Orange Juice (Romaine, Carrot, Ginger, Apple)

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The first winter holiday has come and gone, and you might find yourself in serious need of rejuvenation. Between stuffing, pie, and wine, your body gets a little confused about what the heck is going on. After you've 'over-celebrated,' juicing some nutrient-rich veggies can be a quick way to get your body back on track.

This juice might be orange, but there are no oranges in it. Instead, it's filled with some hard-to-beat ingredients that will give you energy and help you fight cancer.

Other benefits it offers...

• ENERGY! Carrots contain a significant amount of B vitamins (B1 and B6 to be exact) which increase your energy levels in a steady, no-2:30-crash kind of way.
  
• ANTIOXIDANTS! Carotenes, the famous ingredient after which carrots take their name, are a powerful antioxidant that combats a laundry list of diseases (acne, anemia, cancer, congestion, constipation, fertility, ulcers, and so on - see the list here). Apples also offer a host of antioxidants.
  
• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY! Ginger is known to reduce inflammation, which is common after the holiday binge cycle (especially if you are unknowingly gluten sensitive).
  
• DETOX! Apples and carrots are both natural diuretics which will help your body rid itself from those nasty toxins brought in by holiday pie and that extra glass of wine.
  
• ANTI-ALLERGY! Romaine lettuce's high folate content helps combat allergies.
  
• FIGHT YOUR COLD! That's right. Everything in this juice is packed with immune support and cold-fighting ninjas.
  
• DIGESTIVE SUPPORT! Ginger is the king of gut support, and thus a natural way to combat stomach and intestinal issues you may be experiencing.

Orange Juice (Romaine, Carrot, Ginger, Apple)
Servings: 1 large glass
Ingredients:

• 1 head romaine
• 2 long carrots
• 1 tbsp ginger or approximately 1 inch of natural ginger
• 2 apples

Directions:

1. Rinse/wash everything. Do not skip this unless you're interested in drinking a glass full of chemicals and pesticides.
2. Throw em all in a juicer and go, baby, go! (NOTE: If you do not have a juicer, you can blend everything very well and then strain using a cheese cloth or fine mesh strainer)

Sources:
Health Benefits of Carrots, Juicing-For-Health.Com
15 Health Benefits of Eating Apples, BestHealthMag.Ca
5 Health Benefits of Romaine, HealWithFood.Com
10 Health Benefits of Ginger, FoodMatters.tv

Juiced Apple & Whiskey Cocktail

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"Honey, I have to make a cocktail! It's for the blog! That means it's for WORK!"

I am clearly a juicing fan, but lately I have gotten a little more creative. When I'm in search of a tasty cocktail at home, I try not to add sugars or even simple syrup, because I am attempting to avoid sugar additives.

So, last time I was jonesin' for a drink, I went all natural. I popped two green apples in my Breville Juicer and ended up with an amazing and naturally sweet base for my cocktail! I just added whiskey, ice, and a bourbon marinated cherry, and it was a simple and delicious drink.

Not to mention that, as you're imbibing in an alcoholic beverage, you are also replacing some of the vitamins you naturally lose through that... er... process. What's not to love?

Juiced Apple & Whiskey Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 apples [I used green, but any will do]
• 1.5 oz whiskey
• Ice
• Optional bourbon marinated cherry for garnish

Directions:

1. Fill a short glass with ice.
2. Using a juicer, juice two apples. [If you don't have a juicer, you can still make juice! Just blend the apples up in a vitamix or high powered blender and then use a strainer with cheesecloth (or an extremely fine strainer) to remove the pulp.]
3. Combine apple juice with 1.5 oz whiskey.
4. Garnish as you wish! [I used a bourbon marinated cherry, but you could also use something like apple slices or a dash of cinnamon.]

Note: If you're looking for a juicer, here's the model I have from Breville. This one is also available by the same company, and it is significantly cheaper (almost half price) and I have heard good things!

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

What have you done creatively with cocktails lately?

Any other tips for fun drinks using a juicer?

Healthy Apple Pie In A Cup

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It's easy, breezy, and the perfect way to say hello to Fall without diving all the way in. Just dip a toe into the season. It's appley and cinnamony and yummy, oh my!

I believe in dessert. I say that in a totally philosophical way and I mean it. I don't care how calorie-conscious you are, we are humans and we deserve a little bit of pure sweetness in our lives! 

That said, I will admit to being one who often skips desserts at restaurants. Why? Because I have no idea what they put in there! How much butter? How much sugar? Is the crust purely graham crackers, butter, and fat? Sometimes, it just ain't worth it, my friends. Not for a whole piece, at least.

But, just as I believe in dessert, I believe we all deserve a whole piece. And we deserve to eat it without feeling guilty.

Did I mention it's breakfast and dessert!?

Healthy Apple Pie In A Cup

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 3 Apples
• 1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Oats (Bob's Rolled Oats)
• 1 tbsp water
• 2 tsp Cinnamon
• 2 tbsp Truvia/Stevia/Sugar/Splenda*
• Whipped Cream

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Chop Apples into small pieces, about half an inch thick. Place in a medium sized bowl and add White Wine Vinegar, Cinnamon, and Truvia (or sugar sub.), then toss.
3. Add oats and water, then mix well.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from oven and transfer to mugs. Top with Whipped Cream.

*Nutritional values are accurate for Truvia, Stevia, and Splenda.