Woman in Real Life

Colin Erricson/www.robertrose.ca

January is all about taking a second look at our lives. Do I like where my life is headed? Is there anything I want to change? Whether you make resolutions or not, it can't hurt to consider even a few minor healthful changes. While some may choose to do a full 3-day detox or juice fast, I prefer to go the route of adding more fruits and veggies to my diet. And maybe cutting out some of those chocolates and other tempting items that become a bigger part of our lives during the holiday season.

This first month in a new year is a great time to dust off your juicer and stock up on leafy greens and other veggies. While I tend to juice fruits more often than veggies, that's one gentle change I can make this month that's sure to add a bigger, better variety of nutrients to my diet. For assistance, I am turning to my copy of The Juicing Bible, Second Edition, by Pat Crocker.




This bestselling bible of all things juice contains an astounding 350 juice recipes, with fruit and vegetable juices, tonics, cleansers, digestives, teas and more. With 32 colour photographs, The Juicing Bible also provides information on the seven body systems and the diet and lifestyle changes that can keep our bodies running smoothly. The book explains how we can use natural foods to combat 80 common health concerns, such as allergies, fatigue, heartburn and influenza (wish I had noticed that category last week!). Another section looks at individual fruits, vegetables and herbs, listing information on their uses and healing properties, and how to best purchase and store them. The book is a great starting place for anyone looking to improve their health in this fresh new year.

The publishers have kindly allowed me to share a couple of juice recipes with you. Today I'm sharing a vegetable-based juice called Green Goddess. It contains broccoli, cucumber, green bell pepper and fresh parsley. The section of the book describing vegetables tells us that broccoli is one of only four vegetables that are high in vitamin E. It also has antioxidant, anticancer and healing properties.

I'll be sharing a lovely, fruit-based juice recipe from The Juicing Bible later this week.

Are you taking any steps toward greater health this month?


Courtesy of The Juicing Bible, Second Edition by Pat Crocker © 2000, 2008 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission.