Just Juice It

Detox O'clock

“Juicing”, I had heard about it and so may have you but I didn't really know much about the concept. What is it all really about? Juicing is basically extracting all the juice/liquid out of fruits and vegetables. Numerous flavour combinations can be played around with. Juice bars are popping up around the world and becoming some sort of trend.

It is a great way to get in those fruit & veggies that we’re recommended to eat daily. Fruit and vegetables provide phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals acting as antioxidants. These antioxidants will lower risks of diseases such as the common cold. So if you’re feeling under the weather maybe a juice will boost your immune system and perk you up (but I am no doctor).

However, there can be/are risks to being on a juice diet. Our body also needs a daily intake of protein (dairy/meat products) and it needs the energy provided by carbohydrates. There is also no scientific evidence claiming that a juice diet will cure you from illness. So how can a juicing diet be claimed as a miracle?

After watching a documentary called “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” I became even more curious about the benefits and risks of this diet. It got me asking myself questions…

If I juiced would I feel more awake? Happier? Healthier? Less moody? Alert?

After asking myself these questions I thought maybe I should attempt to answer them. So my boyfriend (as he is also curious/taking part) recently purchased a juicer. As my BMI (body mass index) is just above underweight I thought I would only juice for breakfast.

Today is day one of the experiment… how long will I want or be able to just drink juice for breakfast? And will the answers to my questions be positive?

If you are considering going on a full juice diet I highly advise you to consult your doctor first. Juicing can be dangerous and you may put your health at risk by doing so.

Beetroot Risotto

With feta & coriander

Continuing on the theme of beetroot from my previous post. Here is a fusion of flavours/cultures creating a vibrant show off risotto. 

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients: 

Chicken or vegetable stock 1.2L

80g butter

1 red onion, finely chopped

240g Arborio rice

1 large beetroot cooked, peeled and grated

Pack of feta (the real deal) crumbled

Bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

Method:

1.       Weigh out and prepare all ingredients as stated above

2.       In a large frying pan melt the butter and sweat down the onions until glossy (a medium heat will do)

3.       Add the Arborio rice and fry until it becomes translucent (max. 1min)

4.       Take a ladle of stock and add it to the rice

5.       Continue to cook and stir until the liquid is completely absorbed (approx. 3mins). Repeat this procedure several times until the rice is plump and almost tender. The rice should not be soft but neither should it have a chalky feel in the mouth

6.       Remove the risotto off the heat and add in the beetroot and half of the feta, season and cover with a lid (leaving to rest for 3 minutes)

7.       Finish the risotto with the remaining feta and fresh coriander. Serve immediately.