Gimme Some Green!

Why is green so great? Fruits and vegetables are natures cure for just about everything. These powerhouses heal, protect and improve all of our bodily functions.  We all grew up eating nasty green things we didn’t like, because our parents knew they would support our growth.  Thanks, mom!

Although the food pyramid has changed over many years the recommendations for fruits and vegetables has remained the same. We all know the magic number: eight servings. I’m sure most of us can count on one hand how many times we’ve been able to eat that much produce in one day. It’s almost impossible if you have any kind of life. Luckily there’s a simple solution…

JUICE! What could be easier than drinking 8-16oz of juice? Of all the soda, coffee, and sugared beverages we consume in a day, could we replace just one of those cups with some real, live, juice? Would it really kill us to take in a few REAL fruits and veggies?! (Note: the definition of juice here is that which comes directly from the fruit/vegetable and is consumed immediately. If it came from a grocery store or comes from a bottle, its not the kind mentioned here.)

The great thing about juicing is that it allows you full flexibility and creative reign. Juice things that you like! If thinking about green juice makes you a little queasy, start with fruit juice.  As you adjust to the taste and discover combination's you enjoy, add more veggies.  Ideally a glass has three parts vegetables to one part fruit, but that can take some time to work up to. Go at your own speed. 

Here are a few quick tips to get started:

*Do some research before purchasing a juicer to determine which one will fit your needs. There are various types on the market, but the best one for you will be the one that you’ll use!

*Choose fruits and vegetables that you enjoy. Juicing should be fun!

*Use organic produce whenever possible. This ensures that your glass will be free of any pesticides or chemical residues. You do NOT want that sh*t in your juice!

*Juice leafy greens first. Follow with apples, carrots, beets, etc. This “rinses” any remainder green juice from the juicer.

*Use as much of the fruit or vegetable as possible. Stems should be removed as well as any rinds on citrus fruits. Otherwise, carrot tops, beet leaves, etc. go in!

*If you’re looking for a creamier texture or want to add fiber, throw your juice in a blender with some greens, banana or avocado.

*Leftover pulp can be used in baking recipes as a substitute for fats.

*Most importantly, don’t be afraid to get creative! Experiment and try new things. You can usually hide the taste of greens with apples or a ¼ lemon slice. A small piece of ginger goes a long way as well.

In a time where we take medications for just about everything, lets not forget to eat our fruits and veggies too! Better yet, throw them in the juicer! 

Happy juicing everyone!!