In 1997, Doug Green opened Lucky's Juice Joint in New York City's East Village to provide a nutritious, organic alternative for people on the go. Doug shared his technique for making your own versions of a few of Lucky's healthful concoctions.

First, Doug mixes up what he calls a beginner juice: carrot and apple. This brilliant-orange juice is sweet and tasty. Carrots have powerful antioxidant capabilities and are rich in vitamin A, which helps keep skin smooth and soft. Then, Doug makes an energy-boosting mixed-vegetable juice, containing red kale, which is full of B vitamins (good for bones, teeth, hair, and nails), potassium, and antioxidants, as well as vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium, and iron; watercress, which is high in potassium and vitamin A; cucumber, which is extremely hydrating as well as a good source of calcium; celery; bell peppers; beets; and ginger. Finally, Doug prepares "The Killer" -- a Lucky's favorite that contains green apple, lemon, and ginger. Sweet, tart, and very refreshing, this juice stimulates circulation and boosts the immune system.

When making juice at home, wash fruits and vegetables extremely well, remove skins from citrus fruits, and avoid fruits and vegetables with any bad spots. Always juice the smallest ingredients first. It's best to drink these juices right away. If refrigerated, the juices themselves will keep for about one day without losing any of the potency of their vitamins, although the enzymes in them will break down. And remember, there are no strict guidelines for what fruits and vegetables you can and can't include in a drink. Doug advocates experimenting.

The Killer
Makes 16 ounces

Ingredients
4 to 5 green apples
1 whole lemon, peeled
2 pieces of ginger (1-by-1-inch)

Directions
1. Process all ingredients in juicer.

Carrot Apple Juice
Makes 16 ounces

Ingredients
4 to 6 medium carrots
2 1/2 to 3 apples

Directions
1. Process all ingredients in juicer.

Mixed-Vegetable Juice
Makes 16 ounces

Ingredients
2 stalks kale
5 sprigs watercress or parsley
1 1/2 cucumbers
2 stalks celery
1/2 red or green pepper
1/4 medium beet
1 strip of ginger (1-by-1-inch)

Directions
1. Process all ingredients in juicer.

To view more information on live juice and herbal therapy, download the Live Juice and Herbal Therapy Chart excerpted from "Prescription for Dietary Wellness" by Phyllis Balch.

Resources
Special thanks to Doug Green from Lucky's Juice Joint (170 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003; phone: 212-358-0300). We used an Acme juice extractor and Acme citrus juicer from Williams-Sonoma, Braun deluxe juice extractor from Zabar's, and Krups Opti fruit-juice extractor, which is available at select department stores.