We’re currently visiting my sister and her family for the Christmas season, which involves eating all of the things and drinking all of the wine. Everyday. While it’s fun right now, I’m very aware of my clothes feeling just that bit tighter and my lack of gym-visits. I had all the right intentions, even bringing my gym clothes down with me. I know I’ve worn my Lorna’s a few times. But more so to the park and shopping than actually working up a sweat in them.

A while ago I asked Santa {mentioned to Hubby} for a slow press juicer. I also mentioned this to mum while visiting and she says “Well, your Dad has one that’s taking up room in the back of the cupboard. I’m sure you could borrow it if you ask him.” Which I did, before joyfully taking it home and setting it up.

Before the Christmas holiday, I had started juicing everything in the fridge. I bought the biggest bag of carrots as our weekly 1kg wasn’t cutting it and was slowly but surely working my way through it. After the Sunday grocery shop, I’d set up and make a bunch of juices for the week and store them in whatever glass jars I could find, grabbing one instead of a 3rd coffee for a quick refresher. Personally, it’s not enough to replace my liquid breakfasts, but a great pick me up and easy way to increase my daily water consumption.

Slow pressed juicers are popular as it’s believed that there is less oxidation to the juice than when using the cheaper grater-style juicers you’ll find on the shelves. I’ve had both and the differences I’ve noticed is mainly in the fibre. The more common juicers produce heaps of very wet fibre from the fruit and vegetables where the fibre from my cold pressed juicer is practically dry. My cold pressed juice does last longer (doesn’t loose it’s colour as quickly, a big indication of oxidation) and tends to produce more ‘juice’ from the food, hence the dryer pulp.

Either way you can add the pulp to your compost or turn it straight into your garden!

Here are some of my favourite combinations:

I most often make a carrot, orange and ginger mix but be careful with your ginger as it can overpower the other flavours. Watermelon and apple tastes like cordial it’s so sweet. Beetroot and apple is very earthy and grounding.

The possibilities of combinations are endless and you can always add fresh turmeric, lemon, lime, ginger, wheatgrass, herbs for an added immune boost.

And just to show that not all my pictures are perfect, my little Miss6 decided to ‘help’ me take the above! Here’s her version:

I love that she’s included the whole food. Don’t ask me what the hair ties are for…I’ve no idea either.

I hope that you’re enjoying the Festive Season, eaten loads of good food and spent time with loved ones! I’m enjoying my last few days of rest and relaxation before jumping back into real life and the rest of the school holidays. You might find me spending the remainder of January at the beach!