Juicing 101

First off, let me just say, I'm no doctor, expert, or Jack Lalanne...

However, I am a strong believer in and an advocate of juicing.

Why juicing?  Because my body doesn't have to take the time to break down the raw vegetables, therefore easily soaking up the nutrient-packed liquid straight into my system.  Let's face it, I need fast.  And I don't like to chew that much.  Don't laugh.

The many benefits of juicing may include:  anti-aging, muscle tone, weight loss, liver detoxification, increased energy levels, boost the immune system,  heart health, and skin, hair, and nail health.  Of course, I can't first-hand give any credit to long term benefits at this point since, as we know, I'm still only 29.

I don't have a fancy juicer, mine is about 15 years old and looks much like this:

OK, I must own up, this isn't originally mine.  It's Kiley's.  And when he first bought it, I made fun of him.  You'd think I'd have learned by now...

My particular style of juicing involves carrots, cucumbers, celery, apples, and whatever aging veges and fruits I may find in the fridge.  

Carrot juice contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and Potassium
Cucumbers are particularly beneficial to the female reproductive system, helps alkalize the body, contains vitamins A, C, and B complex, and calcium.
Celery is a natural diuretic and is great for hydrating the body.  It contains the vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C, is high in sodium, and also helps alkalize the body.  It's also believed to be a "nerve calmer" and to prevent cancer.
Apples are mostly sugar, so I only add half of one, BUT they still contain a lot of healthy advantages.  They help reduce the risk of heart disease, aid in weight loss, are high in potassium, high in antioxidants, and can help with constipation.

There are many more fruits and vegetables that are high in God-given nutrients, I encourage you to seek out specific needs in your diet and look into juicing.  Often times I also add kale, spinach, cranberries, etc.  Whatever I may have on hand to help boost my juice.

To finish, may I offer a word of caution when operating juicing appliances.  I may or may not have been involved in a juicing experience gone awry.........twice.  Be sure to place a cup, glass, or container of some sort under the spout where extracted juice tends to spill from.  I may or may not have forgotten this once or.......twice, and went running for a glass.  Yes, you can turn the machine off, which would help, but I may or may not have thought of that.