01 Jan 2020

Feed Your Beauty - Month Eight

Feed Your Beauty

Detox Green Juice

by Kati Vardon

Festive Excess

Getting through the festive season without gaining weight is not something I’ve been able to do for years.

In my late teens and early twenties, I worked three jobs with one of them being in a pub where I was on my feet for hours at a time, then socialising happened after closing time and much of that was spent dancing in clubs. So, the energy levels were up and I remained slim. It is much more of a struggle these days!

When working in hospitality, I was surrounded by delicious food, but I am not sure if it is actually worse now, while I am office-based. December was a month filled with sweet treats in our company kitchen– if not for Christmas, it was for a number of birthdays – including my own. I just don’t have the ability to turn down these tasty morsels.

Although I kept up with my exercise classes, I still gained a few pounds before Christmas. Then it was downhill from there as high calorie meals were at every turn. I am sure I am not in the minority with the over-indulgence. However, January is a time for getting back on track.

Time to Detox

I start to crave vegetables and more healthy options after weeks of rich food. This month’s juice recipe makes an excellent start to the day.

I apologise to anyone who hasn’t got a juicer but would recommend picking up a second-hand item if you enjoy a fresh juice. I now have two different types, both bought second-hand and both work brilliantly. I started with a centrifugal juicer which is relatively cheap, quick and efficient but here you could lose some of the nutrients in the ingredients as it warms them whilst juicing and spinning so quickly. My new cold press version is more fiddly to clean but the juices are excellent. If I’m honest, I don’t know that I can appreciate any difference in quality so would definitely recommend starting with the lower-cost versions if you are just starting out.

Veganuary

If you are trying Veganuary this month, or even if you are considering it, please check out my blog on it here. This recipe is, of course, vegan and can be enjoyed daily, once a week, or more often as desired. I love it to kick start my day.

Tasty ingredients

The recipe is so simple and your juicer will do most of the work for you. All you need to do is some chopping beforehand and then clean the machine afterwards.

The ingredients have a positive effect on the skin as well as the body, so it is another case of feeding your beauty from within. After too much sugar in December, I need to rebalance my skin.

Cucumbers are low in calories, and high in nutrients and antioxidants. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. They contain low quantities of potassium, vitamin C and vitamin A. Being 95% water, they are a great way of staying hydrated.

Cucumber is good for skin health – both when working from within and when applied direct to it. Popping cucumber slices on your eyelids cools, soothes, hydrates and helps reduce puffiness.

Lemons are high in antioxidant vitamin C and citric acid. In addition to the benefits from the vitamin content, lemons have a wonderful, tart, flavour and can aid digestion. Within skincare, lemon complex, extract and peel provide astringent properties along with a natural, citrus fragrance.

Celery is low in calories too. It is also anti-inflammatory, has antioxidant properties and contains potassium, along with vitamins A, K, C and B6. Regular consumption of celery is effective at reducing cholesterol and improves heart health. It can also protect kidney health and has a cleansing effect on the liver.

Apples are a good source of antioxidants, and contain vitamin C and potassium. Green apple extract brightens and tightens the skin whilst providing hydration. Apple amino acids help to cleanse the skin.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of ginger. I love ginger shots! If you don’t like this rhizome, just reduce the amount and you won’t notice the flavour, but you’ll still get the goodness. I always add a little extra to my juices.

Within ginger you’ll be getting a hit of potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin C. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds beneficial to health. Some of the benefits of this spicy root include aiding digestion and counteracting nausea. It’s also used as cold and flu relief, and assisting in the reduction of pain.

Spinach is particularly good when consumed raw. It is an excellent source of fibre and water. It provides iron, calcium, magnesium potassium, vitamins A, B2, C and K and folate. Like so many of our ingredients, it is an antioxidant and has been shown to lower glucose levels.

Once prepared, the juice is perfect when consumed straight away but will store happily in the fridge overnight to save you time and hassle in the morning.

Serve it straight-up or over ice.