Vitamin C

Love My Vitamin C,

Still having major cravings, but this week I'm on a natural Vitamin C "high". When I was younger I really hated the taste of oranges and now I find that my mother was right, my taste buds changed as I aged and now I can't get enough.

Being someone who is a huge advocate of working out and spending a lot of time in the gym, I have experimented with many natural ways in achieving more energy to put into my workouts. I've done the whole B12 thing, eating carbs before my workout, and other dietary supplements. One day after hitting up my local farmers market in California I had a snack of 4 clementine's (which are by far my fave) and found that my energy level was immaculate and everlasting. I didn't crash afterwards and it just made me feel good all over. I was hooked after that.

Here are some benefits of Vitamin C :

It's a natural antioxidant that can protect your body from free radicals. Vitamin C is responsible for producing collagen which is present in your muscles and bones, and it holds the cells together. It naturally helps and strengthens your immune system. You can obtain Vitamin C from citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits, as well as tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and even potatoes. When Vitamin C is combined with iron, iron becomes absorbed by your body better. These are only a few advantages....

This leads me to a few of my favorite orange recipes.

The first one was inspired by my mom, who would add sugar to my orange juice just so I would drink it. I loved when she made us an orange julius, so I've created this raw version for myself to enjoy...I think you will love it!

I also created a recipe based on my love of sparkling water, but I added a twist, and to end it all I added a recipe for Orange Chocolate Cheesecake. I added this because not only does it include oranges but it also includes my 2nd fave right now, chocolate.

Raw Julius :

3 oranges cut up and frozen (orange part only)

1 cup almond milk

1/4 cup agave

1 tsp. vanilla

It's as simple as that!

Simple Orange Soda :

Juice of 1 Orange

1 tsp. agave

sparkling mineral water

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake :

(Crust:)

1 cup pre-soaked Almonds

1/4 cup Cacao Powder

3 Dates

Combine all ingredients in the food processor, process until ground fine.

Mixture should hold together when pressed.

If it doesn't, add water until texture is achieved.

Press into a 6″ spring form pan. Place in refrigerator.

(Filling:)

2/3 cups Fresh Squeezed orange juice

3 tbsp. of orange zest

2/3 C Agave

2 1/2 C Cashews (soaked at least 3 hours)

3/4 C Coconut Butter

1/2 t. Sweet Orange Essential Oil (optional as it is not raw but still very healthy)

Place cashews, agave, coconut butter, zest, essential oil, and orange juice in the

food processor and process until very smooth. Pour over crust,

Refrigerate for 4 hours, garnish top w/ orange slice