In January, most of us close the door on holiday excesses. We review our well-being, join gyms and promise our bodies healthier foods. A tasty way to jump-start our nutrition is juicing. Jason Collins, owner of the Franklin franchise of I Love Juice Bar, suggests simple changes to take control of our diet, like eat one healthy meal a day, be it breakfast or lunch, but stop eating by 7 p.m. An easy, heathy meal substitute is a super-nutritious juice or smoothie.
January marks four years of business on Fifth Avenue North for I Love Juice Bar. The food is made fresh in the store daily, and nothing is processed. In fact, only seasonal, whole fruits and vegetables are used. And wherever possible, gluten-free, organic and locally grown products are sourced. In the juicing world, I Love Juice Bar is considered high-end with its "eat healthy, feel great" concept, and 70 percent of their sales come from repeat customers.
If you've got something you'd like to try, specific additions and requests are not a problem. If you don’t like an apple juice base, try coconut water instead. Want protein in your smoothie? Try pear protein in it.
Jason shares two delicious recipes from his menu to try at home. Both drinks include spinach, which provides a mild flavor and blends well with other ingredients.
Bunny Love
(If you use a juice extractor)
Makes a 16-ounce glass
Ingredients
- 3 carrots
- 2 apples
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 small piece ginger root
Very Strawberry
(If you use a blender)
Makes a 16-ounce glass
Ingredients
- 8 ounces apple juice
- 1 cup frozen sliced banana
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
