FOOD: Juiceblendz Cafe

If you’ve ever pleaded with a
toddler to eat his fruits and vegetables or abandoned the well-intentioned
apple and yogurt on your desk to join colleagues for lunch—where the gossip was
even juicier than the cheeseburger—you’re not alone. Trying to maintain
nutritional balance in a world replete with delicious distractions is a daily
challenge.

One savvy new Edmond hot spot,
Juiceblendz Café, is bridging the gap between nutrition and convenience. Who
knew juicing could be such a treat, even to an avid sweets-lover? Using 100%
raw juice as a base for their smoothies, rather than sugared premixes and
packaged purees, this innovative franchise is redefining the industry with
delicious alternatives to high-calorie smoothies. Many of their 24 oz.
‘Smoothiez’ boast a modest 250-260 calories.

If you’re new to the ‘juicing’
phenomenon and its amazing health benefits, prepare to be delighted. Extracting
juice from fruits and vegetables delivers a power-packed punch of vitamins and
live enzymes in their most potent form. As a liquid, the nutrients absorb
quickly into the bloodstream. The resulting boost and vitality are as explosive
as the flavors of these tasty concoctions.

The nutrient-rich, icy-smooth
treats are a big hit with busy soccer moms, fitness enthusiasts, executives and
teens who all flock to the sleek, upbeat café. It’s clear—healthy is the new
cool. And this pioneering powerhouse doesn’t miss a beat in function or form.
Splashy lime and fuchsia walls energize the modern slate and chrome décor while
a cozy TV nook adds a comfy, coffee-shop flair.

Thanks to the entrepreneurial
drive and firsthand experience of local Juiceblendz Café owner, Ashley Hughes,
Edmond boasts the first franchise location outside Florida. Hughes saw the
transformational powers of raw juices when her mother was diagnosed with a
blood disorder and was told she would need a bone marrow transplant to survive.
After a few short years of a diet filled with freshly squeezed raw juices, she
is now healthy with a normal blood count. “That’s what set Juiceblendz apart,”
Hughes recalls as she researched juice companies, “the use of 100% raw juice.”

Among nearly 40 smoothie choices
on the menu, the ‘Immunizer,’ and ‘Marathoner’ are frequent favorites. The
‘Immunizer’ blends freshly-squeezed juices and Multiplex, including echinacea and
vitamin C, for a cold-kicking boost. The ‘Marathoner’ runs a close second with
a slightly sweeter blend of berries and Multiplex. An exciting Extra Pointz
menu touts more than 20 energizing smoothie add-ons designed to optimize
energy, weight loss, memory, muscles, joints and more.

Juiceblendz also offers Yoblendz
self-serve yogurt with more than 50 toppings, plus a fully-loaded Eatz Menu.
Delicious Breakfast Bagelz score big with guests, along with Saladz, Sandwichez
and Wrapz. The Asian Blendz Salad is loaded with chicken, topped with Chow Mein
noodles and dressed in a peanut sauce that has a lively kick. Topping the
sandwich list, the Turkey Club with melted provolone on a French baguette is a
must-try.

Juiceblendz Café is located at
1200 W. Covell Rd., next to Uptown Grocery. Call (405) 205-3635. Find them on
facebook or newinoklahoma.com for more information.