I never thought I'd get a juicer since I enjoy smoothies so much; however, after watching Fat Sick & Nearly Dead (available on Netflix instant), and reading The Remedy: The Five-Week Power Plan to Detox Your System, Combat the Fat, and Rebuild Your Mind and Body , I started to think about getting one.

Benefits:

*Increase your fruit and vegetable intake

*Help with healthy skin, hair, nails and eyes

*Liver detoxification

*Curving your appetite

One of the reasons I was hesitant about getting a juicer, is because I didn't like the idea of losing so much fiber in the pulp. After talking to some Twitter friends, I now have recipes for using the leftovers in dips, pancakes, muffins, and soups. I can also use the pulp in my daily smoothie.

I was so excited when I realized I had enough debit card points to get the juicer and a new Jack La Lanne juicer!

For this juice, I used a half head of cabbage, 2 celery stalks, a handful of grapes, and a tablespoon of wheatgrass.

I've been loving wheatgrass since I had it in Chicago in August. Wheatgrass is great for detoxing, increasing energy, and strengthening the immune system.

I don't get toys too often but this one is definitely worth the points. :-)

After talking to Christa about Karyn Calabrese's raw vegan restaurant, I made it my first stop when I landed in Chicago last week.

The title of Karyn's book is so comical to me. LOL

I haven't read it yet, but based on the description, she talks a lot about eating a raw diet rich in fruit, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. Karyn is 64 years old and credits her over thirty years of healthy eating and detoxification for maintaining her youthful appearance and energy. Go Karyn!

I liked how intimate and relaxing the decor was. The sitting area was for about 15 and there was a separate health food store with mostly Karyn’s products next door.

I started off with a shot of wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is beneficial in lowering blood pressure, has a high concentration of chlorophyll, and is said to have anti-aging properties.

Appetizer- Raw, vegan nachos - Delicious! Crispy corn tortilla chips with guacamole, sweetened sour cream, black olives, marinated red onions, caramelized jalapeños

This dish made me consider getting a Excalibur Dehydrator and making my own nachos at home.

Main Entree~Empanadas - made from flax and corn masa pastry dough stuffed with three pepper chorizo and house blend chili spice

Served with a side of authentic raw chocolate mole and a salsa verde

Dessert - coconut ice cream with strawberries and coconut wafers-Yummy!

Great service and a nice date spot. I visited this restaurant with my male cousin who has never considered a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and he enjoyed all of the dishes.

Vegan food isn't meant to make your life restrictive, but is a way to eat what you want in a healthier way.

Happy eating!

My New Toy: A Juicer

Vegan While Out: Karyn's Raw Cafe (Chicago)