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Fresh Juice Guide: How To Start Juicing At Home or In LA
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I love fresh juice. Today's column won't go into the virtues of why you should drink fresh juice, everyone knows that it's a great way to be healthy. Today, I just want to tell you why it works for me, and how you can bring juicing into your life.
Years ago, a friend suggested I try juicing because he knew I rarely ate vegetables. It made total sense for me, since I wanted to eat healthier but didn't like many vegetables. He suggested that I try it for a month. So I bought a juicer, got a basic recipe (carrots, celery, beets, ginger and spinach), and had a glass at home.
My first one was literally, hard to swallow. I didn't like the taste. I didn't know the actual rich flavor of fresh leafy vegetables, or fruit without sweeteners. I'll be honest, it took awhile. But when I noticed a glowing change in my skin tone and more energy, I knew I was on the right path.
Make it easy on yourself in the beginning, have someone else make it for you. Living in Los Angeles, we've got many inexpensive juice options! In downtown LA, the Grand Central market has a great/inexpensive juicing bar. They have at least 20 fruits and vegetables to custom make your own juice for under $4: Tropical Zone Ice Cream & Juice Bar: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, (213) 624-2378.
If you live in the west part of town, try Govinda's. It sits in the middle of Culver City's Hare Krishna Temple, and has a simple selection. Their 12 oz Veggie-Combo Juice has fresh squeezed carrots, celery, beets, ginger and spinach - all for $2.50.
Echo Park or east LA is full of juice, as juicing is a part of Latino culture. I've driven by many places throughout the southland that offer all kinds, and usually for cheap.
If you're up for the challenge of juicing it at home, here are a few tips.
- Sweeten your juice. I wish someone told me this trick years ago, but throwing in a sweeter fruit like an apple or pineapple - improves the flavor tremendously. When I make nutrient rich g
- Get a good juicer. Without this, it’s inconvenient, difficult and more of a burden. I usually don’t plug particular products, but the Jack Lalane Power Juicer is extremely well designed. The chute is enormous, so it involves less chopping of all your fruits and veggies: http://www.powerjuicer.com/.
- A “green” drink is great in the morning. I typically drink a fresh "green" drink in every morning on an empty stomach. Green = heavier on the leafy green vegetables. Try the one I mentioned in the second paragraph (carrots, celery, beets, ginger and spinach), and you'll notice a pleasant difference in your body. These days, I try a combination of kale, spinach, beets, ginger and carrots with a handful of frozen pineapple to help sweeten the flavor.
- Try not to overdo it with fruit juice. Fruit juice can be a little too much for some folks, myself included. Diabetics and women prone to yeast might find that too much juice is problematic. If you’re going to have it, try it a few times a week.
- Clean your produce the minute you get home. The second I get home from the grocery store, I go right into the kitchen and clean my fruits and vegetables. After they’re completely dry, I place them in a large bowl or Ziploc bag in the fridge. Since they’re already clean, they can go in the juicer right away. It makes for quick prep and cleanup and less time in the kitchen.
- Drink fresh juices right away. Once juiced, drink it right away. These healthy enzymes are what makes juicing so great for you.
- Know a few tricks. When you buy a juicer, they usually include a recipe book. They’ll most likely teach you a few essentials.
- Start slowly and see how your body feels. My husband does not respond well to juicing leafy greens like chard. My stomach immediately gets upset with fresh tomato juice. You have to figure out what is okay for yourself. Try a small amount first, then pay attention to how your body feels after you drink it. Your body knows what it can handle.
And if you need tips/ideas/recipes...send them to me or you're welcome to post them in the comment section below!
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