#throughthejuicer: Day 4 Complete!

As 'they' say (who's 'they' anyway)... 'time flies when you're having fun! Please note... I'M awake at 2am. I don't remember the last time I was ABLE to stay awake this late. 

With day 4 complete (also my favorite number), I've NEVER felt better. I'm full of energy, allergy & headache free and have dropped 4 lbs.!!

Juicing for only 4 days has also allowed me to surpass a goal that I never thought imaginable... running a mile in under 10 minutes. To most that's an easy task, but it's been since high school that I've been able to really push myself past that. My handy-dandy Nike Plus app even had the awesome ass Lance Armstrong congratulate me.. cheesy I know, but hey- it's the simple things. :)


Anyhow... one of my fave parts of juicing has been how much time I've spent in the kitchen. I realize that sounds silly, but the truth is I've never had a huge interest in cooking or anything kitchen related, but now I'm definitely the one that preps & cleans before and after juicing and I like that.


The most INTERESTING facts learned between day 1 & today are:


1. Beets are awesome!

who doesn't love these guys? c'mon you gotta remember doug funnie!! 

Seriously tho! These bad boys may look strange, but they taste amazing in juice and have a color that I swear one day will be on a wall in my home.

Why are they so very awesome you ask?

• Beets are a GREAT & rare source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betalains give off antioxidant, anti-inflammatory & detoxification support. (ding ding ding! detox me baby!)
• Beets promote eye-health, specifically help eye problems that come with age! Maybe if I eat enough I can toss the 4-eyes, eh? 
• Beets protect against heart disease & birth defects
• Beets lessen tumor growth & even decrease chances of cancer... most significantly colon cancer. 

How could I work beets into my diet WITHOUT juicing you ask? 

• Look for small/medium beets in the produce section that are smooth and firm. The smaller, the more tender & easy to prepare... or put through the juicer. 
• Cut beets into quarters... skin on and steam for no longer than 15 minutes. Heat diminishes the health benefits of these bad boys, so if you can eat them raw, even better! Add 'em to your fave salad as cubes or by running them over a grater. Yum! 

More info & recipes here

2. Cabbage does not go well in the juicer. I wish we would've taken video, but it has been the only item we've purchased and not been able to run through the juicer. Cole slaw it is--- on day 8 that is! 

So... the next time you're in the grocery store... what are you gonna buy?