Is it possible to be in love with a kitchen appliance?

When it comes to my recently acquired Vitamix juicer, I have to say it’s a resounding YES!!  For those of you who don’t know what a Vitamix is, think of it as a blender on steroids!  I use my Vitamix mainly for making vegetable and fruit juices, but it has a whole range of culinary uses, serving much like a food processor.  They are kind of pricey, but the great thing about this type of juicer, as compared to many juicers on the market, is you are actually consuming the whole vegetable or fruit, finely blended, fiber and all.  There are a lot of nutrients in the fiber and it is highly beneficial to GI health (now there are some conditions in which you might want to temporarily avoid high fiber in your diet but this is certainly the exception).

You may not be surprised to find out that as a naturopathic doctor I am a big fan of vegetables and fruits as part of a balanced diet.   However, you might be surprised if I told you that I too occasionally struggle with getting optimal quantities of these incredible healing foods.  My Vitamix makes this so easy, just toss in my favorites vegetables (and fruits in moderation), 30 seconds of blending and you have a healthy juice blend full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.  I think my compost bin is feeling a little neglected though….it’s not getting as many overripe vegetables as it used to.

Here’s a basic juicing recipe that I really like:

• 2 cups mixed greens (things like kale, chard or collard greens; and if you buy the pre-chopped bulk mix available in some health food stores, this really simplifies)*
• ½ of a large carrot (or equivalent amount of beet) or half a cup of blueberries or half an apple**
• A radish or two (optional)
• ½ stalk of celery
• 1 to 2 cups of spring water (substitute coconut water for added nutrients and electrolytes)
  *include some dandelion or beet greens as a great liver detoxifier
  **choosing one or two of these items naturally sweetens the juice without having too high of a glycemic load

Enjoy!  If you like, let me know.  I’m happy to share other great simple juicing recipes with you.