Tuesday, November 26, 2013

JUICIN' and SOUPIN'! :)

Hey y'all~ I'm pretty stoked about the new juicer (well it's used, but new in my eyes! :) that my sweet Mama gave to us recently.  Thanks Mom!


Last night and today, we just used what we had in store, and added a few carrots + 2 green apples + 2 clementines to the juicing machine and watched it churn out the most energizing and yummy juice ever! BOY was it amazingly delicious! It put me in such an elevated mood and got me curious to research a bit more...

I found this sweet list of the BENEFITS OF A JUICE CLEANSE on Lifestyle Juice Cleanse's site:


  • Feeling absolutely wonderful again
  • Increased libido
  • Strengthened immune system
  • Improved concentration and mental clarity
  • Increased energy and vitality levels
  • Weight loss (but only if you have excess weight to lose)
  • Clear and refreshed skin
  • Reduced cellulite – a reboot detox is a highly effective way to combat stubborn cellulite
  • Diminished allergies, runny noses and flu-like symptoms
  • Improved digestion and elimination
  • Reduced cravings for sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and other stimulants
  • Normalized blood pressure
  • Reduced total cholesterol and changes up the LDL and HDL ratios
  • Improved liver function tests
  • Once completed; a mental change that draws you towards healthy dietary habits and makes you more inclined to exercise – an overall health boost

  • Pretty freakin' awesome.

    ********************
    Then we also made some scrumptious acorn squash soup


    We first roasted 3 acorn squashes soooo easily in the oven for around 45 minutes at 400 degrees. Just cut them in half, don't even bother scooping out the seeds, and face them down in a oven-friendly dish, and cover the bottom of the dish with a little water.  

    I then diced up 4 large potatoes and put in boiling pot of water letting cook until soft (around 20 minutes).  

    While the potatoes and acorn squash is cooking, dice up 1 onion, a few carrots, and a few cloves of garlic and sautee in butter in a large soup pot for several minutes, until soft. Then add 4 or so cups of vegetable (or chicken) broth and let simmer.  Add spices to taste. 

    Add the potatoes once they are soft to the soup and continue to simmer on low heat.


    Once the squash is done, take out of the oven and scoop out all of the seeds.  Then scoop out the delicious soft meat of the squash and add to the soup mix.  

    Then time for pureeing. I used a large soup ladle to scoop batches of the soup into our food processor and puree.  After you are done pureeing all of the soup and back in the soup pot, keep simmering on low and stirring.

    Then add 1/2 cup of cream, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Voila! You have the most delicious, autumn style soup you and your family will LOVE! I asked my hubby if he thought it was too spicy, and he said "No, it's just perfect." But make sure to season to YOUR taste. 


    This is basically the recipe we went off although we used 1 extra squash > http://allrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-acorn-squash-soup/

    Here are the Health Benefits of Acorn Squash taken from In Depth Info

    One serving or one cup of acorn squash contains 145% of the daily recommended requirements for Vitamin A. It also contains Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, folate (folic acid), and 15% of the omega three fatty acids necessary to good health. It is also a good source of fiber. With all of these vitamins and minerals acorn squash has many health benefits.

    Because it contains phytonutrients, acorn squash is thought by many to have an anti-cancer effect which is especially strong when the squash is turned into a juice. It may also promote prostate health in men by reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged).

    The orange-yellow color in squash comes from the Vitamin A precursor. The strong presence of beta-carotene, helps reduce the possibility of lung cancer, even in smokers. Carrots have the same benefit. The beta-carotene also reduces free radicals in the body, even while reducing the chance of heart disease and colon cancer.

    Folate in acorn squash is important for a healthy body as it works to reduce homocysteine which is a byproduct of metabolism. Homocysteine can damage blood vessel walls. In this way it helps prevent heart-attacks and strokes. It is also a factor in colon health. Folic acid is also important for brain health, combining withVitamin B12 to prevent nerve damage and brain shrinkage.
    My awesome hubby Nate
    Enjoy friends and Happy Thanksgiving!

    xoxo~
    C

    2 comments:

    1. Juices and fast food, there are no comparison between them. I prefer juice for health. It gives energy with low calories.

      Regards,
      Mangosteen Juice

      ReplyDelete
    2. Does it have to be specifically acorn squash or any other squash?

      ReplyDelete