Very Berry Drink

Here is a great healthful drink for the summer, or any time you want to enjoy wholesome fresh fruit.

Ingredients:
1 pineapple, peeled and roughly chopped
5 oz strawberries
5 oz blueberries (you can use other berries of your choice)

Method:
With an electric blender, combine pineapple and strawberries until creamy.

Divide blueberries in tall glasses and pour the smoothie over the berries.

Enjoy this delicious and healthy drink.

image from: http://www.rachelraydiet.com/images/fruits.jpg

Now That you know what Juice Diets are, here are a few pointers in how to make the perfect menu for your diet:

Some ingredients which can be used in juice fasts are:

Vegetables: celery, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes.

Greens: parsley, beet greens, chard, kale, dandelion leaf and spinach.

Herbs: fennel, spearmint, yucca root, basil, ginger, peppermint, green onion, chili pepper.

Fruits: grapes, apples, citrus, Açaí berry.

Extras: wheat grass juice, spirulina, complete vitamin & mineral supplement, psyllium husks.

Some side effects of a juice fast need mentioning here. Some common but temporary side effects include headaches, hypoglycemia, acne, tiredness, bad breath and an increase in body odor. Others could include dizziness or fainting, low blood pressure, weight loss, hunger, heart palpitations, vomiting and kidney problems. If you experience any of these side effects or any situation worsens contact a medical professional immediately.

During a juice fast the stomach shrinks to its original size, about the size of your fist. After only three days of simply ingesting raw organic and fresh juices and water, you will lose those cravings for solid foods.

Your mind might try to tell you differently; however, your body doesn’t need more at this time. While just drinking your food, your stomach is able to get some well-deserved rest, allowing your colon to shed old compacted material which could be waiting there to cause future disease.

If you are considering a diet which is more than just counting calories, this extreme detox diet could be the one for you. Using juices in this diet beneficially provides the antioxidants and vitamins required to keep you healthy for the duration.

A great way to enjoy pineapple, with a little bit of rum!

Ingredients:
1 small pineapple
5 tbsp honey
1 passion fruit
1.5 fl oz dark rum

Method:
Cut the pineapple in half, cut out the core and scoop out pineapple flesh. Chop the pineapple and put into a serving bowl. Set aside the pineapple shell.

Cut the passion fruit in half and spoon out the pulp. Add to serving bowl. Pour over the dark rum and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Put the pineapple/passion fruit mix back into the pineapple shell and enjoy.

Honey and Spice Fruit Dip

Here is a great low fat taste treat the whole family will love.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 (6 ounce) containers vanilla yogurt

2 1/2 cups honeydew melon, cubed
2 cups red raspberries, cherries, and/or strawberries

Instructions:
Place the honey in a mixing bowl.  Sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg.  Add the yogurt and blend ingredients together well with a rubber spatula.  Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.  Serve with the fruit when chilled.

Serves 4

Nutritional Information (Approximate Value)

70 calories

0.5 g fat

0 g saturated fat

2 g protein

13 g carbohydrates

0 mg cholesterol

10 g sugar

30 g sodium

2 g fiber