Valentine’s Day is around the corner and that often means going out to eat and having drinks. With a plethora of beverages to choose from, many people feel lost in the choice and we are here to help you solve the dilemma.

Of course the number one beverage of choice would be a non-alcoholic, 100% organic, cold-pressed juice like OnJuice, for example. But let’s face it, those are not usually available at most parties. On average I have one alcoholic drink a week and if I attend lots of parties, then I stick to my invented concoction of sparkling water or soda water with 1 teaspoons of lime juice. Usually the bartender will either have a lime juice mix which does have sugar, but I figure that 1 teaspoon of it won’t be a big deal.

The reason why I limit myself to 1 glass of alcohol a week is because it is very stressful for the liver to process. Since liver is the largest organ in the body and is also responsible for detoxification of your system, it is crucial to keep it happy and healthy. This point is especially important to remember when it comes to hard liquor. Yes, vodka may not have any calories, but its high alcohol content can undermine your liver function. When liver gets overwhelmed, the metabolism can get sluggish, pounds can start pilling on and the mood and quality of life can start to go down.

However, I do indulge about once a week and my alcoholic beverage of choice is a glass of bubbly or red wine, both of which add up to about 120 calories a serving. Research has shown that in moderation, red wine has positive benefits for the heart, so it can give you a better bang for your nutritional buck. One tip of the trade: if you drink one glass of wine, it will relax your system, but if you over-indulge, then it can actually cause the opposite effect and result in insomnia.

Champagne Fooler:

• 1-1/3 cups apple juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 12 ounces club soda

Pink Drink On The Rocks

• 8 oz OnJuice Pink Drink
• Ice
• Slice of Lemon for garnish

Shake Pink Drink with ice in a martini shaker, pour into a martini glass. Decorate with a lemon slice and enjoy! Simple, easy and delicious.

Healthier alcoholic options:

• OnJuice 100% organic, freshly squeezed or pressed juice for your cocktails
• Synergy Kombucha
• Light Beer
• Red Wine
• White Wine
• Sparkling Wine
• For blended drinks, use whole fruit, so you can get extra fiber, which will slow down the release of sugars and can also give your liver a boost

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I know how busy you are and this is why I encourage you to go for the ultimate fast food - Fruit! It is easy to grab-and-go, it is on the budget and unlike processed foods, fruit actually has amazing side effects like longevity, optimum weight, abundant energy and balance. 

Fruits are filled with fiber and liver stimulants, which act as natural, gentle laxatives. Whenever possible, buy fresh, locally grown fruit as opposed to imported fruits shipped from far-off places. This keeps you eating in season, and more in harmony with your environment and climate.

Eating raw fruit in summer months is highly cooling. Frozen, whole, puréed or juiced fruit can make great summertime cool-down treats. Try frozen grapes, banana-coconut smoothie popsicles or lime juice ice-cubes in iced tea!

Here are a few summer fruits and their health benefits:

• Apricots: Great for lung conditions and asthma; used to help treat anemia due to their high copper and cobalt content.

• Bananas: Help to lubricate the intestines, treat ulcers, detoxify the body and manage sugar cravings; are rich in potassium (which helps hypertension).

• Cherries: Slightly warming in nature; increase overall body energy, remedy arthritis and rheumatism and are rich in iron, which improves the blood.

• Grapefruits: Treat poor digestion, increase appetite during pregnancy, alleviate intestinal gas and reduce mucus conditions of the lungs.

• Papayas: Tone the stomach, act as digestive aid, moisten the lungs and alleviate coughing; contain carpaine, an anti-tumor compound.

• Raspberries: Benefit the liver and kidneys, cleanse blood of toxins, regulate menstrual cycles, treat anemia and can promote labor at childbirth.

BANANA ICE CREAM
 3-4 Frozen Bananas (peel them before you freeze them)

Blend bananas in a Vitamix blender (other blenders may not be able handle frozen bananas), using the plunger to move them around.

You will see the color change to white and the texture become just like soft-serve ice cream Put in your favorite glass and enjoy! 

PS. I am happy to offer FREE shipping on Vitamix Blenders. To take advantage of this offer, use this link: Vitamix.com