Healthy Summer Juicing Recipes~ The Red Sonja

I was recently going back through this summer on the Vitality Guide and it became very apparent that there haven’t been many meal-y posts; what can I say, it’s been hot and the very last thing I have wanted to do was fire up my oven. This summer many of my meals have either been eaten on a patio accompanied by good friends and good, but not so healthy food, or smoothies, juices and salads. I will freely admit that I look to my countless healthy summer juicing recipes to balance out my summertime indulgence. And seeing as August is the beginning of the end, at least around here, I cannot promise things are going to change anytime soon. Let’s just say this, when the leaves change hue, then I shall change my ways.

Juices in the summer can be so many things, as the produce options that present themselves seem endless; although briefly, we are spoiled for choice. This summer has been the summer of the peach for me; and yes I’m still over the moon for berries, but this year, unlike any year before, I have become enamored with peaches. Whether white flesh or the traditional orange flesh, peaches and I are currently embroiled in a torrid summer fling!

Now peaches although not a nutritional superstar, definitely meet the healthy food requirement; low calorie, 1 ½ grams of fiber, small, yet measurable amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C and K; and peaches also boast carotenoids, which help prevent cancer and contain anti-inflammatory properties. I consider this a substantial amount of accolades considering peaches are a mere 38 calories per medium sized fruit and have a low glycemic load; meaning, even though they are gloriously sweet, they will not spike blood sugar.

Peaches have found their way into many of my “meals” during this growing season, from salads to smoothies or inhaled greedily on their own, anything goes- it is, after all, summer! I call this drink the Red Sonja, because it’s just that, red; and because I went through a brief Brigitte Nielsen phase that was owed homage (don’t ask). The redness that characterizes beets has a way of leaving its mark on everything, clothes, hands and, of course, this juice; but make no mistake, the peaches shine- you just can’t see them!

Alas it’s still summer and my meals will continue to dwell in the land of juices, smoothies, salads and alfresco meals; however, I invite you to cool off with this crimson sipper, but please don’t wear white while doing so!