TO JUICE OR NOT TO JUICE, THAT IS THE QUESTION.

Nothing substitutes a good, healthy eating program.  However, not too many of us can manage that, day in and day out, 365 days of the year.  Coming into January, we are all recovering in one way or another;  too much food, alcohol, not enough sleep, maybe a cold or flu thrown in for good measure :(

I have to admit that I love kitchen gadgets and I am always looking for an excuse to buy something new.  A few years back I invested in my Juicer and I use it in alot of different ways but mainly for the juice fasts that I go on once every quarter.  There are a great many of them available now but I stress to you, if you are going to invest in a good quality juicer, look for one that is easy to clean, with simple parts that come apart easily -  dishwasher safe would be great.  Make sure you don't have to peel or chop your produce unnecessarily.  (obviously you'll want to peel bananas and avocados but not apples, pears, even oranges) 

January's fast is such an important one for me, especially this year after coming thru a December wrought with sickness.  If you are someone who desires weight loss, I advise a juice fast prior to beginning a new, healthier eating program.  Cleanse your body first:  a Spring Clean if you will!

Please note, I am NOT a Doctor nor do I play one on TV!!!   Before beginning ANY diet, fast or exercise program, please check with your own Doctor first.
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There are many different types of juice fasts and many different drinks for you to try.  Don't be fooled by the supermarket drinks that are now available.   Unless you are buying your freshly-made juice from  a juice bar, (and I highly recommend you try fresh wheat grass!!!)   the store-bought juice will have lost valuable nutrients during storage.  They have usually been heat-treated or have additives to help them keep longer. 

Juicing is sometimes thought to be expensive but it does not need to be. 

• use produce at the peak of its season, when it is cheaper but also has the finest flavour and maximum nutrients.
• look for special bulk-buys
• avoid over-packaged produce and buy loose which is usually cheaper
• check out the bargain bin for produce at its ripest - I get most of my juicing produce here for a fraction of its normal price
• I use the left over veg. pulp in my soups, casseroles, ground meat mixtures, etc.   My fruit pulp is used in muffins and cakes etc.  

If you like to begin your day with a cold drink, this Vitality Drink  just may be for you.  It is packed with powerful heart-protective and cancer-fighting antioxidants, plus vitamins B & C.  A great source of potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure too.

1 RIPE Mango   -  Serves 1-2
1 orange
1/2 pomegranate

Remove the pit from the mango and peel the orange.  Juice them together and poor into glass(s)  Peel the pomegranate, reserving 1 tbsp of seeds and juice the rest.  Pour into the orange and mango juice and sprinkle with the reserved pomegranate seeds.   

I like to start my day with a WARM VITALITY DRINK and this one is just amazing - trust me!!!  The carrots and parsley in this drink are packed with carotenoids to brighten the eyes and skin and helps to cleanse the liver.  It is also full of antioxidants, which regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol and fight heart disease and cancer.

3 1/2 ounces of boiling water
1 green tea sachet or 1 tsp loose green tea
1 carrot
1 apple
small handful of flat leaf parsley
plus a few sprigs for garnish

Pour the boiling water onto the green tea and let stand for 4 minutes.  Strain and cool slightly.  Juice the carrot, apple and parsley.  Stir the juice into the tea, pour into glasses and serve warm garnished with parsley.

Another of my favourites is made with beets which are very rich in potassium effective in keeping blood pressure low.  Rich in vitamins and antioxidants for protection from aging free radicals and helps normal cell function..  Ginger is also included which is a great wake-up as it stimulates circulation and peps up the digestion.

2 small beets        Serves 1-2
1 carrot
1 pear
1/2 lime
1 inch of fresh ginger

Juice the beets and carrot and then juice the pear, lime and ginger.  Mix together and pour into glasses.

My final juice that I'll share with you today, still in the fresh and Revitalising Theme:

Cucumber Cooler - serves 1-2

This one is great for rehydrating and refreshing the system and is a very good diuretic.  Apples contain natural sugars for an energy lift and Cilantro promotes good digestion and remove toxins.  It also helps the circulation and is good for healthy eyesight!

1/2 cucumber
2 apples
1/2 ounce fresh cilantro

Cut a few long strips from the cucumber and set aside for a garnish.  Juice the apples, cilantro and remaining cucumber together.  Pour into glasses and add the cucumber strips and ENJOY!

There are Juice Drinks that are empowering, uplifting and restorative -  I'll be sharing those with you too.

So if you are feeling in need of a pick me up, a zip in your step, a super charged beginning to your new year, JUICING might be for you.