So I recently purchased a juicer. In my continual effort to get healthy without sacrificing anything I love, I decided to add juice. Mind you, I am not talking about fruit punch or OJ here. I’m talking about veggie juices that are slightly sweetened by fruit, not refined sugar.
Juicer have come a long way from the infommerials. You can find quality juicers everywhere from Walmart to Amazon. There are 2 main types. One that acts like a super blender and liquifies anything that goes in, and the one that separates the juice from the pulp. I went with the one that separates the pulp and juice. If I’m going to drink something, I want it to be smooth and easy.
Juice is a great add to a healthy diet. The juice allows you to get all the benefits from fruits and veggies without eating them. Why not just eat them? Well, studies have shown that most fruits and vegetables lose many of their essential vitamins when they are cooked. Raw produce is just plain better for you. The catch is, not all raw veggies tastes good. The picture to the left is a juice made from 2 apples, 4 stalks of celery and 1/2 pound of kale. Now I love vegetables, but that’s a lot to eat in one sitting. But, I can drink it in no time flat!
There’s is a “downside” to juicing. If you are separating the pulp and juice, you are losing the fiber that comes along with eating produce. For me, it’s worth the sacrifice. I eat produce during the day and eat whole grains to get my fiber so the juice is just a bonus.
Juices have a devious bonus. Fresh juice tastes better than any canned or bottled juice you will find. So why is this freshness devious you ask? The best bartenders will tell you that the best ingredients make the best drinks. And fresh juice is no exception. Try making a Bourbon and Ginger with Maker’s Mark, fresh ginger juice, and club soda. Or try Captain Morgan with pineapple juice and orange juice.
These mixology recipes seem easier to find that straight juice recipes.I’ve been looking online and have not really had much success finding juice recipes. Martha had a few but they were all a little boring. Here are the juices that I’ve tried thus far:
Kale, Celery, Apple
2 apples
4 stalks of celery
1/2 pound kaleCarrot Ginger
1 pound carrots
1 large navel orange
1 in piece gingerGazpacho
2 large tomatoes
1/2 English cucumber
3 cloves garlic
1 red bell pepperTropical
1 large pinapple
2 oranges
2 kiwi
1 mangoWatermelon Lemonade (makes a large pitcher)
1 large watermelon
1 lemon
Be sure to remove any large pits or seeds. Small seeds like apple seeds will be filtered out by the juicer. If you’re looking for an easy, delicious way to boost your health, buy a juicer and get drinking.
Always thinking of the next meal
-Katie