier options for breakfast and lunch. That way, you’re not setting yourself back too much.” This approach helps you stay mindful without feeling restricted. 3. Always Request a Mini Fridge When booking your accommodation, Lisa recommends always requesting a mini fridge in your room. This simple step allows you to store healthy snacks and leftovers, keeping you prepared for when hunger strikes. “I’ve never had an issue getting a mini fridge. It’s a game-changer for staying on track,” she said. Stock up on fruits, cut-up veggies, or even some ready-to-drink juices from Raw Generation to make snacking a breeze. 4. Smart Ordering at Restaurants Eating out while traveling can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to derail your healthy habits. Lisa shared a strategy for making smart swaps at restaurants. For example, instead of ordering a carb-heavy pasta dish, ask for grilled chicken with vegetables, or skip the breaded chicken for a healthier grilled option. “You can modify almost any dish to make it healthier,” Lisa said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments like swapping fries for a salad or skipping creamy dressings.” 5. Traveling with Juices One of the most frequent questions Lisa receives is how to travel with Raw Generation juices. Lisa shared a tried-and-true method: pack your juices fully frozen in a double Ziploc bag, and you can bring them through TSA as long as they remain frozen. “We’ve tested this method with many customers, and they’ve never had a problem bringing frozen juices on planes,” Lisa said. This tip is perfect for keeping your daily greens on track, even during travel. 6. Smart Indulgence It’s important to let yourself enjoy your vacation, but without overindulging. Lisa recommends picking one or two meals where you treat yourself to something special, but keep the rest of your day filled with nutritious choices. “Let yourself have that meal or that drink, but don’t let stress or guilt undo your progress,” Lisa reminded us. “It’s all about balance.”