First things first: serious kudo’s to Make and Takes for this month’s Earth Day kick-off of 22 Ways to Save Mother Earth. As I was thinking about what challenge to share for the month of “Easter & Earth,” it made me all-sorts-of-nostalgic for when I officially joined as Make and Takes resident “green” writer. Earth Day of 2011, we kicked-off these monthly green “dares” with a movie challenge: “Food, Inc.” Fast forward, about three years to last Sunday: I was going to juice with my kids thinking about our family’s journey… and a few of the films, like our original “Food, Inc” that have inspired changes in me and my fam along the way.

Reasons to Start Juicing!

“Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” happens to be one of those films; it also (not coincidentally) is this month’s Green Challenge: WATCH IT. And if you’re inspired like thousands of others who have been motivated by Joe Cross and what the movement represents: go ahead, juice something.

One of my favorite recipes is a take on “The Cleanser” at Roots Café in Salt Lake City’s East Millcreek neighborhood. The concoction is a delightful blend of juiced beets, apple, carrots and ginger, with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime. My two year old drinks it and looks like a cherubic version of Batman’s nemesis “the Joker” (#redlipsfordays). My five year old prefers to keep his juicing simple – apples and a squeeze of lemon. Also one of the most delicious and healthful versions of lemonade one can make – just play around with the ratios for optimal satisfaction.

For those who haven’t seen the film, it’s a beautiful and inspiring look at the power whole (ok: juiced) foods and life-style changes can make. The film begins with Joe Cross (like the title would suggest) fat, sick and nearly dead. His transformation is mind blowing. And how he’s helped inspire a movement that’s affected so many others is equally so. Like MJ taught us, if we’re gonna make a change, best to start with the man in the mirror.