Clean, Green, Juicing Machine

I think it's safe to say that everyone has heard the advise to EAT RIGHT at one time or another. Eating right typically translates to taking your diet more seriously by eating more fiber while limiting your saturated and hydrogenated fat intake. Don't pretend like you don't understand what that means, either... it means exactly what you think - eat more fruits and veggies and don't eat so much fried and fatty foods. Eating right can be really hard for most people though - especially when living in America: the land of fast food on every corner, overflowing schedules, media mind games, and the tendency to give in to our (often unhealthy) desires.

I'm no exception to these challenges that most people face. I like french fries... a lot, I like to eat a whole carnitas burrito in about 5 minutes or less, and I'd rather not bother with green leafy things that taste like what cows eat. On the other hand, I also like to feel great, look amazing and live a fulfilling life each and every day. 

Welcome to the land of JUICING!

Juicing (aka: extracting the juice out of fruits and veggies) is a great way to get all the nutrients from produce without actually eating them all day long. For someone like me who's on the go a lot and picky about the fruits and veggies I like to eat, juicing is AWESOME! Since I've recently purchased a juicer, started drinking more of my daily fruit and veggie intake, and been feeling fantastic because of it, I figured I'd share my experience thus far!

A week ago, today, I went to Target and bought a DASH Electric Juicer for $99. Before making my purchase, I'd been buying fresh made juices at LA Fitness and random spots around town for a few weeks and was really enjoying the feeling the juices gave me - I felt more full than I anticipated by drinking it, my body was more easily and rapidly discharging build up and my daily food intake (if you get my drift... I know boys like to think girls don't poop so I don't want to burst their bubble by saying it that bluntly), my skin was clearing up quickly, and I had more energy. After constantly spending $5-7 on one small juice drink, it seemed clear to me that spending a hundred bucks or so on a juicer of my own was the right choice. I did my research and found some things I was sure my juicer needed:

- A do not exceed price of $150 since it's my first one and it's just for me (for now).

- A more vertical design (versus a more horizontal design) so that gravity could play a roll in feeding the fruits and veggies into the blade/juicer mechanism of the machine and so it would take up less counter space.

- Not too many complicated parts and easy to disassemble and reassemble for fast and efficient cleaning.

- The ability to effectively juice both fruits AND veggies (not all juicers do this... most "specialize" in one or the other, it seems).

**My research also gave me the incredible tip of putting a plastic bag inside the pulp catch for extra easy cleaning**

So, I got my juicer that fit all my guidelines and found myself quite pleased! I went to the grocery store, loaded up on produce, and prepped for my new week and life as a juicer. There are tons of recipes out there for different ingredient combinations, but as usual, I just like everything all at once and didn't pay much attention to the fancy concoctions. My standard juice includes:

Apples
(1-2 whole - without the core since the seeds aren't good for you)

Pears
(1-2 whole - without the core since the seeds aren't good for you)

Oranges
(1-2 whole - peeled)

Lemons
(1-2 whole - peeled)

Spinach
(2-3 large handfuls)

Cucumber
(1 large - ends cut off)

Carrots
(3-4 large - tops cut off)

Celery
(3-4 stalks - ends cut off)


Before you even ask, YES, IT TASTES GREAT! My main trick is balancing the fruits and veggies (mainly citrus and greens) because the flavor is more complex and delicious. My favorite part about my standard juice is that it adds up to an entire day of the recommended servings of fruits and veggies. This means that all the fruits and veggies I actually eat, outside of my juice, are like extra credit! Needless to say, I feel like one CLEAN, GREEN, JUICING MACHINE!

This week, I'm revving it up even more to see just how much I can clean out my body and reboot my system, and I AM STOKED! I have my refrigerator stocked and my juice jug ready to accompany me through each and every busy day.

Join me and feel the joys of juicing, one sip at a time!

Taste Tester Review: Dog Haus Biergarten

Once upon a time there was a group that just couldn't decide where to go eat. Some members of the group wanted to get down and dirty... load up the calories and comfort food because they're in it for a good time. Meanwhile, other members of the group wanted tasty food that wasn't necessarily going to destroy their calorie count... load up the veggies and meat substitutes because they're thinking about the health factor. The age old dilemma was all too familiar, and as usual, it left the group frustrated and hungry.

If this story sounds familiar, join the club. Family, friends, co-workers - you name it and it can be absolutely hell raising to figure out something as simple as a place to eat that will make everyone happy. So, when I discovered the family of Dog Haus eateries, I was overcome with a sense of relief and excitement. Finally, a place to satisfy the whole crowd; a place to settle all the discussions and hungry stomachs.

The Dog Haus location that I frequent is Dog Haus Biergarten (93 E. Green Street) in Old Town Pasadena. Dog Haus Biergarten is equip with a delicious menu of plentiful options, friendly staff, a full bar, inside seating and an outdoor patio filled with large group style picnic tables. It can be found nestled on Green Street, in between Raymond Avenue and Arroyo Parkway and conveniently located across the street from the Schoolhouse Parking Structure that offers 90 minutes free parking. Whether you're looking for a tasty bite alone, a quick lunch with co-workers or a substantial hang out session with family and/or friends, this is the spot. Oh and did I mention that it's extremely affordable?! Like, I'm talking a mega bratwurst, tater tots (YAH, TATER TOTS), and a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) for less than $10-$15 (depending on what you get). If you ask me, that's AWESOME!

The good news doesn't stop there, either! Their menu has preset options of hot dogs, bratwursts, burgers and more, or you can create your own. The more I go, the more creative I get... the fun never stops! In case you need suggestions, some favorites are:

Sooo Cali
Dog Haus signature 1/4 lb. all-beef, skinless hot dog topped with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, tempura fried onions, spicy basil aioli and avocado on a King's hawaiian bread roll.
*Swap out the hot dog for a turkey dog or veggie dog if you want to be more calorie conscious.


B.L.A.S.T.
Dog Haus signature 1/4 lb. all-beef, skinless hot dog topped with smoked bacon, lettuce, avocado, Serrano chilies, sliced tomato and mayo on a King's hawaiian bread roll.
*Swap out the hot dog for a bratwurst or spicy Italian dog for an extra kick.


Holy Aioli
Dog Haus 1/3 lb. certified Angus beef patty topped with white American cheese, caramelized onions, smoked bacon and haus garlic aioli on a King's hawaiian bread bun. 


Sliders
Angus beef topped with white American cheese and grilled onions on mini King's hawaiian bread buns.
*Buy them by the slider to get as many as your heart desires!


My Favorite (Guilt Free) Creation
Turkey or Veggie dog: lettuce wrapped and topped with arugula, dijon mustard, dill pickles and avocado (a variation of this is pictured below).

But wait...there's more!

Dog Haus Biergarten hosts fun events with live bands, welcomes groups and supports the community too, which makes it even MORE AWESOME! I've been to mixer events at Dog Haus Biergarten hosted by Pasadena Jaycees. Once a month you can usually spend the night listening to and having a great time with a live band like the Past Action Heroes. Cruise by on a Tuesday night between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to go for a run around town with the Dog Haus Running Club then enjoy some well deserved grub! Again, the fun never stops... 

  

So, what's up Dog - have you hit the Haus yet?!