Weight Loss Dietitian Blog

Go Green and Healthy on St. Patrick's Day

Forget the calorie-laden "green beer" this Saturday, and instead harness your inner Leprechaun with something green and healthful. Juicing is a great way to take in valuable nutrients without having your body word hard to break down the fibers; however, fiber is a beneficial part of any diet and contributes to that feeling of "fullness," so keep that in mind. Also, those with Diabetes should take care with portion size of their juices as not to over consume carbs.

The additional benefits of consuming juiced fruits and veggies include keeping your heart, liver and kidneys strong and healthy. Plus, juicing has been shown to provide health benefits to cancer patients.

Juicing provides strong nutritional value from the presence of antioxidants, enzymes and phytonutrients.

•Antioxidants protect the body from cellular damage. Juiced fruits and veggies provide antioxidants that can possibly slow or prevent cancer development, while improving strength and stamina.

•Enzymes are present in a variety of raw fruits and vegetables. Juicing retains enzymes that help eliminate toxins in the body.

•Phytonutrients can be obtained through fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes. Amongst the health benefits of phytonutrients, they have been found to fight cancer and provide an immune system boost.

According to the National Cancer Institute, free radicals can cause cancer or progress the disease. A diet full of antioxidants from fruit and vegetables include beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins A, C and E. When consumed daily they can possibly slow or prevent cancer development, improve strength and stamina and prevent infection.

Some of the best juicing ingredients for cancer patients: carrots, beets, greens, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and wheatgrass. Items from the ground tend to be the best.

So for your St. Patty's celebration this week, go green with these juicing recipes, courtesy OMEGA Juicers.

The Ultimate Pot of Gold

Orange Apple Green Juice
2 stalks celery
1/2 cucumber
1 apple
2 oranges
3 big handfuls of sunflower sprouts
1 big handful of broccoli sprouts
3 leaves of kale
1 handful of spinach
1 handful dandelion greens
1 handful cilantro
1 handful beet greens
2 baby bok choy
juice of 1 lemon
1 inch of grated ginger

Luck of the Parsley

1 handful parsley
2 apples
1 handful spinach
1 cucumber
1 lemon
1-inch piece ginger

The Crazy Dublin

3-4 leaves of Kale

5 large Romaine Lettuce leaves

1 Beet, 1/2 bunch of Cilantro

1 Lime, 2 cups fresh Spinach

1/2 Apple

Cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)

Irish Twist

3 cups fresh baby Spinach

1 Lime, 1 large Tomato

2-3 Carrots and 1/2 Carrot top bunch

1/2 bunch Parsley

1 stalk Celery

Green Morning

4-6 Carrots

4 stalks of Celery

1 Lemon

1 Macintosh or Yellow Apple