Juicing is having a moment. From
full-blown juice cleanses to raw, cold pressed greens, drinking your
vitamins is a popular – and delicious – substitute for eating them. But,
why now? “With the new influence of health conscious individuals that
are easily accessible via social media [here’s looking at you, Gwyneth
Paltrow!], I think that people are becoming more inspired to be
healthier, which includes juicing,” explains Lana Ector, co-founder of
Atlanta-based juice bar Gym Juice.
With a flock of juice bars opening up across the country, if you haven’t jumped on the juicing bandwagon, now is most certainly the time. “Experts recommend drinking two fresh juices on a daily basis,” says Ector, adding that this can consist of fruits, vegetables, or a combination of the two. And while Ector agrees that this two-a-day rule leads to a healthier lifestyle, she also acknowledges that there is the opportunity for cheat days. “My family goes by the 365 days a year rule; use 300 days to be healthy and use the other 65 days to enjoy yourself for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.” Now that’s a rule we can hop on board with!
To get us into a healthier state of mind, we asked Ector to formulate three exclusive beauty juices with nourishing ingredients that are just as good for our skin, hair, and nails as they are for our mind and body. So, while you may not live in Atlanta, anyone with a blender and a juicer can recreate these tasty concoctions in the comfort of your own home.
INGREDIENTS AND THEIR BENEFITS
Grapefruit – A natural fat burner that contains a high number of fat burning enzymes. Speeds up the metabolic rate and satiates the appetite.
Pineapple – A rich source of antioxidants that fight against free radicals in the body.
Green Grapes – Helps with inflammation, supports muscle recovery by eliminating acids and other toxins from the body.
Mango – High in the antioxidant Vitamin C; helps to unclog pores and adds freshness to the face.
Ginger Root – Cold and flu prevention. Combats stomach discomfort, reduces pain and inflammation. Combats morning sickness and strengthens immunity.
Green Apples – Relieves constipation, reduces blood pressure, and a natural source of fiber which is good for digestion.
Aloe – Soothes skin irritations and strengthens the moisture barrier to help repair rough, dry skin.
Lemon – Alkalizing for the body (restores balance to the body’s PH). Rich in vitamin C and fights against infections like the common cold and flu.
Coconut Water – A natural hydrator that is a high source of potassium.
AS A JUICE
What you’ll need:
1/4Grapefruit
1/2 Pineapple
2 cups of frozen Green Grapes
1 Mango
2 thumb sizes of Ginger Root
1 1/2 Green Apples
A juicer (Try Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain ($150))
Start by prepping all fruit. Rinse fruit with water and apple cider vinegar. Slice fruit into small chunks so the pieces will fit inside the juicer. Cover and turn juicer on and wait for juice to extract. Makes 2 1/2 servings.
AS A SMOOTHIE
What you’ll need:
2 handfuls of green grapes
4 chunks of pineapples
1 slice of green apple
1/4 mango
1 1/2 coconut water
1 thumb size ginger root
1/4 grapefruit
A high speed blender (Try KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender ($100))
Freeze fruit overnight. After juicing the ginger root, add all ingredients to the blender and turn the setting to high for 30 seconds (if up you forget to freeze your fruit, add 6-8 ice cubes). Makes 2 servings.
AS A SHOT
What you’ll need
1/2 Lemon
1 thumb size of Ginger
1/8 Grapefruit
1/2 ounce Aloe
Squeeze grapefruit and lemon by hand into a cup with the aloe and juiced ginger. To mix, pour juice from one glass to another 3 to 4 times. It’s a shot, so drink it quickly. This beauty shot benefits skin, hair, and nails and helps with weight loss. Makes 4 ounces.
Happy juicing!
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