Embracing the “new year, new me” mantra often falls short. The surge of enthusiasm as a fresh year approaches prompts ambitious intentions for change and improvement. Yet, the most effective path to transformation lies not in sweeping resolutions but in the commitment to small, tangible shifts — a mere 2% adjustment each day.

At the outset of a new year, prevailing themes often revolve around health and wealth. Many aspire to attain peak physical condition or adopt healthier lifestyles, often in preparation for significant life changes like starting a family. Or alongside financial aspirations such as saving for pivotal life events like education, homeownership, or exploration through travel. While definitive plans and steps exist to achieve these goals — and I encourage the necessary diligence — grant yourself the grace to fulfill your aspirations this year.

Now, allow me to propose a straightforward approach to kick-starting a healthy year while also trimming expenses: juicing. This practice not only nourishes your body and mind on a daily basis, but infuses you with an abundance of revitalizing energy. Opting to juice at home becomes paramount if fiscal moderation is a target for 2024, especially considering that a single serving of an Erewhon “just greens” juice demands a price tag of approximately $10.

My preferred at-home green juice recipe is both effortless to make and a delight for the entire family. For those seeking an affordable and efficient juicer, I recommend the following option—a personal favorite that I use in my home.

Zulay’s Green Juice Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fresh spinach
• 4 stalks of celery
• 1 cucumber
• 1 pinch of ginger root
• One apple
• 4-7 small cubes of pineapple
• Half of a lemon

Instructions:

• Wash and prepare your fruits and vegetables by removing any seeds, stems, or tough skins.
• Cut them into sizes suitable for your juicer’s feed chute.

The take away here, whether you make the juice or not, is that we can take small steps towards our goals. Even 2% a day is better than pressuring yourself and experiencing burn out. Our goals are worthy of our patience and our commitment. Enjoy!