Apple, carrot & ginger juice

Thanks to a recent gift from my parents, the fam and I are enjoying some delicious fresh juice on our new Jack LaLanne juicer.  Jack Lalanne was known for his incredible health and endurance and was one of the early pioneers of the benefits of exercising, eating right, and yes, juicing. He’s famous for swimming 1 1/2 miles in the cold California waters, towing 70 boats, carrying 70 people, handcuffed and shackled at the age of 70. He was a pioneer of health and wellness, and an inspiration to many. So after watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, I asked for a juicer for Christmas so I could finally give this a shot. And I’m thrilled I did!  From fresh carrot juice, apple and orange juice, to juices I can blend into protein shakes, I’m thoroughly enjoying my juicer 🙂 

So, before I give you a glimpse of today’s juice, I wanted to share a snippet form Jack LaLanne’s website that I particularly liked as it gives insight into how this incredible person came to be such a pioneer. How he found his inspiration and dedication for health, wellness and ultimately, happiness. 

In his own words…. 

Before I started into juicing, I was a sugarholic. I believe it made me weak and sick. It destroyed B vitamins and affected my brain. I had boils and pimples. I was underweight and nearsighted. In fact I got so sick that I had to drop out of school for six months. It was during this time that our neighbor, Mrs. Joy, suggested that my mother take me to a lecture on nutrition at the Oakland City Women’s Club. At this time I was wearing glasses; I was skinny; my face was covered with boils and pimples, and I was so bashful I didn’t want anyone to see me. However I reluctantly went. We were a little late in getting there, and there were no seats available so we started to leave. The lecturer, Paul Bragg, called out, “Lady with the little boy. We don’t turn anyone away! Ushers, bring up two seats and put them on the stage.” They put two folding chairs up on the stage and there my mother and I sat in front of all these hundreds of people. It was the most humiliating moment of my life, but there was one thing this man had to say that was to change my life forever. He said, “My dear friends, it matters not what your age is, it matters not what your present physical condition is, if you obey natures law, you can be born again!” I forgot everything! This man said I could be born again, that’s what I wanted; I wanted to be an athlete; I wanted the girls to like me, and I wanted to be able to get good grades in school. This man said I could do it all. Now what did he mean by natures laws? Exercise and eating properly. I went home that night and prayed, “Dear God or somebody, I need help,” I didn’t say make me a Mr. America, make me a straight A student”, I said, “Just give me the willpower to refrain from the foods that are killing me.” That night I went strict vegetarian. Then a few days later I joined the Berkeley YMCA. And you know what? In one week I was born again. I used to have all these headaches, & even pounded my head against the wall because I couldn’t stand the pain. My energy was low and everything in my life was negative, then everything in my life became positive. My folks couldn’t believe it. It was actually a rebirth for me.

And so, on to one of my new favorite power juices; carrots, apples and ginger. This refreshing juice provides anti- oxidants, electrolytes and half your daily requirement of Biotin; an important B vitamin (B7), also known as Vitamin H for its role in promoting hair growth. Biotin is also needed for healthy metabolism and plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels.

Juice, pour over ice and enjoy!