We’re into the dog days of summer for half of the world. It’s hot here in Canada! Even though we may not feel like eating, we still need nutrients to be healthy and strong. So why not try juicing? Here’s guest blogger, Erika Remmington, with a mitt-full of recipes for you to try.

Juicing is a very healthy option. In our fast-paced, always-on-the-go society, sometimes our food choices are not as nutritious as they could be. Juicing offers a quick alternative that is full of concentrated vitamins and minerals.

Juicing Provides Concentrated Nutrition

One sixteen ounce cup of fresh juice holds the same nutrient value as eating two pounds of carrots, a staggering eight pounds of spinach, or a whopping ten to twelve apples. The enzymes that are necessary for our bodies to function successfully can be found in ninety-five percent of raw fruits and vegetables.

Juicing Can Help With Weight Loss

Juicing provides what our bodies need to preform our daily activities. In addition, to being quick to make and healthy, raw juice is low calorie. It is dense in the nutritional value it provides. Instead of reaching for a cookie during boredom or a false hunger jag a person may experience; raw juice will help stimulate a body and provide much needed energy. That energy can then be used to participate in exercises that leads to weight loss and increased mental health stability.

Juicing Can Help Ward Off Illness

Natural juices are absorbed more effectively than commercial juices and processed foods.In addition to weight loss and higher energy levels, juicing can help prevent heart disease, stroke and cancer. Juicing can cause skin to look “glowing” and clear.

Fennel And Watermelon Juice

• 1.5 cups watermelon Chunks
• 1 Tbs fennel
• 2-3 apples
• 2 cups of spinach

Add watermelon, fennel, apples and spinach, one at a time to juicer. Chill your homemade juice or drink after putting it into cup and add ice if you choose to.
Fennel is sweet and aromatic. It’s flavor adds a boost to everything you combine it with. This recipe adds some very sweet fruits and vegetables leaving you with a fresh, delicious juice.

Star Fruit and Berries Juice

• 2-3 star fruits
• 1 lb strawberries
• 2 large carrots

Add star fruit, berries and carrot to juicer, one at a time. Chill or serve with ice in a cup.

Turnip Fennel Juice

• ½ turnip
• 3 carrots
• 1 apple 
• ¼ fennel bulb

Swiss Chard Kale Juice

• 2 cups of swiss chard
• 1 cup of kale
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 apples

Tropical Escape With Aloe

• 1 tbs of aloe vera gel (extracted from the lead or purchased from health food store)
• 1 carrot
• 1 apple (preferably green)
• 1-2 cups pineapple
• Optional: 2 tbs coconut milk 

You will surely experience an air of relaxation with this health-boosting exotic concoction. Blend, chill, and enjoy.

Once you start adding raw juice to your diet, you will find yourself feeling refreshed. For people with high blood pressure, those who are told to lose a bit of weight or for people who are feeling sluggish, you will find juicing is exactly what the doctor ordered. Juicing enables you to have your apple a day and so much more.

Information provided by Advanced Retinal Institute Inc.

About the Author

Erika Remmington is a recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley in linguistics with a minor in business. She is a wife, new mother, avid rock climber, and an independent freelance writer.

Mmmm… these juice recipes sound superb! Do you have any to share with us?