There's no secret that the juicing craze has taken off in the past few years. Pretty much everyone is doing it. And why wouldn't you want to get on board. Getting a slew of vitamins and nutrients in a few gulps is ideal. However, paying hundreds of dollars to do so is not. The average juice cleanse can run you about 99 bucks or more, and that's only covering three days. While pre-made juices and smoothies are convenient, finding the time to make your own can not only help you save some dough -- but it'll help keep you on track!
This post was not only inspired by my love for a good green juice/smoothie, but by a friend of mine I went to high school with. Her name is Taylor. A not only is she nice with the fruits and veggies, she was nice enough to chat with me about how to make your healthy drinks on a budget. Hopefully the info I was able to squeeze out of her will help you realize that at the end of the day -- you got the juice!
Starving on a Budget: Why do you think people are so misinformed about how cheap and easy it is to make their own juice?
Taylor Crawford: I feel like people are stuck on convenience so they’re thinking it's too expensive because they’re trying to buy the pre-made stuff. It's our mentality to do everything so quick. I think when people see it's possible to shop on a budget and get good stuff, it motivates them to want to do it. It just boils down to us being willing to put in the time and shop. It's not that hard.
SOAB: Once people are on board, why do you think it’s hard for them to stay on track?
TC: You gotta have the right mindset going into it. It takes discipline. I think we want quick results as well. We like treating the symptom at the surface, but not getting to the root. You really have to say ‘this is going to be something consistent’ and I think people don't make it a lifestyle change, it's kind of like a quick fix.
SOAB: Besides fruits and veggies, what are some of your go-tos when you make your juices and smoothies?
TC: I don't use yogurt and stuff like that when I do my smoothies. Most of the time I’m using some water or aloe vera juice because I feel like I’m getting the best flavor. I’m not masking it with something sweet, like apple juice. If I want to add something to it for sweetness I’ll use agave. For a frothy smoothie I’ll freeze fresh fruit and it’ll create that texture.
SOAB: How much prep goes into juicing?
TC: I typically take one day to prep. With me making fresh pressed juices and smoothies, they’re only going to last 2-3 days in the fridge. On Saturday night I prepped a couple juices and cashew milk and I knew that it would last me Sun-Tues. As I empty out bottles, I refill them. And it typically takes about 45 minutes to fill 12 bottles.
SOAB: How do you make cashew milk?
TC: Take your raw cashews and soak them over night so they get soft. Once they're softened you can add water to it. I have a bullet, so I add water and dates for sweetness. You can add a little bit of sea salt if you want to. Blend it all up and it’s literally milk. It tastes amazing! You can do the same thing with almonds.
SOAB: How do you incorporate juices and smoothies into your everyday diet?
TC: Most of the time breakfast will consist of a smoothie or I’ll switch out a meal for a smoothie. I can eat solids all day and if I want something sweet I’ll make a smoothie. It really just becomes a part of your life.
Taylor's Dessert Smoothie Recipe
Two Frozen Bananas
Agave Nectar
Cacao Powder
Water
Blend
Note: This would also taste great with a scoop of peanut butter mixed in :-)