Whether you’re embarking on a cleanse or just want to add a daily juice to your routine, these freshly squeezed bits of wisdom from Shauna Martin, founder of juicing company Daily Greens will help you have a happier, healthier and tastier experience.
Get inspired by dark greens.
You may not know it, but the prime growing season for dark oh-so-good-for-you leafy greens is during the winter months. “In Texas [where Daily Greens is based] we start seeing gorgeous kale, collard greens and turnip greens during the winter at our local farmers markets,” adds Shauna. “Nothing gets me more excited about making a green juice then lovely luscious dark leafy greens.”
Swirl in the spice.
When you’re done making your juice, or pop open a cold-pressed bottle of joy try adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. You can also try a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even unsweetened cocoa powder to liven up your favorite green juice. “Think winter chili!” Shauna exclaims. You can also try juicing some turmeric or ginger (or look for them on an ingredient list) for a flavorful element; a little goes a long way.
Befriend citrus.
Grapefruit is a wonderful addition to your juice in the winter (“In Texas we grow the most amazing grapefruit throughout the winter months,” gushes Shauna). You can also experiment with choices like blood oranges or Meyer lemons. “[Citrus] can be a wonderful replacement for the regular apple,” Shauna offers, “Combine [them] with some cilantro and your usual assortment of greens plus a dash of vanilla to experience a fun and unexpected twist to your boring old green juice.”
Load up on root veggies.
The humble (and affordable!) carrot has a wonderfully long season that lasts through the winter. They also offer a slew of nutrients like Vitamin A and beta-carotene. Combine carrots with a hint of pineapple for a twist to your standard green juice. Believe it or not, the commonly-baked sweet potato makes for a great raw addition to juices as well. Paired with pears and a little cinnamon, treat yourself to a sweet finish after a long day with a sweet potato juice. Just don’t forget to throw in a handful of spinach for a dose of green goodness.
Take a hike.
Or a walk around your block a few times. Or take a trip to the elliptical at the gym where you just renewed your membership for 2014 (might as well get your money’s worth!). Because of cold temperatures and the sun setting earlier than we’d all like, the coldest season can be an especially tough time to motivate yourself and find the energy to work out. Even if you can only squeeze in 20 minutes on the treadmill while catching up on Real Housewives of New Jersey, don’t skip exercise. “No matter what you do, it’s important to keep your blood pumping. to assist with both detoxing during a cleanse and elevating your mood during the dreary winter months,” stresses Shauna. So throw on those sneaks and do your favorite cardio activity: “Just remember not to make your sweat session too lengthy that it exhausts you, but just long enough to release those wonderful exercise endorphins,” suggests Shauna. Try a 45-minute spin class or another workout class that interests you to help your body riff off of the high energy being in a group setting creates. Shauna’s pro tip for cleansers: “Swap your regular sports drink or water for a bottle of hydrating green juice.”
Follow Daily Greens at www.facebook.com/drinkdailygreens and on twitter at @drinkgreens. Learn more about their cold-pressed, juices and vegan milk line at drinkdailygreens.com/
Do you still juice in the winter?
