Today is Friday and I did not have a recipe planned I did know that I was going to have a green drink. I decided to use my Leek for my first food of choice. I had some Swiss Chard left and I added broccoli, celery and apples. As I juiced them, I realized that Swiss Chard is bitter and the leek has a sharp flavor, somewhat like an onion but not an onion taste. I thought 2 apples was going to sweeten it up a bit but I needed another one. It has a strong flavor, but boy, it is like medicine, you just gulp it down.
I started out with a 6 oz glass of fresh apple-orange juice. Nice change and it tasted good. Then I made my green juice drink for lunch and dinner. This is going to be challenging since it does have that sharp taste to it. That's ok..will have a glass of water right next to it.
I lost 1 lb today which makes it 15 lbs in 16 days. I tried one of my shirts on that was pretty tight and it is not tight anymore. Not there yet but I am heading in the right direction and getting healthy at the same time.
Here is the recipe (my recipe)
My Green Drink
small bunch broccoli
3 celery stalks (I used what I had left)
3 Swiss Chard leaves w. stems
2 stalks of Leek
3 apples
You can omit the Swiss Chard and add an extra apple to make it less sharp tasting and more sweeter.
About Leeks
Although leeks may taste similar to onions, they are actually related to the asparagus family. They originated in The Mediterranean and Asia but are now also grown in more temperate parts of the world. These veggies contain anti-cancer compounds called kaempferol (which is also known for promoting cardiovascular health) and quercetin (which is known to inhibit carcinogenic development in the body). These compounds are especially beneficial in fighting against prostate and colon cancers.
Leeks are very low in calories, making them an excellent addition to dieters` meals. When boiled, half a cup contains just 15 calories. They are a good source of a number of nutrients, among them iron, folate, calcium, manganese, B-Vitamins, zeaxanthin, lutein, Vitamins C, A and K and nickel. They are also a source of dietary fibre, especially the darker green outer parts.
The edible parts of the leek plant are the light green stalk (or stem) and its white bulb, while the dark green leaf sheaths are usually discarded because of their fibrous consistency. However, it would be wise to use the dark green leaves as well (finely minced or juiced), because they are the parts with the highest content in minerals and vitamins.
Although leeks have a sharp flavor, their taste is sweeter and more delicate than that of onions. Leeks can be used in a variety of dishes, either raw or cooked, or they can be used to prepare delicious juices.
Health Benefits
Leeks have been known since time immemorial for their medical properties. So, if you like the sharp flavor of leek, you can use its juice to benefit from all its excellent healthy properties and treat a wide range of disorders.Anti-inflammatory and anti-septic: Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, leek juice can be used as a valuable aid for treating arthritis, gout and inflammation of the urinary tract.
Aphrodisiac: Leeks, onions, garlic and celery have been known from centuries for their aphrodisiac effects. Try to make a juice with leeks and celery, and you will soon get into action!
Balsamic action: Due to its content in volatile oils, leek juice does have a beneficial, balsamic action on the respiratory tract. So it can be used to relieve the symptoms associated with flu, cold and hay fever.
Digestive health: Leeks can help regulate intestinal function and motility, due to their content in fiber. They also help to repopulate the good bacteria in the colon, thereby aiding digestion and reducing intestinal bloating.
High blood pressure: Leeks are high in potassium, which promotes diuresis thereby helping to lower and regulate blood pressure. That’s why leek juice is particularly recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure.
High cholesterol: Leek does have an anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis action. It helps reduce both the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, as well as the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in the blood, thus preventing one of the first steps in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Nervous system: Magnesium, phosphorous and folic acid are important nutrients needed for healthy functioning of the nervous system. They help improve concentration, memory and the brain’s ability to process information. Folic acid is also essential to prevent brain defects in babies.
Purifying action: Perhaps the most characteristic action of leek juice is its purifying effect on the whole body, since it helps eliminate toxins from the body by enhancing the cleansing of the colon.
I hope you have enjoyed todays blog and will look forward to you joining me as I continue my Fresh Start Journey. Have a blessed day!
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