Grapefruit Carrot juice

I have recently started juicing after debating for a while about the pros and cons.  There are no studies that prove huge health benefits, but that didn't bother me much because if I had listened to the medical community before switching to a plant-based, gluten-free diet, I would have undergone brain surgery and would still eat the standard American diet.  Having lived through this transformation and seeing the positive effect it has had on my health became reason enough to convince me that juicing could also have its benefits.  I read quite a lot about other people's experience with juicing and decided to give it a try.  I have not bought a juicer, I use my vitamix and a fine mesh strainer in order to separate the fibers from the juice.  I have been drinking a juice every day for a few weeks and can say the effects on my energy level are tremendous.  I feel normal again. 

 

 

 

Did you know that the grapefruit is a vitamin C super fruit that is great for fighting the common cold and is so powerful at fighting free radicals that consuming it can benefit you from a reduction in cancer risks, cardiovascular diseases and strokes.

 

 

 

Grapefruit Carrot Juice

 

Ingredients

 

3 cups filtered water

2 cups organic kale

4 organic carrots

1 organic grapefruit

1/2 inch fresh organic ginger

 

Place all ingredients in juicer or vitamix.  If using a blender, mix until you get a thick watery paste.  Place fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and empty juice over it.  It may take up to five minutes in order to separate the juice from the fiber  (fiber may be kept and used in muffins).  Serve and enjoy!

 

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

Amelie 

 

 

Gluten-free Carrot Date Muffins

My kids are super fussy when it comes to food.  They are turned off by the slightest variation to what they consider edible.  If it looks healthy or good for them, you can be sure they won't dare approach it with a 10 foot pole.  So when choosing a healthy breakfast that will be satisfying enough to keep them going until their mid-morning snack, muffins are key.  But my little ones are also quite picky when it comes to what's in the muffins.  I am always trying new recipes, but so far, I have not been very successful.   I have tried a variety of flavors to no avail.  So when I came across this recipe on the Whole Foods Market website, I was positive it would be a hit.  I even made sure all the ingredients were pureed enough to avoid detection, but it failed again.  Although I have to admit that I was not too disappointed, since I thought they were super delicious.  So I froze them so we can take them along on our upcoming vacation.  We will in the car for 2 days, so having healthy muffins on-hand for breakfast will be a good alternative to sugary offerings in most roadside hotels.  And until I can find another muffin recipe they like, I will keep on making their favorite Gluten-free Banana Chocolate Chip muffins.


 

Gluten-free Carrot Date Muffins

 

2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 cup chopped pitted dates     

1/2 cup chopped walnuts      

1/4 cup melted virgin coconut or high-heat sunflower oil     

2 free range eggs, lightly beaten     

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup     

3/4 cup amaranth flour or millet flour     

3/4 cup ground almond flour     

2 teaspoons baking powder     

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon     

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg     

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

 

Method

 

Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners or oil with natural cooking spray and set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place carrots and dates in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse and then blend until finely chopped. Add walnuts and pulse to finely chop. Transfer to a bowl; add oil, eggs and maple syrup, stir to combine completely. In a separate bowl, combine all remaining dry ingredients. Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!

 

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Thanks for reading!

Amélie