juicing + wellness
After recovering from COVID-19, I started juicing to improve my diet and strengthen my immune system. Before going plant-based, my pallet was really limited, and my mind was closed to trying anything new. Converting to a plant-based lifestyle changed all of that.
what is juicing?
As a child, my grandmother would slice fruit and let me use her manual citrus juicer to make fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice. But the method of juicing I’m referring to is not quite the same as that.
Juicing is the process of extracting liquid from fruits and vegetables, leaving behind the solid parts. It's like making a fresh, healthy drink by squeezing out the juice from your favorite produce.
health benefits of juicing
Drinking the juice extracted from the fruits and vegetables can boost your health by providing a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. It's easier to digest, helps with hydration, and can support weight management. Additionally, it aids in detoxifying your body and may contribute to healthier skin.
These days, you can find a juice shop in almost every town, and even restaurants are getting in on the juicing trend. Personally, I avoid some of the chain restaurants that serve juice for a couple of reasons. They often add refined or processed sugars to sweeten the juice and might not use fresh organic fruits and veggies, which doesn't align with your wellness goals.
how I got started with juicing
I like spending time in the kitchen, coming up with recipes, and collecting kitchen gadgets, so I decided to make my own juices. But making your own juices can take time, and I'm not always able to do that, so I've found a few local shops that offer clean, whole, fresh-pressed juices.
I bought a couple of Kindle books that explained the science behind juicing. I wasn't juicing for the taste, but for my well-being, so I needed reliable sources to understand how to reach my wellness goals. Once I had a solid understanding of the concept, the tools required, and how to create juice recipes, I went to Target and got my first juicer. I tried a few before I found the one that worked for me.
There are various reasons to juice, from detoxing to boosting your immune system. When I was recovering from COVID-19, and with the virus still going around in my office, I was really focused on building up my immune system. I came up with a couple of easy recipes and started juicing on Sundays for the first few days of the week. I’m not a fan of the highly concentrated taste of some of the extracts so I opted for juice shots that I would toss back first thing in the morning before work.
I can tell you this much: it's been over a year since I’ve had a cold, the flu or a COVID-19 recurrence. Plus, I've noticed clearer skin, a well-behaved digestive system, minimal bloating, and managed my weight better. Of course, achieving many of your wellness goals don’t rest in juicing alone. Total wellbeing of proper diet, exercise and stress management are a huge factor but juicing definitely helps.
tips to get you started with juicing
Don’t go it alone: In this age of information there’s a wealth of accessible knowledge and resources to go on. And of course, you have me!. Kindle is a great source for reliable books and articles, I went with Juicing for Beginners by Amber J. Thrall.
Equipment matters, but don’t go all out at first: When picking a juicer, go for something simple and effective. There are lots of juicers out there with different ways of getting the juice and nutrients from fruits and veggies. Don't stress over it, and I wouldn't suggest splurging on the most expensive juicer when you're just starting out. Start by getting to know your fruits and veggies and creating recipes that match your wellness goals.
Gather Your Ingredients: Visit your local farmers' market or grocery store and pick up a colorful array of fruits and veggies. Apples, carrots, leafy greens, and citrus fruits are popular choices. Opt for organic when possible.
Drink fresh: For maximum nutrition and flavor, consume your juice immediately. Light and air will destroy a lot of the nutrients and all the nutrients will begin to lose their potency. If you can't, store it in airtight containers in the fridge and drink within 24-48 hours. I use small glass jars with sealed aluminum lids.
Also, immediately after I juice, I can the juice and place in the freezer for about 15 minuets then relocate to the fridge. This helps to slow the oxidation process.
Embrace the Journey: Juicing is all about experimenting and finding your groove. Try different combinations and listen to your body's feedback to tailor your juice blends to your taste and wellness goals.
One of my go to recipes is Oranges, Lemons, Ginger, Turmeric, Raw Organic Honey or Agave for a Natural Sweetener. It’s sweet, tart and also has a little bite from the ginger.
Juicing is an enjoyable and accessible way to boost your wellness journey.
Enjoy the journey and benefits. Best of luck!
