Juice Box

the cost of vibrant health

I don’t know for a fact that diet can prevent disease where health is concerned- after all, our current environment (the air we breathe, the things that touch our skin) can be toxic as well. But I do know that the Standard American Diet (SAD) definitely is not health-promoting. On that, I think we can all agree. I think most of us would agree that organic local produce is health promoting! I mean, you can’t not look at that photo above and deny it!

As you know, we get a lot of produce these days due to the fact that I added a “Juice Box” to our weekly produce delivery. The Juice Box provides extra produce and fruit specifically for juicing.

The amount of money I spend weekly in produce (and food in general) I consider a luxury. But, I don’t get my nails done or go out for drinks. I rarely eat out. I don’t have a cleaning service. I’m not into buying lots of clothes or beauty products and truth be known, I hardly ever vacation. The hard-earned money and precious time I take to feed my family well is worth it to me.

With this much produce every week, the creativity component is real. I mean, what do you do in carrot season with 5 bunches of carrots a week? Brad is like…more f-ing carrots??? I’m a cauliflower hater, myself- and we’ve had no shortage of that either this winter. But it’s the challenge I love. Carrot/Orange juice, Carrot/Banana Muffins, Carrot/Sweet Potato/Ginger Soup, Roasted Carrots (Brad does them great.) For me, the carrots are easy. Sadly though, I’m not the only one who hates cauliflower around here so that proves to be a problem. Cauliflower sits in the back of the fridge with a sad look on its florets. I made Cauliflower Steaks the other day! Meh. Let’s just say we didn’t save the leftovers.

Quick picked beets were fun last week and got eaten up fast! (I just chopped and boiled beets and marinated in a mixture of balsamic, coconut sugar and mustard seed.) Also I always make a veggie broth like this one that can be used as a base for other things, like lentils or other soups.

The muffin thing though- I really have it down now. I don’t even need to look at a recipe anymore. I make gluten-free muffins out of lots of things: zucchini, bananas, sweet potatoes and of course, carrots. I’ve settled on a mix of buckwheat, oat and almond flours. While I have gotten a bit creative with my own recipe (and don’t have exact measurements for you) I’ve used this and this recipe a lot when making gluten free vegan baked goods and they have helped me spin off on my own. Sometimes I throw one egg into a muffin batter if I want a little fluffiness. (Especially if I want others to compliment my muffins.) Adding chocolate chips goes over well when seeking a complimentary muffin response. (I like this brand)

So- as I promised myself- I have been juicing quite a bit. It’s time consuming. Messy. Expensive. And? your point is? Come on! Juicing is SO good for us. And no it’s NOT a “replacement” for salads and other fibrous meals so don’t even try and go there with me! People who juice don’t stop eating salads, ok? If you are crazy enough to juice 4 or 5 times a week, chances are, you’re a salad eater.

My main go to’s recently have been the good ol’ orange-carrot-ginger and a potent green juice that usually consisting of some blend of the following: kale, apples, spinach, fennel, lemon, romaine lettuce and parsley. Gnarls!

It is said that the body loves live food and I have to say, I truly believe it makes a difference. Eating and drinking fresh fruits and vegetables is inspiring and invigorating to me. It feels “clean” and my body feels happy. The cost, the time it’s worth it to me. What else should we spend our money on if not our health? Spend it on eating plants now, or doctors later. That’s my thinking.

I am happy to trade my dollars to the local organic farmers who work so hard to keep us on the right track in this world when so much is at stake with our environment. Eating local and organic means food doesn’t have to travel to us - it’s grown in the same environment we are living in, experiencing the same seasons, and it’s free of chemicals.

Well, I hope I’ve sold you on contacting your local CSA. I’m off to have some green juice and avocado toast with this amazing bread! I love it but it always needs to be toasted.

Stay healthy and see you next week!