So the final push until Christmas is upon us….

This to many of us signals the beginning of the over-indulgent festive season. I find the best way to get through this whilst still having fun and indulging in drinking and eating is to adapt some healthy habits with some Christmas juicing recipes…

It is all about balance and supplementing the naughty stuff with some goodness. My first bit of advice would be to make sure you keep up with your fitness routine and, if anything, step it up to combat the extra calories. Make sure you get some good nutrition in your diet, as it is also the season for getting a cold! I have written up a few of my juice/smoothie recipes that should help you keep energy levels up and good levels of vitamins to keep you full of energy and vitality. If you haven’t got a juicer or blender then put one on your Christmas list! The new year is the time to start some healthy habits and juicing is a perfect way to start. So for those of you who have put your juicer/blender at the back of your cupboard or are sceptical as to why to start juicing/smoothie making, then here are my reasons to get it out and start it up.

1. QUICK FIX

It is the perfect way to pack in all your greens, hearty veg and fruits into a glass before an indulgent party, giving you a guilt-free dinner.

2. SHOTS (THE HEALTHY KIND)

You can make amazing health shots consisting of ginger, lemon and apple. You can even even bulk juice your ginger and lemon and freeze in ice cube trays for when you need a quick healthy start in the winter. Simply pop it in a mug, add water, and you’re off.

3. HEALTHY COCKTAILS

Yes, they exist and they are amazing! A freshly juiced Bloody Mary or Daiquiri are awesome over the festive season. You can also make a fresh juiced mulled wine mix.

4. PROTEIN BOOST

Post-workout super smoothies will provide your body with the necessary nutrients to aid recovery and ease fatigue. Protein is key for muscle growth and also aiding hair and skin. Get your protein shake in pre-noon to aid cell regeneration and hair growth.

RECIPES

1. THAI GREEN

Here is the perfect green juice to keep you warm through the festive season. I came up with the recipe as I love Thai food. Feel free to load it with chilli and ginger to your taste… personally, I like it spicy. It’s also great after
the gym, as pineapple is the perfect post-workout fruit.
2.5cm piece of fresh root ginger, peeled,

• 1 lime peeled
• a handful of coriander
• 1 head of pak choi
• 1/4 of a pineapple, peeled and cored
• 2 pears
• 1/4 of a cucumber

Wash all your ingredients and peel where instructed. Juice them one by one in the order they’re listed and serve chilled or enjoy over ice.

JUICEMAN FACT: Add a slice of lemongrass and a slice of chilli for extra Thai vibes.

2. TRIPLE CHOC CHIP

This one is for all the workout warriors out there. Indulge in this smoothie to help aid recovery and keep energy levels up! It’s a great way to start the day as it’s packed with all the right ingredients to boost energy. I also love it pre or post-workout.

• 1 banana frozen,
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries,
• 1 tsp chlorella,
• 500ml coconut water,
• almond milk, water,
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder,
• 1 tsp cacao nibs, pinch cinnamon,
• 1 portion chocolate Protein and 2 medjool dates pitted.

Combine all ingredients and add a cup of ice in a blender and blend until smooth.

JUICEMAN TIP: Top with hemp seeds, goji berries and cacao nibs.
JUICEMAN FACT: Cacao is the number one source of magnesium of any food on the planet. Raw cacao is packed with antioxidants. It helps regulate blood pressure and boosts the immune system.

3. FLU FIGHTER

This is one of my favourite shots and is great when your feeling run down. Feel free to add some echinacea and also play with the ginger content. Also, with ginger, you can peel it for a cleaner taste or leave the skin on and give it a scrub.

• 1 orange peeled living the inner pith,
• handful of raspberries,
• 3-inch piece of ginger,
• 10 drops echinacea and pinch of cayenne or slice of hot red chilli.

Juice all the ingredients in order and then add the spices and echinacea. Give a good stir before serving in shot glasses. Put the rest in a clean jar and have later. You can also add to water like a cordial.

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