My favorite juice is carrot juice. (Just in case you didn’t already know.)
Juicing provides a rush of energy because it’s a hydrating drink full of vitamins and minerals. Fresh juices do not require much digestion and therefore the nutrients are in your body’s cells in a matter of about 15 minutes. Even if you are new to juicing, you are likely to enjoy this recipe that’s balanced with a perfect touch of sweetness and tartness.
Tips
Removing apple seeds/core is not necessary (especially when using organic)
Use a strainer over the juice collection cup/bin or simply strain the juice before pouring into your glass for drinking.
It’s best to drink immediately or drink within 24 hours to get as much of the nutrients as possible.
Once you become familiar with this juice, try changing up the tastes and nutrients by adding in some of the optional ingredients.
If you do not YET have a juicer at home (highly recommended), you could ask your local juice bar to make this exact recipe for you. Hint: To find a local juice bar, simply GOOGLE ‘juicebar near me’ for maps and reviews using an internet web browser. (You can also try this direct link.)
“The abundance of live, uncooked foods flushes your
body of toxins, leaving you feeling refreshed, energized and relaxed all at the
same time. The pure foods make your skin glow, your hair shine, your breath
fresh [due to a cleaner digestive system]… Colds and flue become fewer and
farther between; many people report that arthritic joins loosen with renewed
flexibility; and gums and teeth become less pront to bleeding and
cavities.” (The Juiceman’s Power of Juicing)
“Juicing vegetables renders their life-giving nutrients
“body-active” in about 15 minutes. [Compare this to the 6 or more
hours it takes to digest the typical American meal which reduces your energy
due and leaves you feeling tired due to the energy needed for digesting the
meal.] When the body does not have to work hard to digest, guess what? We have
more energy. We feel more alive!” (Live Foods, Live Bodies).
I can attest to every benefit in the above quotes. I was
first introduced to juicing almost 30 years ago, and I have been an avid
juicer (drinking juice almost daily) for
the last 10 years.
Yet, I know many people have questions and concerns about juicing and I’d like to address the top three in this document. So let’s begin.
Can’t I make juice in my NutriBullet or blender?
Juice is the liquid nutrient form of fruits and vegetables without the fiber. Juicing requires the use of a special appliance called a juicer. Appliances such as NutriBullets and blenders create smoothies. Of course, to be sure you are getting as many fruits and vegetables into your diet as possible, smoothies make a good addition to your diet just as much as adding juices.
The main difference is that juices contain more nutrients
than smoothies when compared ounce for ounce. For instance, an 8 ounce of juice
contains liquid nutrients extracted from 1
1/4 pound of fresh produce. Whereas, using 1 1/4 pounds of fresh produce
to make a smoothie would result in way more than 8 ounces and way more fiber
than one could probably drink due to the need to add enough liquid to create
the smoothie when using so much produce.
Therefore, ounce for ounce, you get more vegetable nutrients
in juices than in smoothies.
Juices don’t satisfy my hunger
The purpose of juices is to get
more nutrients. It’s not to serve as a meal replacement unless you are juice
fasting or on a specific diet to lose weight. Adding juices in these two
situations can make sure that you are receiving the necessary nutrients to fuel
your cells. Yet, juicing should be added to your regular meal plans.
What about fiber?
But the elimination of fiber from juices allows the nutrients in the fruits and vegetables to enter your body’s cells more rapidly, practically without digestion.
We need fiber, so it’s important that you are eating additional foods to meet your fiber requirements that are found in whole grains, legumes, nuts/seeds, fruits and plenty of vegetables.
To learn about “two more” concerns that people often express, learn juicing tips and the top three reasons why my favorite juice is carrot juice – watch this video.
Many believe that juicing produces too much waste in the form of leftover pulp. We all know that juicing helps our bodies to feel better, so here are a few suggestions that will hopefully get you back to feeling good (even conscientiously) about the whole process.
Option 1: Put your pulp into a compost pile or compost bin.
Option 2: Add it to your baked goods, such as quick bread recipes.
Option 3: Juice green vegetables instead of root vegetables. Green vegetables leave behind less pulp.
Notes: the green juice (in the photo) was a mixture of 3 large green leaves, 1 cucumber, 1 stalk celery and 1/2 green apple which only produces 1/3 cup of pulp but a full 12 ounces of juice
Yes, it’s true that carrot/apple juice is a beneficial juice (used by Gerson Cancer Therapy) and also one that’s very palatable to beginners. But, if you’ve been juicing for a while and are ready to try some great juices for body cleansing, try a glass of green juice.
Juicing is a way to get a good source of nourishment into your body immediately. Juicing bypasses the digestive process because the fiber has been removed and the vitamins and minerals enter your bloodstream in the most efficient manner possible.
I began juicing at the age of 20. I would juice some carrots and apples for a quick pick me up while studying in college instead of drinking coffee. But, it didn’t last long after college. I don’t think I juiced again until almost age 30 when I was really lacking energy and first noticed that something was not right with my digestive system.
Before I discovered my digestive issue (a little over a year ago in June 2011) I found that I could simply drink juice in the early part of my day until I had my first meal and the juice would help me sustain energy levels so that I could get my tasks accomplished.
Juicing is my lifesaver!
So, I’d like to invite you to try some juice. My suggestion is to start with a simple recipe. I suggest 5 carrots and 1 whole apple. You can add greens later once your body gets used to it. I like to add kale to this simple juice. And try to buy organic. Organic produce is the best for two reasons: (1) The juice is going straight to your bloodstream, so you want to make it the very best you can find and not fill your blood with toxic chemicals and (2) Organic produce usually taste better.
Are you wondering how to get started? You can often find juicers (sometimes unused) at garage sales, which is where I found the one shown in the video. It’s a Jack LaLane that, at the time I purchased it, sold for about $100 new. I paid $50 – it was unused. I’ve seen some starting at $29 at stores like Walmart. These will get you started. When you decide to fully immerse yourself into juice, you can purchase an upgrade and loan your first to a friend to try. I’m telling you that it’s addictive. So, all of you that already have a juicer in your cupboard, BRING IT OUT to the counter top and get started!
So, below is a video (my first YouTube video) that I put together about juicing. The person behind the camera is my youngest (currently age 10). And yes, my kids drink the juice too. Of course, they complain, but they still drink it. Actually, my son asks for it daily as his morning breakfast during school.
The ingredients in the juice in the video are cucumber, kale, carrots, beets, red cabbage, apple and lime. But remember if this is your first time, start with one vegetable (I suggest carrots) and an apple. Thanks for watching! Here is the video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPMkSfnThVs&t=15s
