During the Daniel Fast I began drinking my meals at times. We had bought a juicer a year ago and used it occasionally but never to its full capacity. I’d juice grapefruits or apples on their own but never got into mixing different fresh fruits. And I NEVER juiced vegetables. My gag reflex just wouldn’t let me. Ew.

Having gone through the detox and submitting to the Daniel Fast my taste buds changed. I was more willing to try new and healthful foods.

I was not disappointed. The tastes of fresh fruits and vegetables. The amount of nutrients. Sharing these drinks with my children. All extremely beneficial. The cost is outrageous. I’m not going to hide that. I know that during the summer it’ll be much easier and probably even healthier to get the freshest produce. So if the cost would scare you off then wait until summer. Farmer’s Markets are a steal in July.

This was a great teaching opportunity for our children as well. They explored the produce department right along with us. And at home they would try the new concoctions that Mama would make. Only on one occasion was their a slight regret. The sweet little cherubs had left carrot orange juice on the kitchen table and the littlest one reached as high as he could, took hold of a full cup and spilled it all over our carpet. The stain is still there.

But I can tell you this, I haven’t felt this healthy since I was a teenager. When I came off the fast I joined the family in the ‘normal’ eating habits. I’m going to rebel and return to juicing. The energy it gives is worth passing up the Starbucks.

Speaking of, I do want to add that I tried desperately to find places where I could buy fresh juice while the family would eat out. The only place I was able to go to was Earth Fare. Every other place that offered ‘juice’ or a ‘smoothie’ was laden with sweeteners or yogurt. I have nothing against yogurt but I question how it’s made.

If you’re interested in getting a juicer we got, probably, the lowest end model but we think it is superb. The Breville Juice Fountain. At the time it was around $150. We chose this one because it was in the price range of what we were willing to spend and had wonderful reviews.

This model is such a beast you don’t even need to cut the apples {unless, of course, they don’t fit in without being cut}. Just drop them in the chute and it’ll separate the dry pulp and the juice. In case you’re intimidated – it’s not hard to clean. I spray it down with the kitchen sink hose and leave it to dry on the dish rack. It also easily fits in the dishwasher.

So this week I’m going to bombard you with recipes. I hope you’re open to trying something new and exciting!

If you’re looking for more information on juicing watch the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. A wealth of information and encouragement.

Blessings!