Juicing: Green

I love starting out my day with this green juice. From a young age, we begin to fear green foods, but it's a shame because they are so delicious and nutritious! the pear adds sweetness to balance out the kale. So fear not, this juice is both refreshing and makes you feel healthy and clean. 

I love that the pear and parsley both contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids, as I took my first body barre class yesterday and I am sore this morning! Also, there is plenty of potassium in the juice to help my aching muscles.

Here's what's in the juice:

- 3 or 4 kale leaves

- 2 handfuls of spinach

- sprig of parsley

- 1/2 cucumber

- 1 green apple

- 1 pear

Here are the benefits of this green juice:

Kale: fiber, vitamin A, calcium, protein, folic acid

Spinach: vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, vitamin B6, good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber, copper selenium, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids

Parsley: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate

Cucumber: high water content, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and silica

Green Apple: bioflavonoids, fiber, vitamin C, quercitin, and pectin

Pear: fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory flavonoids

Juice of the Day: Blueberry Spinach

Benefits of Blending:

Blueberries: antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin B- complex, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, copper, zinc, iron and selenium.

Spinach: vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6, very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber, copper, selenium, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Black Plums: dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, beta carotene, potassium, fluoride, and iron.

Fuji Apples: bioflavonoids, fiber, vitamin C, quercitin, and pectin

Beet: potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, vitamin B, vitamin C, beta-carotene, beta-cyanine, and  folic acid

Cleansing Time

Last September, I was officially diagnosed with non-progressive Nephritis, a kidney disease. I have suffered from kidney problems my entire life and had been in remission for most of my childhood. However, my Nephritis had returned late last summer and came with episodes of sometimes debilitating back pain, frequent urination, and loss of sleep. I have come to learn that my episodes are caused mostly by dehydration, drinking, and caffeine. Along with Nephritis, I am also allergic to most hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. These oils are found in most foods that are processed in any way.

Inspired by the movie, "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" I am taking on the challenge of a ten day juice cleanse. With this cleanse, I hope to not only detoxify but also subside symptoms of Nephritis. Juicing has become the latest diet craze because it packs in a large amount of micronutrients in a small portion. 

In addition to drinking juices, I am allowing myself to eat only produce, and soups made from produce only. This means, 10 days without: dairy, meat, and grains. Wish me luck!

**This post was not sponsored by Breville, although I love my juicer!**