To Juice Or Not To Juice?

Do your kids refuse vegetable? Would they rather have a biscuit then an apple? Well, it's all part of the ongoing battle between children and their parents, after all they're kids, what else would you expect?

Your first strategy in this battle for good health should be to get them active and get them thirsty because the delicious juices and smoothies will hit the spot, and instead of the usual refusals, you may even hear them asking for more.

Juicing has to be one of the most effective and easy ways to ensure your children hit their five a day target of fruits and vegetables and reap the benefits of the vitamins, minerals and enzymes that these natural powerhouses contain.

Delicious, fresh, natural juices are great for delivering a quick energy boost, especially on hot summer days.

However, for maximum nutritional impact you need to eat the whole fruit or vegetable, as most of the fibre that is so important for preventing constipation and cancers of the digestive tract is discarded in the juicing process.

To retain the fibre, blend fruits in a blender, then combine the thick fruit puree with a little low-fat milk or soy milk and a dash of honey, and you have a delicious and sustaining smoothie.