Green Juice 101

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I make and drink a lot of green juice.  I strongly believe that everyone needs green juice in their life.  Here's why: green juice is loaded with minerals, enzymes, and nutrients.  It is energizing, alkalizing, oxygenating, and hydrating.  It has been shown to pull waste and toxins out of the body.  There is no digestion required, meaning it does not take a bunch of energy in order to extract all of it's goodness.  It's ready for your body to use.  

A lot of people think that green juice is gross.  When I walk around with my green juice sometimes people stare at me.  But I promise you this: if it tasted awful, I would not drink it daily. Even my husband likes it, and says it's delicious! If you make it right, you'll love it, too. 

Here are some green juice guidelines:

1) Always use organic ingredients!  You do not want your green juice to be loaded with chemicals and toxins.  The goal here is to pull waste out, not put more in.

2) You need a good liquid base. Cucumbers are ideal because they contain a significant amount of water.

3) Pick your greens, and mix up your greens daily.  My favorite greens are lacinato kale, spinach, cilantro, and parsley.  Other great greens are romaine (for a lighter green), and chard.  I have tried spicier greens like mustard and dandelion, but have not had much luck.  If you try these greens, maybe only add a few pieces.

4) Pick your sweet.  This is the trick to green juice.  Add apples, pear, or pineapple.  The more sweet, the less green your drink will taste.  I love adding in two apples.  The alternative is to add some stevia into your juice at the end to reduce the amount of sugar you take it.

5) Add some citrus.  I always use a lemon, sometimes two!  My husband believes that lemon and limes are the trick to a great green juice.

6) Add ins.  I LOVE loads of ginger in my green juice.  Turmeric is another great option.  Ginger is a warming root.  Adding it into your juice will heat you up-- a great option for the colder months.  Lately I have also been adding in some cayenne pepper.  It is another way to heat you up, and boost your immune system.  Think of add ins as giving your juice even more nutritional punch.

7) Juice is not meant to replace meals.  Think of it as a vitamin.  Try to drink your juice on an empty stomach to receive the full benefits.  The two best times are either in the morning before you eat, or later in the afternoon several hours after lunch.  I tend to drink my juice at this time.  It energizes me for the days I work long hours, and when I practice yoga late in the day.  It is far superior than an afternoon cup of coffee!

My best advice it to just play with your juicer.  The more practice you have, the better you will get.  If you make something that doesn't taste great, add some more apples or a lemon.  

Drinking green juice is one of the best things that you can do for your body!  You will have more energy, think more clearly, and just feel great.  Give it a try.  Feel free to play, and have fun! 

My favorite go to green juice recipe:

6-8 stalks lacinato kale

1 whole bunch cilantro

1-2 cucumbers

1 lemon

1-2 apples

A chunk of ginger (about a 2 inch piece or more)