Pink Energizer Veggie Juice [beet-carrot-cucumber-orange-ginger]

It’s the weekend, so why not get a head start on getting those veggies in? I love juicing on the weekend because I actually have the time. And if I make an extra large batch I’ll freeze some in mason jars for later in the week when I need an energy boost.

There are a couple of basic guidelines to follow in order to get the most benefit from juicing. Here they are:

[1] Juicing fruit is not as beneficial as juicing vegetables. Using too much fruit will increase the amount of sugar you’re consuming. Yes, it’s natural sugar, but sugar is sugar is sugar.

[2] It’s best to consume fresh juice on an empty stomach or between meals. Because juicing removes the fiber from the whole fruit or vegetable, you are going to absorb the nutrients quickly [fiber slows digestion]. And if you drink your juice with a meal that contains protein, fiber and/or fat, this will also slow digestion + absorption. So drinking fresh juice outside of meals will ensure efficient absorption of all those health boosting nutrients.

[3] You’ll get the most nutrients from your juice if you drink it right away. Juicing and then leaving it in the fridge for a day or two is almost counterproductive. Once juiced, the vegetables + fruit will begin lose their nutritional value, leaving you with less of the benefits. So try and either drink your juice right away or at least within a few hours of juicing.

[4] Variety is important. If you’re a regular juicer, it’s important to change up the fruits and veggies that you’re using in order to get a variety of nutrients, rather than the same ones over and over again. Your body thrives on variety. Each fruit + vegetable on this earth contain varying levels of vitamins, mineral, phytonutrients, etc. and for different reasons. If you’re an occasional juicer it’s okay to stick with just one of your favorite recipes; just be sure you are eating a variety of whole vegetables throughout the day in addition.

This juice is also a hit with the kiddos! Give it a try today. Need a juicer? This is the juicer that I use and love.

[ingredient round-up.]

Let’s talk nutrients.

The many health benefits of carrots.

Carrots come in a variety of colors with a variety of nutrients. They are a great source of antioxidants and a rich source of vitamin A. The popular orange carrots are high in beta-carotene which gives them their vibrant orange color. Purple carrots are high in anthocyanins, giving them their pretty purple complexion. And yellow carrots are a great source of the phytonutrient lutein which is great for eye health! Overall, consumption of carrots [in any variety] has been shown to have many anti-inflammatory benefits. Add carrots to soups, salads, smoothies, stir-frys juices or munch on them for an afternoon snack. There’s really no bad way to eat a carrot.

Eat your cucumbers.

Cucumbers are super versatile “vegetables” that contain lots of water and nutrients, and little calories. Technically, cucumbers are actually a fruit but we’ve come to know these delicious, juicy beauties as vegetables, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I love adding them to juice because they can provide a lot of volume with so few calories + sugar. As with many vegetables, cucumbers are also high in antioxidants, making them anti-inflammatory. So eat your cucumbers by adding them to salads, sandwiches, munching on them for an afternoon snack, adding them to water and juicing them with your favorite fruits and veggies.

Benefits of beets.

Most of the time you either love or hate beets. Beets are a sweet and versatile root vegetable. They’re used for juicing, can be used as a natural food coloring, and can be eaten both cold and warm in sweet. Beets are a nutritional powerhouse full of vitamins and minerals, but they are also higher in sugar. Beets are naturally a great source of potassium, magnesium, iron, B vitamins and vitamin A. The beet greens provide even more nutrients, so don’t forget to use those too! Beets are also a great detoxifier. Betaine, a powerful plant compound found in beets provides detox, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Ginger.

Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea benefits. And for good reason. Ginger contains the compound, gingerol which is responsible for giving this popular root its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. If you’ve ever been pregnant or been close to a woman who is, you know how disruptive and uncomfortable the common pregnancy symptom, nausea or”morning sickness” can be. Most women suffer from nausea sometime in their pregnancy, and ginger can provide some relief. Try ginger tea, ginger candies or chews, or add some ginger to your water. Some evidence even shows that ginger may be more effective at providing nausea relief than medication!

Ginger is versatile as well. I love juicing with it, adding slices to water, baking with it and adding it to any Asian-inspired dish.

Check out the recipe + directions below.

[enjoy.]