by Zelinda First, you'll want to get a juicer.  If you're not 100% sure you want to make an investment in a juicer, see if you can borrow one from a friend.  If you are ready to buy a juicer, you can find good options at the Outlet Mall, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.

What to juice...  I use a base of:

• 1 large or 2 small cucumbers (peel them if they're not organic)
• 4-5 celery stalks
• 1 large apple (peel if not organic)

If you're new to juicing, you can add some milder greens like romaine lettuce or spinach.

As your palate becomes accustomed to the flavors and your body adjusts to the extra nutrients, you can transition to stronger greens like spinach, swiss chard, collard greens, carrot greens, beet greens, etc. You can also add broccoli stems, carrots, beets, or whatever you have on hand.  This recipe will make about 16-20 ounces of juice.

In her book Crazy, Sexy Diet, Kris Carr recommends a ratio of 3 veggies to 1 fruit, and I find that works very well. Carrots and beets can be classified as fruits, since they are on the sweeter side.

How much and how often to juice...  Start out slowly and give your body time to adjust to your new green habit.  During the first week, consider making just 8 ounces of juice every other day.  When you feel ready, you can increase the frequency and the quantity of your juice.

Ideally, I'd love to have 16-20 ounces of green juice for breakfast every day, but life gets in the way and it's not always possible.  Look at it this way, some green juice is better than no green juice :)  So juice when you can!

In the comments, please post your questions about juicing and if you do decide to try it, let us know how it goes and how you feel after a few days of green drinks!

Also, be sure to check out our Facebook February giveaway!