I have always been intrigued by the idea of juicing, but I was too intimidated to try it. Everyone who juiced seemed like a professional who invested hundreds of dollars in their juicer and created juice from vegetables I had never heard of before. I don’t have the budget for an expensive juicer, and I am not a terribly adventurous eater, especially for a NOLA native.
After watching a few of those health conscious documentaries, I decided that I had to at least look into it. Turns out, I was terribly wrong about juicing. You can get a juicer for under $50.00, and you don’t need to be well versed in exotic fruits or vegetables to create delicious and healthy juices right from your own kitchen. Instead of searching for too many recipes, I decided to just buy what we liked but do not eat often enough: carrots, lemon, apple, cucumber, tomatoes and other fruits and veggies. I don’t have a set formula, but that is why I like this juicing for dummies approach. It is much more attainable.
I’ve included a recipe for you, but really, just get what you like or would like to try. We experimented quite a bit and have found a few tried and true recipes. I’m not going to lie: we’ve also had to hold our nose and chug a few times, but it was tolerable. As my husband said when he tried my attempt at homemade V8, “If I could chug beer for fun back in the day, I guess I can chug this for my health.” We have been making juice 2-3 mornings a week for the last 4 months or so, and I can definitely tell a difference. I feel lighter, more energetic on those days, even without coffee! I also can get in just about a day’s worth of veggies in one 16oz glass. Sadly, I have to admit I do not get enough vegetables on other days.
If you are juice-curious like I was and don’t know where to start, check Amazon, Target, or even Bed Bath and Beyond for a juicer in your price range. I have seen them as low as $30.00. Then, try this recipe, and feel free to modify it to your liking!
What you’ll need: 4-6 whole carrots 1 apple 1 lemon
What to do: Slice fruits and vegetables as needed then place into juicer. This makes about 30 ounces of juice. ENJOY!
Enjoyed reading your post. My husband and I have made some major changes to our lifestyle to be healthier this year. I want to try juicing but am intimidated at the thought of it. You have encouraged me to try it. Thank you.
I’m so glad, Karen! Trust me, if I can do this, anyone can. Let me know how it goes!
I want to try it. There is so much to learn about oxidization and the effect on nutrients levels. So I am intimidated by that. I’m also intimidated by cleaning the juicer.
I don’t even know that much about the health benefits, just that juicing has many. And cleaning isn’t THAT bad- especially if you have your husband do it. 😉
I agree that there are so, so many benefits to juicing and however you start it is a GOOD thing. That being said, IF you are going for it and interested in investing in it, do your research on juicers! For example, you actually can get more of the good stuff out of leafy greens with certain juicers. The return on your investment comes in quality of nutrients for the produce you purchase (or grow) As far as recipes, I have watched most people succeed with simplicity. Apple, celery, ginger is a fav. Add kale to anything for a super healthy drink!
I agree. I read about different juicers, but at the end of the day, my budget had to decide for me. Since our juicer isn’t the best, I don’t juice kale or spinach- those go in my blender for smoothies. 🙂
Thank you for your post. A lot of people who want to start juicing have a harder time at first adapting to the stronger flavors of green juices. With many people it just takes time to adapt your palate to these flavors. The juices that come from leafy greens and other greens are very important to include into your juices.
No problem, and I totally agree. My juicer, since it is on the cheaper end, does not juice leafy greens as well, so I include those in our smoothies…spinach, kale and arugula are my favorite additions!
Hi Myndee,
I am just about to start juicing and, when I read about juicing, what no-one seems to mention is the skin of lemons and the skin and core of apples etc. Do you remove these, or do they go in the juicer as well? I hope you can help.
I leave it all. I have never had a problem with the skin or the core. The (inexpensive) juicer I have takes care of it. Hope that helps! 🙂