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Bang For Your Buck: Why Juicing From Home is Double the Nutrition and Half the Price

We all love our fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and rightly so. Not only do they taste amazing, they’re an awesomely easy way to boost our diets with all the right nutrients. However, not all juices are created equally. It turns out that how your juice is extracted makes a huge difference to both the nutritional pack they punch, and to your hip pocket.

In fact, there are two types of juicers; traditional (or centrifugal), and cold pressed (or masticating).

Traditional juicers extract juice using high speed and heat, a process that can readily destroy and oxidise nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes (also visible in your rapidly separating juice). Cold press juicers, on the other hand, use a non-heat, slow pressed extraction process that retains maximum nutritional levels.

Amazingly, studies* have shown that cold pressed juicers extract up to 50% more nutrients (including up to 42% more vitamin C, and 60% more vitamin A), all while yielding up to 50% more juice.

There are many other health benefits associated with enjoying your juice cold pressed. They can help manage weight, detoxify and cleanse our tired bodies, and prevent and fight a variety of ailments including that nasty winter flu. Juices also fit neatly into even the busiest of lifestyles, and can tempt even the pickiest of palates.

Purchasing cold pressed juice from your local café or bar can be a pricey exercise. In fact, if you were to buy a cold pressed juice every day from your local, you’d spend around $3500 a year (based on a conservative $9.50 per juice.) Yes, you’d feel amazing – but you would be spending ridiculous amounts of money in the process.

As a health food enthusiast and lover for fresh produce, I’ve found that cold pressing at home is the cheaper, simpler, and tastier alternative to store bought juice. By using the Mod Juicer, I’ve switched my daily café juice to juicing at home, and saved thousands of dollars in the process. It’s amazing how a simple switch can have such an impact, both to our heath and our wealth.

Juicing at home allows you to take full control over the quality of your produce, your recipes, your ingredients – all when you want it.

Only like to shop organic or local? Hate beetroot? Allergic to ginger? Want to start a detox immediately after a big weekend? All totally do-able. Not only that, you can also make your own tasty nut butters and natural nut milks. More wellness, and more savings. Here are two recipes loved by the Mod Team:

of raw almonds overnight in water (for at least 12 hours)
l of filtered water and add a small pinch of salt, mix together

Almond Milk

  1. Soak 100g of raw almonds overnight in water (for at least 12 hours)
  2. Take 800ml of filtered water and add a small pinch of salt, mix together
  3. Turn Mod on and add a quarter of the soaked almonds, followed by a quarter of the water
  4. Continue alternating soaked almonds with water until all added
  5. Waste from the nuts will begin appear in the pulp chute
  6. Open the juice tap to let flow your tasty, fresh nut milk. Enjoy!

Nut Butter

  1. Soak 200g of nuts (we love almonds as they are so alkaline) overnight in filtered water
  2. Drain nuts
  3. Replace the metal mesh and plastic rotation wiper with your clear plastic filter in your Mod Cold Press
  4. Open the orange juice stopper located inside the juice drum (where all the juice collects) (don’t remove, just move it aside)
  5. Place your nuts down the chute and watch in amazement as nut butter is created!
  6. OPTIONAL – Stir through a little sea salt once complete if you like a little seasoning to your nut butter

 

By Katharine McCarthy, Founder and Director of Mod Cold Press

Katharine McCarthy is the Founder and Director of Australian owned and run cold press juicer company, Mod Cold Press. Health enthusiast Katharine founded Mod Cold Press in 2015, after struggling with her first child’s distaste for fruit and vegetables. Katharine discovered cold press juicing as a complementary way to nourish her children. Here, Katharine saw the opportunity to create an efficient cold press juicer that was affordable, offered minimal wastage, and was aesthetically pleasing. The Mod Juicer comes in black and white and is $599 RRP available online at www.modjuicer.com.au.

For more information on Mod Cold Press Juicer head to the website and follow on Instagram: @mod_cold_press, Facebook: www.facebook.com/modjuicer, and the hashtag #mod_cold_press.

Sources:

*Korean Food Research Institute; Michelsen Laboratories Inc.

+Example based on purchasing a juicing box capable of creating at least 7 juices a week at a cost of $35 per box for 52 weeks. Mod Cold Press Juicer RRP $599, currently on sale at $499. Example based on sale price.

My Bali Travels: Eat, Stay, Yoga

Bali is a dream come true for a health-foodie yogi and surfer couple like us! It is a warm, tropical paradise that offers incredible healthy food, a variety of exciting activities, culture, kind people, yoga (everywhere), and of course, many luxurious and affordable hotels and villas. We have been a few times but I must say that this time was most definitely our favourite. Having learned a thing or two from our past travels, I think we nailed it! There are so many different places to go and stay and eat in beautiful Bali, and there truly is something for everyone. I like to think we found some real gems on our recent stay! If you are reading this blog post and follow me on social media, you likely have an interest in health. Read my post here for why I think it isn’t necessary to spend ridiculous amounts on a health retreat if you are after a healthy getaway. Wherever you choose to stay, whether it is one of the below places or not, be sure that it has air-conditioning (no matter what season) and some kind of mosquito protection (either a mosquito net, enclosed four-poster bed, or an in-house zapper!).

Uluwatu / Bingin

Stay

We stayed at Sal Secret Spot (a boutique eco-hotel), Mu Bungalows, and The Temple Lodge. Sal was under renovations in the main area which was a shame. Where we stayed was a little further away down a windy cliff path which I wouldn’t recommend, although this was where the view of the ocean was. The other area has a pool and seems to offer a little more privacy between rooms. I would look into those rooms if going back.

After Sal we went to Mu Bungalows which was stunning. It was a very Balinese experience with dim-lit bungalows and huge outdoor bathrooms. Even more spectacular than the individual bungalows are the grounds. This is what makes Mu! Daybeds and cute sitting areas adorn the garden, a beautiful infinity pool overlooking a panoramic view of the ocean, the best coconuts of my trip (and I had one a day!), yummy fruity breakfast, and in-house yoga.

The Temple Lodge – we didn’t stay here but I went here a few times and looked into rooms. I will be trying it on my next trip!

Yoga

We went to The Temple Lodge, Uluwatu Surf Villa’s and Mu for classes, and my favourite was Naomi at Uluwatu Surf Villas. Her class was wonderful, they offer a cold young coconut after and you really can’t go passed that Shala and the view!

Eat

Cashew Tree

– Soul Bowl, falafel wrap (no tzaki or cheese and add avo if dairy-free), gado gado rolls, pitaya bowl

Nalu Bowls

– Uluwatu bowl or the Pipeline! Sub granola for raw nuts and always, always add dragon fruit and mango 🙂

Nusa Lembongan

Stay

Tigerlillys

Prepare to be in boutique bali heaven! We ended up getting the Suite and it was a two-story bungalow with a large outdoor bathroom. Despite being outdoors it is so clean! Tigerlillys has a cute little pool and also has a delicious cafe on property with some really healthy options – smoothies, smoothie bowls, vegan salads, tempeh, san choy bow etc. Great location and fantastic service.

Yoga

– Yoga Shak

– Serenity Yoga (newer than ^ and probably my preferred choice. It offers “fly-high” yoga too!)

Eat

– Pisang Pisang (in Rama Gardens) – everything is good! Tofu peanut butter shake, pineapple garlic juice (all their juices are unusual and amazing), Japanese hand rolls, tropical rice paper rolls, potato curry, papaya salad… everything we tried we loved! The staff are so sweet and accommodating too.

– Tigerlillys – mushroom tempeh san choy bow, the lychee mint smoothie with coconut milk, super smoothie bowl, the asian salad.

– Blue Corner Dive – this place has a really cool social vibe with beanbags on the beach. Portions are a little small so don’t be afraid to over order. Both vegan salads are delicious, the mini gluten-free tacos and an unusual green juice made with prickly pear!

– Eco Deli – look, it’s not my favourite place but it does offer some healthy food on an island where this is quite limited. I do recommend the above places first but do try it for a smoothie or a juice – The Date Shake is pretty good!

Keramas

Stay, Yoga, Eat

Komune – an all-in-one health resort that has amazing facilities in front of a popular surf break. It has a great spa, two pools (one is a lap pool), a 24-hour gym and yoga on-site. There is a healthy menu at one of the restaurants which was pretty good, however their “health key” is often off and there is no vegan key, just vegetarian (despite some of the items being vegan, but this can get confusing). I would probably only recommend this spot if you surf or your partner does, as there are other health resorts around Bali in a better location and with better food! It is very well priced though, and the spa was divine.

Ubud

Stay

The Stonehouse Villas

Just incredible! There are no words. This is a small facility with 3 rooms/houses and each is uniquely decorated to the nines. We stayed in the longhouse which is a boho balinese paradise! Think four poster bed, draping curtains, an antique bathtub, a swinging lounge, two balconies, and the most gorgeous furniture and decorative pieces in Bali. The staff are lovely, the area is pristine, the décor is one-of-a-kind and the location is central enough yet you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets.

Yoga

Yoga Barn – you can’t go past the classes here! I highly recommend Les and Denise.

Eat

Seeds of Life – all raw and vegan. Get the mexican lasagne, live pizza, breakfast burrito, granola with almond milk and choc sauce, banoffie pie, creamer tonics, the Inca Gold smoothie, Green Juice with lavender and aloe.

Sage – Must go here! All vegan. Jackfruit tacos, cauliflower frittas, tempeh buffalo wings, vegan gluten-free pancakes, breakfast burrito.

Alchemy – make your own salad and definitely get their sweet and spicy cashews and rawmasen, cauliflower rice sushi, Raspberry Lips smoothie, bounty bliss ball and the “French Kiss” nice cream.

Down to Earth – start your day with the detox special (ACV, cayenne pepper, psyllium husk, maple syrup and betonite clay)! They have a giant menu. We had lunch and recommend the basil tofu rice paper rolls, the vegan burrito and the dragon bowl.

Kafe @ Yoga Barn – pop in here for a quick shake or juice post-yoga but I recommend food elsewhere.

Five Elements – fine dining, a delicious vegan dinner experience at a world-class health retreat. Definitely get the vegan mushroom burger – it tastes like a healthy cheese burger!!!!

La Pacha Mama – Vegetarian Mexican. We went here when it had just opened. Our smoothies were phenomenal, the space is beautiful and the staff lovely. I really enjoyed my vegan mushroom tacos, but my boyfriend who is a burrito connoisseur was a little disappointed with his burrito!

Places we didn’t get to but wish we had:

Bambu Indah (another great place to stay, I hear) and they have an organic cafe

Green School and their cafes (closed during our stay due to school break)

Clear Cafe

The Elephant Cafe

Raw Food Cleanse & How to Preserve Nutritional Quality of Food

In my first nutrition class we were told to try all diets for a week, so that one day when a client comes to us curious about a specific diet, we’ve felt it in our own bodies. I think that this is a great idea! So when I began noticing I was predominantly consuming my veggies cooked, it prompted me to embark on a raw food challenge. This also meant vegan. I had initially wanted to do it for a week, but social commitments meant that it wasn’t to be! Nevertheless, I think 3 days is a great period of time for a cleanse – a juice, smoothie or a raw food detox.

Benefits of a raw food diet:

  • Raw foods contain more of their nutritional value. When you apply heat to food, some nutrients, particularly water-soluble vitamins and antioxidants, are destroyed.
  • No exposure to carcinogens that are produced through some cooking techniques.
  • High fibre diet.
  • Digestion efficiency and bowel function.
  • The increased nutrients you are consuming may make you feel more satisfied, thus you eat less.
  • It encourages you to eat more fruits and vegetables. Always a good thing!

In class we have been learning about nutrient losses as the result of processing, handling, storing and cooking fresh produce. Exposure to heat, light and oxygen diminishes the nutrients and phytochemicals found in fresh produce. It has been shown that produce can lose up to 15% vitamin C content daily when kept at room temperature! Therefore even when eating raw, from farm to table a lot of nutrients can be lost, even before cooking. This is not to alarm you! Eating fruits and vegetables is never a waste and you will always obtain some nutrients and of course, dietary fibre. I mention this so we are aware of how important it is to take measures to preserve nutrient quality. See my recommendations at the end of this post.

As I mentioned, I used this as a cleanse and to remind myself of how great food tastes raw! As it is winter in Australia I found myself cooking and not making use of veggies in their raw state. This was an effective reminder of how delicious raw food is and how good I feel including it in my diet. Here is what I ate:

Day 1:

Breakfast: Beauty Blend as a smoothie bowl

Snack: 1/3 cup raw nuts (almonds & cashews) + 1 green apple

Green alfredo zucchini pasta with nut parmesan! I also chomped on ½ red capsicum whilst making my lunch :p Recipe for this coming soon.

Snack: 1 frozen date + 5 brazil nuts

Dinner – salad:

  • handful spinach
  • ½ avocado
  • 12 soaked almonds
  • cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 capsicum
  • shallots
  • 1 tbsp kim chi
  • 1 tbsp tahini
  • ½ lemon juice
  • Drizzle cold pressed macadamia oil

Dessert: 3 strawberries

 

Day 2:

Breakfast: chia pudding with nuts and seeds

Snack: 2 x bliss balls

Lunch: fruit salad – green apple, kiwi fruit, brazil nuts, dates, raspberries

Snack: carrot and celery with 2 tbsp tahini

Dinner: Pasta from yesterday with ¼ avocado added

 

Day 3:

Breakfast: Raw Buckwheat Porridge

Snack: Green juice – kale, spinach, cucumber, celery, broccoli, mint, parsley and 2 x bliss balls

Lunch: Fennel salad with purple kale, coriander, pumpkin seeds, cucumber and almond butter and date dressing

Snack: Raw flaxseed crackers (Kitz brand) and cut up carrots, capsicum and celery and homemade pesto

Dinner: Lettuce cups with ground walnuts, seaweed, olives, carrots, celery and onion (raw tuna!)

 

I felt great! I felt I could eat in abundance and not feel lethargic or overly full. My digestion worked well, my energy levels were great (I exercised every day without a problem) and my skin was glowy! Mission accomplished, I have since been and will continue to include raw produce in most meals/snacks.

In conclusion, I don’t think it’s necessary to entirely give up cooking to have a healthy diet. I do however believe in including raw fruit and vegetables daily. There is still plenty of nutrition left in properly cooked food. Use the below tips to preserve food quality and reduce exposure to toxins…

My recommendations:

  • Consider buying organic meat, poultry, dairy and eggs and wild fish (not farmed).
  • Consider buying certified organic fresh produce or observe the Clean 15 / Dirty Dozen.
  • Prepare your own meals from whole foods as much as possible and use packaged food sparingly.
  • Eat raw fruit and vegetables daily to maximize nutrients, and consume whole grains over refined.
  • Keep fresh produce refrigerated as soon as you are back from the market and consume as soon as possible – this might mean 2-3 shops a week (although it is difficult to say how long they are stored un-refrigerated at the shops).
  • Shop local at smaller grocers/markets where produce has been stored for less time and travelled less distance.
  • Grow your own! Even if just a small herb garden.
  • When cooking, opt for lightly blanching or steaming as opposed to boiling. If boiling, save and use the nutrient-rich water for stock, as nutrients leach into the water.
  • Avoid barbequing meat in direct flame and always trim fat to avoid potential carcinogens and pesticides.
  • Try washing and scrubbing vegetables rather than peeling (a lot of nutrition is under the skin of fruit/veg).
  • Include fermented, cultured and pickled food in your diet (actually preserves and enhances nutrition in food!).
  • Freeze food that you will cook with or use in smoothies (freezing preserves! Buying frozen food that doesn’t have any additives has been proven to have greater nutrition).

 

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