Ten years ago, when my son was just thirteen, he was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis. The condition caused his throat to constrict, making eating painful and frightening. As his weight dropped, we knew we had to find a way to nourish him without worsening his fear. That’s when our juicing journey began.
We quickly realized that most store-bought juices were not the answer. They were loaded with sugar, preservatives, and additives that didn’t align with our family’s eating habits. On top of that, years of digestive struggles and food elimination trials had already forced us to avoid dairy and other triggers. What we needed were nutrient-dense recipes that actually tasted good—something our son would be excited to drink.
So, we invested in our first juicer, choosing a model sturdy enough to handle whole fruits and vegetables with minimal prep. For a busy family, the process had to be quick, simple, and sustainable. What started as a medical necessity soon became a family ritual.
Experimenting with recipes brought fun back into our kitchen. My kids became little “mad scientists,” tossing in spinach, carrots, cucumbers, and beets, then balancing the flavors with apples, oranges, or berries. Fresh herbs like mint and basil added surprising twists. Through trial and error, we discovered our golden rule: 80% vegetables, 20% fruit. This kept the juices nutrient-packed while still being delicious.
Juicing gave us more than just a way to feed our son—it gave us hope and joy in a challenging season. It became a daily reminder that even in hard times, small, creative choices can bring healing. What began as a desperate attempt to get calories ended up transforming the way our whole family looked at food.
Our Favorite Juice Recipes
1. Apple, Carrot & Ginger- Bright, refreshing, and just the right kick of spice.
2. ABC Juice (Apple, Beet, Carrot, Citrus)- Sweet, earthy, and citrusy—our kids’ all-time favorite.
3. Watermelon & Mint- Light, cooling, and perfect for hot summer days.
Step 1
Set up your juicer, cutting board, and knife. Wash and prep your favorite vegetables and fruits.
Step 2
Juice the vegetables first, filling the glass about ¾ full.
Step 3
Add fruits for sweetness and finish with a small amount of fresh herbs to taste.