vegetariano in austin: Daily Juice Cafe

I'm in love with the new Daily Juice Cafe (located at 45th & Duval). And by new, I mean I think it opened in December 2008, but I just got around to getting there today. I had a heck of a weekend with old friends it was wonderful to see, but I think we're all in need of a detox now. So this was my little haven today, and probably the start of a new routine for me.

So I ordered the Goji Quik: organic Goji berries, strawberries, raw almond butter, organic coconut oil, vanilla, organic raw agave nectar, Himalayan salt.

Goji Berries: Possibly the most powerful anti-aging food known, these tiny red berries contain 19 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, including selenium and germanium, a host of rare polysaccharides, and a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than carrots!) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes). Contains more protein than whole wheat (13 percent), and 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than oranges. Also rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E. Blend these into your daily smoothie or sprinkle on a salad, or even eat them raw in a trail mix.

Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil: This fragrant, great-tasting oil has become extremely popular with health enthusiasts. It is a stable, healthy saturated fat that helps maintain proper cholesterol levels, support thyroid function, and ease digestive disorders. It also contains Lauric acid which is found in mother's milk, along with other medium-chain fatty acids. It metabolizes quickly and is easily converted into energy by the body. Coconut oil is also known for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties. It adds creaminess to smoothies or desserts, and also makes a great skin moisturizer.

Agave Nectar: This wonderful sweetener is naturally extracted from the Americana blue agave, which is a cactus-like plant native to Mexico. Because of its low glycemic index, agave nectar is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. This means it doesn’t create those intense ups and downs caused by other popular sweeteners. Agave nectar also has the benefit of providing vitamins and minerals not found in processed sweeteners. It has a flavor which falls between maple syrup and honey with a hint of vanilla.

Himalayan Crystal Salt: Mined from a 250 million-year-old crystal salt formation at the base of the Himalayan mountains, this amazing salt is made up of the 84 minerals and other trace elements which are found in sea water, and essential to human life. These minerals are anxtrom-sized, which means they are small enough to be immediately absorbed into your cells. Himalayan salt replenishes your electrolytes and is ideal before and after a work-out or bike ride. Unlike table salt or even refined sea salt, this mineral-rich salt has an alkalizing effect on the body, and helps to balance your pH level.

And it was delicious. I also had a shot of wheatgrass on the side, because it felt like the right thing to do.

Wheatgrass: Known for cleansing the lymph system, building the blood, restoring balance in the body, removing toxic metals from the cells, nourishing the liver and kidneys and restoring vitality. One ounce of wheatgrass juice has the vitamins and minerals equivalent of 2.2 pounds of fresh vegetables. It contains most of the vitamins and minerals needed for human maintenance. Many of the benefits of wheatgrass juice stems from the fact that it is a living food, which is a complete protein with about 30 enzymes and is approximately 70% crude chlorophyll.

Check out all the goodness in their nutrition section. And check out their yummy raw food items on their living foods cafe menu.