BESTFIT Issue 14 - Juicing with Jason Vale

Jason Vale reveals the benefits of his 5:2 juice diet, and some of the recipes involved

“With the ever-increasing popularity of ‘raw’ food recipe books, spiralizers and luscious green smoothie concoctions, many people are looking to achieve the appealing lifestyle seen on platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest.

“Even by simply glancing at today’s top-paid apps, it’s plain to see that raw food, healthy recipes and juicing apps continue to dominate the top spots.

“Clearly the main hurdle is maintaining this lifestyle, which is where the 5:2 Juice Diet comes in. This is great for the ongoing maintenance of a healthy weight, as well as incorporating juicing into our weekly routine.

“People have also reported feeling ‘cleaner’, or experiencing an increase in energy levels, improved skin, hair and nails and of course, weight loss. Here are just a few of the recipes you can expect as part of my 5:2 Juice Diet…

Fresh ‘N’ Wild

“The fresh cooling tones of cucumber contrast beautifully with crunchy celery, deep green leaves, zingy citrus and ginger to form this delicious concoction. This juice will definitely take your taste buds on an adventure to remember!”

Ingredients:

1 apple (Golden Delicious or Gala), 1 orange (peeled, pith left on), 1 pot living salad, 2.5cm lemon (peeled, pith left on), 1/4 medium cucumber, 1 stick celery, 2.5cm raw ginger, 1 small handful ice.

Instructions:

“Start by sandwiching the living salad between the apple and orange and push through your juicer. This method guarantees the best extraction from the greens. Juice the rest of the ingredients in any order you like. Pour over ice and enjoy!”

Thai spice super juice

“The delicious sweetness of freshly extracted pineapple juice is given a kick with the inclusion of fiery red chili and ginger juice. The fresh apple, rich mango and zesty lime subtly calm the heat a little, yet not by too much – so expect this baby to still pack one hell of a punch!”

Ingredients:

1/2 medium pineapple (peeled), 1 lime (peeled), 1/2 red chilli (seeds removed), 1/2 mango (use the flesh), 1 apple (Golden Delicious or Royal Gala), 3cm raw ginger, 1 small handful ice

Instructions:

“Peel the pineapple. Peel the lime, leaving as much of the pith as you can. Remove the seeds from the chilli. Peel and remove the stone from the mango. Juice all of the ingredients and pour over ice. Kick back, relax and imagine yourself on a sun-kissed beach in Thailand. Enjoy!

Carrot, apple, strawberry ginger & mint infusion

“This is a well-loved recipe that features the classic staple carrot and apple juice, yet is taken up a notch with the addition of mint and ginger. Topped off with delicious plump, juicy strawberries, this smoothie is a popular addition to the plan and you’ll soon see why…”

Ingredients:

2 carrots (medium/large), 1 apple (Golden Delicious or Gala), 1 large handful strawberries, 3cm raw ginger, 1 small handful fresh mint, 1 small handful ice.

Instructions:

“Juice the carrots, apple and ginger. Place the mint leaves and strawberries into a blender with some ice and pour in the juice. Simply blend until smooth, pour and enjoy.”

easy peasy lemon squeezy:

“This juice, with its simple garden-variety ingredients, tastes simply delicious. Fresh, fruity and full of flavour, this concoction will benefit your skin, hair, nails and help to give you an all over body cleanse, inside and out.”

Ingredients:

1 large handful fresh garden peas, 1 apple (Golden Delicious or Gala), 1 pear (any hard variety), 1/4 medium cucumber, 1/2 lemon (wax free)

Instructions:

“True to its name it couldn’t be easier– just juice the lot, no need to peel anything! Don’t forget to sandwich the peas between the apple and pear before you start to ensure you get as much juice as possible from the peas. Once juiced, pour into a nice glass over ice and enjoy.”