Energizing Green Juice Recipe

Most people don’t consume the necessary variety of vegetables and fruits every day. Life is busy and given the way the world is today … Most meals are consumed on the go! After my husband was drafted in 2014, we decided to take elevate our diet. We focused on the types of foods we consumed and how much “junk” we were putting into our bodies. Juicing is an easy way to make delicious drinks that can boost your health and help you treat a plethora of disorders. It allows you to eat raw vegetables and fruits. By doing this you’re able to reap the benefits of all the uncooked enzymes and heat sensitive nutrients. However, the fiber is removed during the juicing process, but you can always get that from other sources in your diet (i.e., whole grains, beans, etc.) I know juicing can be a bit pricy BUT so worth it in the end! To ensure that your juices are pure and you’re packing all the nutrients possible, aim to do the following:

1. Buy organically grown produce
2. Do not remove the skin prior to juicing (in most cases)
3. Rotate vegetables and fruits so you get a variety of nutrients
4. Use a slow masticating juicer (if possible)

Buying organic eliminates the use of pesticides or hormones used to grow produce. If you’re unable to purchase organic produce, be sure that you’re washing your vegetables & fruits thoroughly. The use of vegetable brushes can help remove chemical residues and waxes that are on your produce. Most grocery stores carry vegetable washes that will help remove any residues can be on produce. You can use a high-powered blender to whip up a batch of juice (i.e. a Vitamix blender). However, I would highly recommend using a slow masticating juicer. Slow masticating juicers reduce the amount of air that meets the fruit. This helps to slow down oxidation. It may take a little more time, but it produces more juice.

My favorite type of juice to make is a green juice. Green juices are packed with so many nutrients!

I like to include the following ingredients in my green juice:

• Kale: high in vitamin A, promotes healthy hair, nails & glowing skin
• Apples: promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut
• Lemons: great source of vitamin C, Promotes immunity
• Celery: anti-inflammatory properties
• Pineapple: rich in vitamin C & magnesium
• Spinach: packed with Vitamin A, C, K, Calcium, Folic Acid, Iron
• Wheatgrass: provides iron, calcium, magnesium, amino acids, Vitamins A/C/E, Chlorophyll
• Cucumber: helps increase hydration, high in Vitamin K

After indulging in an iced cold green juice, I can tell the impact that it has on my body within 20 minutes or so. I appear to be more energetic! Most fruits and vegetables consist of natural sugars. Drinking a green juice consistently also allow my body to be “more regular”. The body quickly absorbs the nutrients because juices are pure plant energy. Don’t forget that when juice fruits and veggies the plant fiber is removed! This means you can fit way more veggies into one serving because the juice isn’t as filling without all of the fiber. Removing the fiber speeds up digestion.

Here is my go-to homemade green juice recipe below (you’re welcome!) ….

*** Fresh juices can be stored in an airtight container, place into the refrigerator up to 3 days … It’s so delicious, I’m sure it won’t last that long. Good luck trying! ***

Try replacing your morning cup of coffee with a cup of this green juice! Trust me … you’ll thank me later! Let me know what you think in the comments below and be sure to leave a rating! Until next time … Keep smiling!