The last time I made a citrus spritzer, I used a combination of Valencia Oranges and Pink Grapefruits for the citrus juice, but you can use almost any fresh fruit juice for your spritzer. I’ve found Blood oranges, which are only in season December to March, to be particularly delicious.

I’m always an advocate for eating seasonal, organic, locally grown produce. Seasonal produce doesn’t just taste better, it is more nutritious because it’s harvested during peak times, offers more variety, and is better for the planet. Food grown locally doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles, which reduces environmental pollutants. Finally, organic food is better because it is free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. 

Citrus spritzers are not only great for casual afternoons with friends or family, they also serve as a fun, affordable, not to mention healthy, beverage for a get-together or party on a beautiful spring day. Even my 5-year-old approves!

RECIPE

12 oz fresh, organic citrus juice 

4-6 oz sparkling mineral water (adjust according to how much fizz you want)

Enjoy!

-Vanya

Starting the day with a glass of warm lemon water can have a profound effect on your overall health and well-being. It certainly has for me. I’ve made this a part of my morning ritual for nearly two months, and there is a marked difference in how I feel when I don’t. It has become my morning cup of joe!

Taken during my weekly trip to the Farmer’s Market. Lemons have found their way to the top of my grocery list

Not only are lemons high in pectin fiber, which encourages weight loss by reducing hunger cravings. They are high in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients offering a host of other health benefits.  Here are my Top 5 reasons to give this morning ritual a try:

1. DETOXIFIES | loosens toxins from the digestive tract + jump-starts elimination
2. BALANCES pH LEVELS | alkalizes the body to prevent disease + reduce inflammation
3. BOOSTS IMMUNITY | high in Vitamin C + Potassium to help prevent colds
4. HYDRATES + ENERGIZES | flushes the lymphatic system + supports adrenal functions to prevent fatigue, regulate stress, and improve mental clarity
5. IMPROVES COMPLEXION | Vitamin C and other antioxidants decrease blemishes and wrinkles, and combat free radical damage

I love spring for the newness of life it brings. Green is traditionally associated with spring, a time of renewal, refreshment and vital energy. For me, it’s also an ideal time to engage in some sort of detox or cleanse, but finding time to focus on a cleanse with my busy schedule is sometimes a challenge. As a result, I’m always looking for quick, easy ways to incorporate more greens into my diet. Learning to incorporate dark, leafy greens into your diet is essential to establishing a healthy body and immune system. Drinking your greens is one way to do this.

Leafy green vegetables are high-alkaline foods. The alkaline minerals in our bodies are used to neutralize acidic conditions caused by the environment. Green vegetables help to replenish our alkaline mineral stores and continue to filter out pollutants.

Nutritionally, greens are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and anti-oxidant Vitamins A, C, E and K. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating a diet rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin K, can reduce your overall risk of developing cancer. Vitamin K is abundant in kale but is also found in parsley and spinach, all of which you’ll find in this recipe. Greens are also loaded with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals.

When it comes to detoxing and cleansing, dandelion greens are #1 on my list. They are particularly effective at cleansing the liver, have anti-inflammatory properties, are high in protein, and are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients including those listed above.

I chose to use Granny Smith apples instead of my normal Fuji apples in this recipe because they are low in sugar and help to stabilize blood sugar levels. This is particularly important if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes. Lemons are known for their antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, they aid in digestion, and are rich in Vitamin C.

Try this deliciously refreshing, supercharged green juice, perfect for spring or summer days when you’re on the go!

RECIPE

3 Granny Smith apples

1/2 cucumber

1 cup dandelion greens

1 cup kale

1 cup spinach 

handful of parsley

1 lemon

—

-V

Juicing is all about experimentation and having fun. I came up with this fantastic juice combo during my 21 Day Juice Cleanse in April and decided it’s way too good not to share. Try this {organic} Pink Lemonade recipe, and let me know what you think. Your life will never be the same!

Pink Lemonade

3 Fuji apples
2 lemons
1/4 head of purple cabbage

I’ve been on a Fuji apple kick for a few months, but you are welcome to substitute any kind you like.

I was also delighted to find that I didn’t need to use my citrus juicer with this recipe. As a busy mompreneur, I’m all about anything that saves time and energy in the kitchen. In order to avoid juicing your lemons separately, simply shave them (roughly) with a knife, leaving parts of the peel, and send them through your juicer with the apples and cabbage. It gives your juice a nice zing when juicing the lemons this way, making it taste more like fresh squeezed lemonade!

Finally, play with the portions for the purple cabbage. Depending on how large the head of cabbage, you may find you need to use less.

-V

Now I ask, when did you fall in love with yoga?

S

Namaste.