This makes me want to be on a beach somewhere. Although, if I were drinking this on a beach, there would probably be a shot of tequila in it. Side note, must. try. with. tequila.

Moving forward. Why juice? That is a big question I often get.

Juice makes me feel good, inside and out. I find I have more energy throughout the day, which effects my productivity and even my relationships. It’s a great way for me to get in my greens or the vegetables I don’t prefer to eat raw. I find it reduces my cravings for sweets. The more I juice, the more I crave it. It makes my skin glow – lets just say, it also shows when I drink too much coffee and not much juice. I don’t juice to lose weight, but I do believe that it can effect weight in a positive way, depending on the lifestyle.

Somedays it’s, “hey, lets grab a juice” just as much as it’s, “hey, lets meet for coffee”. Or my husband and I have juice dates. We’re kinda nerdy like that, but we both

I know many people are curious about juicing and for those that are new, I say give it a few tries. I wasn’t a fan at first, but the more I tried it, the more I liked it and eventually started to notice the way it made me feel. Please note, I’m not a professional juicer, I’m just passionate about it.

I love this juice because it’s sweet, but also refreshing with the cucumber. If you love a little spice, you can add ginger or one whole lemon for a little more zing. If you’re trying to get in more greens, add kale or a handful of spinach. As you juice, taste along the way and alter based on your preferences.

If it were up to me, I’d add a big chunk of ginger to everything, but I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

So, how’s everyone enjoying juice week? If you’re shopping for a juicer, I recommend the Breville. The other good options (so I’ve heard) are the Hurom or the Omega - juices wheat grass. However, if you love your juicer, please leave the name of the brand in the comments.

note: I have found (& heard) that the cheaper versions don’t extract a lot of the juice or break down leafy greens as well as the more expensive machines. 

Juice Week Recap -

• Day 1: Lean & Green
• Day 2: Beet Happy

See you all tomorrow with another yummy juice!

Pineapple & Cucumber Refresher

Serves 2 [about 4-6 oz each]

PRINT Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large slices of pineapple
• 1 1/2 large red apple, seeded and quartered
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 lemon

DIRECTIONS

Turn on the juicer.

Add pineapple, apple, cucumber and lemon.

Pour the fresh juice into a glass, and enjoy!

Fresh juice is best consumed immediately after juicing and would recommend not going more than 3 days.

note: If there’s too much pulp, strain through a sieve or other strainer one to two times to reduce the pulp.

*gluten-free *vegan

Get your juicers warmed up because I have a whole lot of liquid yumminess coming your way! Helloooo #JuiceWeek.

It was this time last year that I did my first juice week and it was such a hit that I’m bringing it back. I know, you Facebook fans have been waiting ever so patiently and I thank you for that.

I love my juices. It gives me great energy, makes my skin glow and helps keep those sweet cravings to a minimum. Whats not to love, really?

The last several years, juicing (homemade or purchased) has been a big part of my life. I’ve tried many juice cleanses, which are great, but I prefer to incorporate it into my daily routine. Cleanses can make me a tad bit grumpy, the Mr. isn’t a fan of me during those days.

I’ll drink juice to kick off my morning, have as a pick me up in the afternoon, help replenish after a workout or just enjoy on a warm sunny day. I find that it’s best, taste and health wise, when fresh. If I make a big batch, I’ll store in a mason jar in the fridge, but for no more than 3 days.

ps. if you’re hungover, a juice with coconut water will take good care of you. *cough* so I’ve heard… 

Green is my go-to when I have a choice. Shoes, pillows, my wedding and juices. It usually works out pretty well for me.

Since green can be rather intimidating, it’s best to try it out at home whether it’s smoothies or juices, that way you can control the taste. Then eventually, you’ll have an acquired taste for green juices and smoothies. Plus, knowing all the health benefits (ALL THOSE VEGETABLES!), it helps.

If you’re juicing at home and the flavor is too green or too vegetable-y, try adding a little more fruit (apple, pineapple, pear, etc.) or spice it up with a little ginger or limes.

I’ll be posting juice recipes the rest of the week so be sure to check back in. I’ll also be sharing tips and information on juicing via Twitter and Facebook so follow the hashtag (on twitter) #juiceweek.

You can read more about the benefit of juicing and also the difference between juicing and blending, here.

If you don’t have a juicer and are interested in buying investing in one, I recommend the Breville. The other good options are the Hurom or the Omega - juices wheat grass. However, if you love your juicer, please leave the name of the brand in the comments.

Happy juicing!

Lean & Green Juice

Serves 2

PRINT Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 english cucumber, halved
• 5 stalks on kale
• 3 sticks celery
• 2 cups or 2 large slices of fresh pineapple, quartered
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

Turn on the juicer.

Add cucumber slices, kale, celery, pineapple slices, spinach, lemon and parsley.

Pour the fresh juice into a glass, and enjoy!

Fresh juice is best consumed immediately after juicing and would recommend not going more than 3 days.

note: if there’s too much pulp, strain through a sieve or other strainer one to two times to reduce the pulp. 

*gluten-free *vegan

Juices from previous Juice Week:

Day 1: Strawberry, Apple & Lime Juice

Day 2: Carrot, Apple & Ginger Juice

Day 3: Green Refresher

Day 4: Grapefruit + Mint Juice

Day 5: Apple + Cinnamon Juice