Green juices!

I'm so glad to see a beautiful blue sky and little greens in the garden.

The temperature in Montreal is still like a roller coaster, fluctuating in the range of -5 degrees to 12 degrees. It will be pretty cold this weekend. Stay warm Montrealers!!

Since I am seeing the blue sky and warm sunshine more and more, I've noticed the different sensations in my body. I still crave warm soups, but also something light and refreshing. Yes, green juice!

Luckily I can get organically-grown vegetables and fruits all year where I live now. I see the farmers market everywhere in the city during summer. I get locally grown vegetables and fruits as much as possible, except in winter time.

with some beets leaf and red swiss chard

I know some people like smoothies more than juices. I define the difference of smoothies and juices as follows:

Juicing Using a juicer to divide liquid and pulp. Juices have a smooth texture and are easier to digest.

Smoothies Using a blender to blend whole vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Smoothies are thick and pulpy in general.

I don't make smoothies as often as juicing. One of the reason is that it is challenging to make yummy thick green smoothies without any tropical fruits. I don't have any severe food allergies, but I do avoid bananas due to an aversion and intolerance. Actually, when I eat them, my lips and throat get itchy. My mind and body are telling me to avoid bananas! How fascinating minds and bodies are!

Another reason why I don't make smoothies often is because I don't own a powerful blender such as a Vitamix and Blendtec.It's on my investment list, so eventually I get one! But for now, I'm enjoying juicing with a slow juicer which cost about 100$.

I'd like to share some of my tips for juicing. These are my personal opinions. Everyone has a different body type, life style and preference.

Here are my guidelines for juicing :

• Drink it right after juicing (to intake all the nutrients in the juice)

• Minimize fruits except lemons, limes and grapefruits (my personal preference)

• Enjoy a variety of greens (All greens have their flavors. Beet leaves and swiss chard are saltier than other greens. Try different kinds of greens and discover your favorite one)

• Stock up on ginger and lemon (It gives a kick in the juice and reduces the strong green flavor.)

Turmeric warning :

Go easy with turmeric if you never tried it. You might find the strong taste and flavor overbearing until you get used to. Also, turmeric leaves stain your juicer. It takes a bit more time to wash.

Here are my favorite vegetables and fruits for juicing

celery (gives lots of juice)

cucumber

fennel

sunflower sprouts greens - kale, swiss chard, spinach, beets leaf herbs - parsley, coriander, mint, basil, shiso fruits - lemon, lime, grapefruits, apples (granny smith) ginger, turmeric

My favourite combinations:

• Feels green

Three kinds of green leaf (ex. kale, swiss chard, spinach), parsley, lemon + granny smith apple

• Feels refreshing

Swiss chard, fennel, cucumber, celery, mint, lemon or grapefruit

• Feels energizing

Two to three kinds of green and red leaves (ex. beets leaf, red swiss chard, purple kale), celery, cucumber, ginger, turmeric, lemon + cayenne

Would love to hear your preference and tricks!

Love & gratitudes,

Maya xx

I found a pretty juice shop in Sacramento, California during a road trip last summer.

Liquidology http://liquidologybar.com/

I grabbed a green juice and a tasty strawberry juice. It was so soothing and refreshing! I had never tried a juice with strawberry before. Yummy!!

Thank you for nourishing me with such a yummy gems, Liquidology!

#rawchocolate #vegan #greenjuice #juicinglife #cleanse #plantpowered #plantbased