You already know that the key to a healthy lifestyle is eating healthy foods. You already know that fruits and vegetables are the healthiest foods available. What is the health-conscious omnivore to do, however, when eating fruits and vegetables isn't possible or desirable? Or what if you don't have seven hours to spare shouting at your children to eat their carrots? Try making your own juice.

Get a juicer

There is an investment up front for those wanting to juice at home. Do a little research, taking into account how frequently you want to juice and what types of juices you plan on making. Citrus juicers that only require cutting the fruit in half and pressing it on a solid lump in the middle of a bowl, for example, are simple and inexpensive. Some juicers are better for retaining nutrients, such as a masticating juicer. As a general rule, purchase a high quality juicer that runs at low speeds. High-speed juicers burn up the motor sooner and can destroy fruits like oranges and pineapples. 

Get high-quality fruits and vegetables

For high-quality juice, you need high-quality fruits and vegetables. Shop local farmers’ markets for the freshest fruits and vegetables. You may want to consider organic. If you're concerned about pesticides, remove the skins. Keep in mind, however, that with some produce, many of the nutrients are in the skin. Buy fruits that are firm but ripe. Fresh fruits and vegetables bought in season (another reason to shop local farmer's markets) make premium juice. Avoid fruits with bruises, cuts, and dents.

Boost the flavor

Mix your fruits. There's a reason kids love fruit cocktail and adults love fruit salad. Apply this phenomenon to your juicer. It's easy to create mixed-berry beverages when juicing. The same can be done with vegetable juices. In fact, you can even trick your kids by adding some vegetables to a mostly fruit concoction. Cucumbers, carrots, celery, beets, and radishes enhance fruit flavors. Strawberries and mangoes will mask the flavors of greens and other not-so-popular vegetable flavors. You can also add a bit of honey, almond, or vanilla extract, or pure agave or maple syrup. Avoid artificial sweeteners and refined sugars.

Thicken them

If you prefer a creamier, thicker mixture of juices, add a little yogurt to the blend. If you want dessert, add some all-natural ice cream or a little sherbet. Other thickening agents include lecithin powder, guar gum, pectin, or carob bean gum.

As with anything you put in your body, make sure you choose healthy ingredients. Happy juicing!