Juicing For Amateurs

Introducing a fresh Juice to your daily routine is a terrific way to upgrade your health and well-being. Fresh Juices contain an abundance of enzymes. live vitamins and minerals delivered in a concentrated form. When you drink real Juice you give your system the liquid essence of the produce, It’s one of many practices to detoxify and cleanse the body but it’s also a fundamental practice for anyone who wants to take their well being to a higher level.

One key element to start juicing is to be prepared, organized and have a desire to experiment the abundant benefits. You will no longer be interested in the synthetic beverages, you will start craving “real juice” and this is the first step into the routine of juicing, just stick with it and you will be thrilled by the results, it is truly one of the main generators for optimum health and wellness.

Where do I start?

Get the Juicer

A high quality juicer will make the best extraction without oxidising the produce and allow your juice to be stored for a longer period of time. A masticating and slow type is preferable, the liquid it provided is always denser in nutrients and tastier. The masticating juicers can be used for other purposes such as juicing grasses or making nut and seed butters.

Write your shopping list

Before making a trip to the market, prepare your shopping list with your favourite vegetables, fruits, fresh herbs and greens.
You can choose from the seasonal offerings, every season brings the key elements in food that are needed for the body for that season. it’s just how Nature does it for us!
Local preferably, the shorter the time between the farm and your plate, the better, to keep those nutrients intact. Food imported from far away is older and has traveled many miles to get to you. Local produce has a greater taste because the crops are harvested at their peak and the nutrition you will be getting is part of the eco-system you are living in.
Start with simple combinations ( Carrot-ginger. Apple-cucumber. Carrot-Orange…) and with time you will progress into a juice connaisseur and develop an intuitive approach.

Prepare your juicing

You can save time by preparing your produce the night before if you plan on making a morning juice. You can also, on the week end select the ingredients for three days of juicing, prepare and place your produce in a container, this way your jump start your week without going through the prep everyday. Stick to it for a while until you make it a habit.

Make and get organized

Wash your produce thoroughly, you can place it in a container filled with filtered water and vinegar, let it sit for a while before washing,
Peel the produce and slice the ones that are too large to fit in your juicer, It is usually not necessary to peel and core unless you are using conventional rather than organic. A ceramic knife is preferable and would be a great add to your kitchen, regular knifes lead to oxidation and reduce the nutrient content.
Feed your vegetables, greens, fruits…one at a time, for instance if you start with juicing carrots, finish them all and pass on to the next produce, do not alternate between your ingredients. You can rejuice the pulp if it’s still damp, pass it back through your juicer, not all harvest is the same and certain goods have a higher water content.

Have your juice

Ideally on an empty stomach, you want to be sitting when sipping on your juice, have it right away or store it in a glass container with a sealed lid.
If stored properly, it can last up to 3 days maximum unlike the commercials juices which can last on markets shelfs for months!
Now it’s time for the annoying part! To clean your juicer. Many are turned off because of this step, but you are not one of them, right?
The trick is to clean up right after juicing, use warm water and the residus will immediately fall off the parts, when done immediately, no need for the harsh scrubbing, a quick wash, right after you are done and your juicer is already placed to dry.
Check the juicer’s manual to see if your juicer is dishwasher friendly. Don’t get discouraged! You are implementing a fabulous routine.

How to store the juice?

Always keep your juice in an airtight container, preferably glass but BPA-free plastic is also an option.
Fill the container full to prevent oxygen from getting in, place your juice at the top shelf of the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Freezing is also an option, good for a larger quantity but less desirable than refrigeration, freeze it immediately after juicing and consume within 7 days of freezing. Another way to have juice on the go is to make ice cubes out of the extracted juice and when desired dilute it with water, it is a great alternative when traveling or simply having a day out.

Keep in mind

Vegetable, green, sprouts and fresh medicinal herbs juices have outrageous health benefits.

Incorporate some high-quality raw fats (such as: avocado, cacao butter, coconut oil, sesame oil…) to ensure a proper delivery of all phyto-nutrients and pigmented colours.

Spices will boost your immunity and stimulate your palate, add the amount that works for your body, like a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of cinammon on a carrot juice. Mmm.

Pure sweet fruits juice are high in glucose and should be consumed with moderation to avoid blood sugar fluctuations and feeding candida. Go for, slow sugars, found in beets, carrots, green apples…

To get the proper benefits, drink your juice away from meals and on an empty stomach. Start with one cup at a time, your intuition will guide you, into wanting more or less.

If the taste is strong, dilute with water. Over time, your taste buds will adjust to alkalinity.

Celery is a great add to your shopping list, along with dark and light leafy greens.

Be aware, If you are taking medications, certain fresh juices may interfere with prescribed drugs. Consult your Doctor if you are under any conventional treatment.

Bottom line, have fun with it! Keep experimenting and you will never go long enough without a decent dose of real juice.

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