LANCASTER — On Jan. 1, of this year, The Main Squeeze Connection, founded by Gena Catalucci, was born, with a mission to awaken society into realizing the potential of living a beautiful and healthy life.
“I started The Main Squeeze Connection due to my own personal experience with fresh, cold pressed juice,” Catalucci said. “I got into juicing three years ago as well as other self-healing modalities like breath work, yoga, and meditation. Through the power of daily juicing, I have shed 90 pounds, got myself off of prescription medication – which had ruled most of my life – and started to feel a vibrancy I had long lost.”
With more energy than ever before, eating more mindfully, and craving less sugar, Catalucci says she has connected deeper with the earth and its medicine as well as herself and her body.
“This [juicing] is one of the most potent forms of natural medicine that can be considered preventative as well as help rid disease,” said Catalucci. “I realized how deeply this is a need within the collective, our community, and my family.”
Catalucci just beams with excitement when describing her juices and the process of making them.
“My fresh, cold-pressed juice is made from vegetables, fruits, and herbs,” she said. “This juice is served unpasteurized to preserve all nutrient content from those raw, live enzymes in each cell of these plants. Unpasteurized is key because during pasteurization, the high heat process actually kills all of the live enzymes and phytonutrients present in the beverage, completely ruining the whole premise of the medicine!”
Catalucci offers different herbal additives from spirulina, to collagen, tincture, and more.
“These juices provide a very highly concentrated amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in a way that puts no pressure on the digestive system and is easily absorbed into the body,” she adds. “It is a great addition to your daily routine and for my clients and I we have collectively experienced sparks in energy levels without the crash, less sugar cravings, less inflammation, better sleep, less fatigue and body aches, better focus, better bowel movements and digestive health, and so many more benefits. It has changed my life and many clients of mine.”
Catalucci offers over 35 different blends of juice that are typically served in 16 ounce jars for a daily serving, “however larger and smaller amounts are available upon request, as well as wellness shots, and cold pressed juice freeze pops” she said.
Spending time with her food bible, watching advanced juicers, and participating in The Juice Guru Institute, Catalucci says she bought a juicer, and off she went creating her own healthy concoctions – ranging from sweet to savory – based off of different items that complement each other.
“My favorite juice is the Recovery, it has cucumber, fennel, lime, spinach and Fuji apple,” Catalucci said. “It is incredible for replenishing the body of different electrolytes, provide hydration, aid in digestion, circulate blood flow, boost immune and mood, enhance energy… the list can go on!”
It is so delicious and balanced, says Catalucci, “don’t be scared of the fennel, I promise I know what I’m doing and it is one of my top sellers.”
Another fan favorite is the Sweet Refresher which has honeydew, pineapple, kiwi and mint.
“This juice is an ultimate hydration blend, aids in digestive health, supportive of uterine health, immune boosting, cognitive function, and so much more – and I mean it is just so sweet and delicious,” Catalucci added.
A few other juices that Catalucci would like to mention are her Green Machine, Life in Color, Get the Glow (out of season until spring), Earthy Mama, Cold n Flu Shot, and her current Fall Blend Apple Cider.
Catalucci also believes it is important to eat with the seasons.
“The earth provides what we need, when we need it – I believe that’s why we have seasonal foods,” she said. “I just put out my fall menu and it has been such a hit. I’m so grateful to share the importance of eating seasonally with my community and also see their excitement as well!”
Catalucci says she has a vision with so many goals for a healthy future for her community.
“I would love to be part of a wellness retreat center where there are so many different healing modalities from breath work to massage, reiki, journaling rooms, salt rooms, apothecary, sauna and so much more,” she said. “I have a community of healers that would love to be a part of this vision.”
Aside from that very beautifully large goal, Catalucci says she would love to see herself with a large store front, with many trained employees, servicing and delivering up and down the east coast.
“I also aim to get my juices a part of the frozen market in grocery stores as this extends the shelf life to three months while preserving all nutrients and giving accessibility to more people,” Catalucci added. “I aim to get my freeze pops in grocery stores as well to offer a healthier ‘treat’ option.”
Catalucci says she would like to eventually donate a portion of her profits to music and art education for children as well, “because our children deserve to express themselves and have an opportunity to do so creatively.”
Helping the community get healthy is what is most important to Catalucci.
“I’ve intentionally crafted my business, my vision, and my juice blends with education and compassion for my community,” Catalucci says with a smile. “In every juice you will feel that. In every connection with me you will feel that. I am here as an enlightened soul to help impact our people and command our individual power back. It’s a movement – not just a juice!”
For more information on The Main Squeeze Connection, LLC, and to see a juice menu, visit Catalucci’s website at mainsqueezeconnection.com.
