Juicing is the new “it” thing to do.  I’m convinced because the word juice is everywhere I look – articles, blog posts, grocery stores, Starbucks, etc.

To be honest, I am not 100% sold on the idea.  IF it’s the only way you can manage to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies, then fine.  Do what you have to do.  However, when you eat the whole fruit (skin, fiber, etc.), there are so many added benefits, with satiety and additional nutrients being two big ones. 

I won’t deny that juice tastes good…really good!  If I could afford to visit Whole Foods a few times a week for their delicious juices, I would do it.  And if we lived in a larger apartment with more storage, I would’ve happily taken my in-laws’ juicer off their hands when my MIL offered to give it to me. 

With that being said, I have found a (new to me) way to enjoy fresh juice at home.  Juice that tastes delicious, is filling, and incorporates the whole fruit.  I call it the “non-juicer whole juice.” 

Since this was my first time making juice, I decided to go with the fruit only variety.  I pretty much grabbed all the fruit we had on hand.  Next time, I’m going to be a little more adventurous and incorporate carrots, ginger, and maybe some celery.  The options are endless!

I’ll be the first to admit that I went a little bit overboard with my fruit selection.  What can I say?!  I was excited!

Note: While I didn’t use a juicer to make this, I did use my Blendtec, a high-power blender.  The Blendtec has a digital interface with one of the options being “whole juice.”  I’m honestly not sure how this would fare with more traditional blenders.  However, it seems that many major brands are coming out with affordable high-performance blenders, so it may be worth a try if you own one of those.

Non-Juicer Whole Juice
Yields approximately 48 ounces of juice

1/3 cup blueberries
5-6 large strawberries
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and coarsely chopped with skin on
1 peach, coarsely chopped with skin on
1 orange, peeled
3-4 cups of ice cubes

Add all ingredients to the blender, with the ice cubes being last.  Blend using the “whole juice” option.  Pour and enjoy!

This juice was fairly thick, not too sweet/a little tart, and super filling.  Vishnu suggested that next time I stick to 2-3 fruits versus 5.  Honestly, I’m not sure what I would change – use half of the apple, add a banana and/or pineapple for added sweetness, add veggies…we’ll see!  I can see myself having a lot of fun with this!  The blender is like an open canvas – create what you will!

Are you a juice lover?  What’s your favorite combo?