Juicing at Home
Energy!
This was the main reason why I had initially started juicing for myself. I had been going to juice shops, which I liked, but it wasn’t until I started juicing for myself at home that I really noticed a huge difference in its results.
Chasing two kids around and living an active lifestyle was making me feel pretty depleted. What we don't realize is that there are so many vital nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in fruits and veggies that get trapped in our digestive systems and don't get fully absorbed. This is what makes juicing so wonderful!
Fiber is one of the main nutrients that gets stuck in our digestive systems. Juicing unlocks all of these incredible nutrients in raw foods, and the results show! Our bodies need these nutrients to be able to repair, regenerate, and keep our immune systems healthy — especially during the change of seasons. Since starting juicing, I have noticed an acceleration of energy, an improvement in my skin, and even greater workout stamina. Now, I dislike going a day without it.
Below are a few of my favorite organic juice recipes, along with the juicer that I use.
Enjoy xx
ENERGY
1 red beet
1 golden beet
4-6 celery stalks
1 green apple
1 cucumber
1 lemon WITH rind
small piece of ginger
KID APPROVED
1 cucumber
2 celery stalks
1 green apple
1/2 lemon
1 carrot
SKIN
1 kale leaf
handful parsley
1 stalk celery
1 collard leaf
1 tomato
1 broccoli floret
1 carrot
DIGESTION (& kid approved)
1/2 cucumber
1/2 green apple
3 pineapples slices
DETOX
9 leaves laminate kale
10 long dandelion leaves
1 lemon
1 green apple
1 cucumber
A bit about the health benefits of each ingredient...
RED BEET
Considered in many cultures to be a natural medicine, red beets are rich in nitrates that help improve blood flow, potentially causing an increase in your stamina during exercise. High in vitamin C, B6, folate, manganese, betaine and potassium. Also containing very unique antioxidants, batanin and vulgarxanthin, which have antioxidant and detoxification properties.
GOLDEN BEET
Iron, potassium, fiber, folic acid, vitamins C & A. Golden beets are known to be detoxifiers for your liver and kidneys. They are very high in powerful antioxidants and can decrease your risk for heart disease.
CUCUMBER
Amazing benefits for your skin! Vitamins K & C, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, silica, calcium & zinc!
CELERY
Reduces inflammation, is detoxifying and cleansing, can fight cancer, has vitamin K which improves skin firmness, electrolytes, & magnesium which can help you relax.
GREEN APPLE
With anti-aging antioxidants such as vitamins A & C and phenols, this amazing fruit can delay premature aging. It also has vitamin K which promotes healthy blood coagulation.
LEMON + THE RIND
The peel/rind of a lemon actually contains essential oils! So nice with the rind on. Benefits of lemons include vitamin C, beta carotene, Vitamin A, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
GINGER
Contains powerful antioxidants that increase blood flow by removing impurities form the body, which results in an anti-inflammatory effect. Ginger also speeds up food digestion and can prevent cancer cells. Kills bacteria that cause colds, making it the perfect juice for flu season. It can also speed up hair growth, if you happen to be wishing for longer hair.
CARROT
Ever wonder what makes a carrot orange? The orange comes from an antioxidant called carotenoids, and another one know as beta carotene. Carrots also contain Vitamin A, which protects your skin and eyes, boosts immunity, cleanses your kidneys, and balances blood sugar.
KALE
Iron, Vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants galor!
PARSLEY
Boosts your immune defense with its high level of antioxidants: Vitamin A and Vitamin C help you maintain a healthy gut — where the majority of your immune system actually runs!
According to Environmental Working Group in an annual list know as the "Dirty Dozen", these fruits and vegetables are known to have the most chemicals and pesticides:
1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Nectarines
4. Apples
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Cherries
8. Grapes
9. Celery
10. Tomatoes
11. Sweet Bell Peppers
12. Potatoes
On the flip side, the "Clean 15" with the least chemicals and pesticides for 2017 are:
1. Sweet Corn
2. Avocados
3. Pineapples
4. Cabbage
5. Onions
6. Sweet Peas
7. Papayas
8. Asparagus
9. Mangos
10. Eggplant
11. Honeydew Melon
12. Kiwi
13. Cantaloupe
14. Cauliflower
15. Grapefruit
I use the Breville Juice Fountain Elite Juicer.
Photo Credit: Cherie Nicole Photography