I know it’s cool to be cynical about Valentine’s Day–it’s a soul-sucking, money-grubbing Hallmark holiday intended to make everyone dissatisfied with love, blah blah blah–but if you’re craving some V-Day bashing, you’re in the wrong place, baby. I shamelessly adore all things Valentine’s Day, relationship status aside. Any day that lets me wear bright pink, eat chocolate, drink red wine, and flounce around with hearts on my nails/tights/shoes/shirt/ears/wrists/etc. is good by me.
Whether you have special plans with a tall, dark, handsome stranger come Thursday night, or are jonesing for a night in with your pals Ben, Jerry, and Matthew McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, you’re going to want to look and feel your best.
Today, let’s focus on the internal: a glow-inducing juice that will perk up tired skin. Tomorrow, we’ll go external with a very exclusive Pantry Facial–a.k.a. How to Use All the Weird Things in Your Fridge on Your Face!
Stay tuned.
This bright, flavorful juice features the most antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables out there. Full disclosure: this juice will give your body a rush of nutrients and feel-good energy, but it can’t change your skin tone or texture overnight. However, if you drink it regularly, it just might change your face: a new study has shown that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables can improve your skin tone in about 2 months. Cool, huh?
Pre-Valentine’s Day Glow Juice
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
3 plums (if you can’t find plums in your area, substitute 2 small oranges or 1 grapefruit)
small bunch red grapes
1 red beet, lightly steamed
1 red or yellow pepper
2 carrots
1 teaspoon turmeric, ginger, or cayenne powder (optional)
Juice all fruits and vegetables. If you have dried turmeric, ginger, or cayenne around, swirl a teaspoon of one (or all, if you’re feeling sassy) into the liquid. These spices have an even higher ORAC value (that’s a way of measuring antioxidants) than fruits and vegetables.
Indulge in a tall glass of this sweet, bright-red juice every morning until Valentine’s Day arrives.
photo attribute: www.lookbookcookbook.com
