I first discovered juicing several years ago after I stopped breastfeeding Riley.  I had some unwanted pregnancy weight, was still recovering from a six-month stint of "the baby blues" and just felt like I needed a healthy recharge to reclaim my former self.  After reading many books and websites on the subject of juice fasting, I thought that I would buy a juicer and take the plunge.

The experience was phenomenal.  I actually drank nothing but healthy fruit and vegetable juices for a full 21-days!  I never thought I could actually not eat for that length of time, but I did it and have since gained a new respect for food in general and what "feeling full" truly means.  My husband also joined in the juice fast and we both continue to drink healthy juices regularly as part of our normal diet.

Because of my juicing experience and the plenty of warnings we received from our pediatrician, Riley has yet to have a glass of store-bought juice or a soda.  Of course, drinking only milk, water and tea might get a little boring and so I've thought many times about making a juice for Riley, but was afraid that she wouldn't like the adult recipes we use.

That's why I was thrilled to discover the children's juicing book, "201 Healthy Smoothies & Juices for Kids".  Now, you can sneak in a ton of healthy, fresh, vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables and your child will love every sip.  If you have an extra-picky eater on your hands like I do, don't let their diet suffer because they don't want to eat their fruits and veggies, provide the same healthful foods in a juice and watch them slurp 'em down without complaint.  Keep reading to learn more!

Why would you give your child a generic, sugar-filled glass of juice from concentrate when now you can give them a glass of Blackberry Banana Blast, Pineapple Tangerine Twister or Green Veggie Goodness?  When study after study shows that store-bought juices can be more trouble than they're worth, it's time we all turned to our own kitchens to find sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients growing kids need.

In 201 Healthy Juices and Smoothies for Kids, you'll find all the essential recipes you'll need to replace boring, sugary, one-fruit bottled juice with delicious, nourishing combinations that will:

• Boost children's immune system
• Balance natural sugars with essential vitamins and nutrients
• Sneak in extra servings of fruits and vegetables even the pickiest eaters won't pick up on
• Replace soda and pricey store-bought drinks - for good!

With this book, you'll introduce your children to the wonderful flavors of fruits and vegetables with every delightful glass - and your kids will be begging for more!  Here's a sample recipe to try this summer instead of reaching for a packet of Kool-Aid, a bottle of juice or a can of soda:

Help-Me-Hydrate Melon Citrus Juice

This refreshing juice is a thirst quencher!  This juice is healthy and a more hydrating alternative to carbonated drinks normally taken to a picnic or to the pool in the summer.

Serving size: Two 1/2-cup servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon, rind removed
• 2 oranges, peeled

Directions:

• Place watermelon and oranges in a juicer.
• Run the fruit through the juicer until you have one full cup of juice.

Nutrition News:  Vitamin C Powerhouse

With both oranges and watermelon in this juice, one serving provides 85 mg of vitamin C.  The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for kids ages one to eight years old for vitamin C is 15-25 mg.  This drink helps children meet and exceed those recommended levels.  Vitamin C is essential for those kids who get exposed to germs on a regular basis as it helps protect their immune systems.