Juicing does take time and planning. You have to keep your refrigerator well stocked with fresh produce and be willing to try creative combinations. However, the health benefits overshadow any excuses.

The Living and Raw Foods Marketplace put the following article together, it gives suggestions on how to really take advantage of juicing in your busy life. 

You may be asking the question, “How do I begin to add juices to my diet?” You can start immediately by using juices as replacements for non-nutritious beverages such as soda pop, coffee or alcohol. Here are a few other suggestions:

• When you come home from work and want to reach for a cold beer or cocktail, make a refreshing glass of juice instead.

• On a Saturday afternoon when you’re thirsty for a soda pop, make your own “pop” by juicing your favorite fruits and adding sparkling mineral water.

• Prepare energizing fruit drinks in the morning when you first get up, and break your fast the proper way, with a food easy to digest.

• For your mid-morning coffee break, avoid coffee or tea (except herbal tea), which stresses the body. Instead, take your favorite juice combination to work in a thermos and have a juice “pick-me-up” break.

• For your bedtime snack, instead of milk and cookies, add a tranquilizing glass of juice like celery and carrot that will help you sleep and won’t put pounds on while your dreaming.

Next, start using juices as supplements.

• Drink carrot juice with your meals for a great way to add pro-vitamin A (beta carotene) and carotenoids to your diet.

• Kale and broccoli juice, mixed with apple or carrot, is an excellent source of calcium, as good as, if not better than, milk.

• Fresh orange and citrus juices are potent sources vitamin C and bioflavenoids.

• Apple juice is a good source of potassium and other soluble fiber.

Make juices a part of your cooking regime.

• Try some of the breakfast drinks that incorporate fruit juices.

• Vegetable juices make a nice addition to soup stock.

• Juices can make healthful sauce bases.

• Fresh fruit juices can be made into a number of gelatin and pudding desserts.

Above all, make sure your juicer doesn’t sit on the shelf and collect dust while your arteries collect plaque. Form the habit of juicing right away. It’s the most economical, nutritious way to supplement your diet with extra nutrients. For starters, choose recipes that are appealing in flavor and appearance. Try some of the combinations from “Delicious Fruit Juice Cocktails,” “Party Drinks,” or “Refreshing Summer Coolers.” Fruit Juice becomes a way of life, try the drinks that may not be as sweet, but offer high quality nutrition and special therapeutic benefits. Choose recipes from the “Seasonal Tonics” or the “Therapeutic Juice Drinks” sections. And don’t forget to try the suggestion for beauty treatments.

         * DVO welcomes your kitchen hints and cooking or nutrition questions! Email us and we'll post your hints and Q/A's in upcoming newsletters! *