Juiciest Jams - The Best Songs of 2017

JUICE TRUCK -10 BEST OF 2017 PLAYLIST

By Erika Preece

Well, there’s no arguing that 2017 was quite the year. Instead of reflecting on the news stories, biggest events or even tastiest smoothies, we decided to bring you a playlist full of juicy jams from this past year- tune in and enjoy!

  1. Black Fur - Elder Island

This band has quickly become a staff favourite to play in store since we are always looking for new indie-pop tunes to juice to. Check ‘em out!

  1. Fantastic Man - William Onyeabor

Our truck manager, Devon, loves this song. We often dance to this disco record in order to heat up while working on the truck (basically a giant refrigerator) during the winter!

  1. Strange or Be Forgotten - Temples

This Brit band played a show at the Fox Cabaret this past summer and the lead singer came in to the West 5th store that day for a juice. Full disclosure: he ordered a custom carrot/apple/turmeric blend, which clearly fuelled his performance!

  1. Chronic Sunshine - Cosmo Pyke

The song first caught my eye because the title literally opposes Vancouver weather. Watch out for this up-and-coming artist and his jazzy melodies!

  1. Young Hearts - Ponytails

This tune is from a local Vancouver band that plays an insanely fun live show.

  1. Incredible - Future

I remember jamming to this while closing during my first training shifts at the JT. It’s not family-friendly enough to play during the day; but if you stop by past closing time, it’s likely you’ll catch our staff grooving hard while cleaning floors.

  1. Girl Like You - Toro Y Moi

Another indie pop jam that is continuously on rotation.

  1. Love Forever - The Babe Rainbow

We like any songs that remind us of happy rainbows and beachy vibes, so this Australian band and they’re 60’s sound definitely makes the list.

  1. Not My Baby - Alvvays

This toe-tapper is by an indie band from Toronto- our neighbours to the East who also have their juice market on lock (checkout Greenhouse Juice Co. if you’re ever over there)!

  1. One Dance - Broods

Our Juice Truck soccer team won the league this fall, and no athlete is without their pre-game tunes. This cover of the Drake classic definitely helped some of our better games.

The Complete Guide to Vegan Supplements

 

Where do you get your protein from?? You’re not going to get enough iron? These are the questions that follow any vegan around. Whether you’re plant based, plant curious or just seeking out ways to optimize your health and wellness… there are lots of supplements to choose from. We see healthy eating and supplementing as the best preventive medicine out there. However, the supplement industry is massive and it can be confusing where to start and which brands to choose. Here is our guide to vegan supplements!

The Essentials:


Vitamin B12

Why: Most people are B12 deficient. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that has a major role in brain function and the health of your nervous system through the synthesis of myelin, and the formation of red blood cells. B12 traditionally came from the soil and we were able to get it through the dirt on vegetables… but we’re not often eating vegetables fresh from the soil and even if we are, the quality of soil is stripped down in many cases.

Top Pick: We love the Mega Food Vegan B12.

Vitamin D

Why: Oh let the sun shine in! Back in the day… and by that I mean hundreds of years ago, we all spent a lot more time outdoors. Even if you live in sunny California, most people are still not getting the necessary amount of Vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium and promote healthy bone growth.

Top Pick: We are big fans of the Botanica Organic Vitamin D.

DHA and EPA

Why: There’s a lot of talk about fish oil for your omegas. Where do the fish get their omegas from? From algae! It’s always best to skip the middleman and go straight to the source. DHA and EPA, these essential fatty acids are omega-3 fats, which reduce risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. They also promote brain health and help counteract anxiety and depression. DHA and EPA are a top of our list of daily essentials.


Top Pick: We love the NutraVege Plant Omega 3 and the Genestra Vegan DHA/EPA.


Zinc

Why: Zinc is a powerhouse. It is needed for proper function of the immune system. It plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing, and the breakdown of carbohydrates. It’s also needed for the senses of smell and taste. Beans, legumes, nuts and seeds are easy ways to get your zinc but if you need a little boost and most of us do, it’s not a bad idea to supplement.


Top Pick: There are a lot of options out there for good quality zinc but we like the Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc.


Iron

Why: Iron is a mineral that's necessary for your health. All of your cells contain iron, but most of the iron in your body is found in your red blood cells. Your red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to the organs and tissues throughout your body. Iron helps with metabolizing proteins, producing hemoglobin and red blood cells. Legumes, grains, nuts and seeds and leafy greens are all good sources of iron.


Top Pick: We love the Vitality Power Iron + Organic Spirulina. It’s one of our most popular and most loved retail products. The Pranin Purefood Iron is another good option. 


Iodine

Why: Find this overachiever in all those salty sea veggies like kelp, kombu and wakame. The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate the body's metabolism. For those Mamas and Mama-to-be’s we need healthy thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy.


Top Pick: Thyroid Strength by MegaFood is a great choice.


Digestion


Bitters

Why: We love us some bitters. Bitter foods are not a regular part of the western diet but they’re so necessary for so many reasons. Bitters help curb sugar cravings, soothe gas and bloating, stomach aches and nausea, relieve heartburn and aid in digestion. Leafy greens such as arugula and dandelion greens, cacao and bitter melon are a few bitter foods.


Top Pick: Urban Moonshine Original Digestive Bitters. This brand has some amazing products!


Probiotics

Why: You can get probiotics in fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha or kefir. Probiotics boost your digestions, heal inflammatory bowel issues, boosts your immune system… a healthy gut plays a major role in your mood, in your inflammation and recovery and what foods you crave. A strong probiotic game is the best place to start!


Top Pick: We like to regularly rotate our probiotics. Currently on our shelf; Ora Trust Your Gut and the Bio-K. We're hooked on the Bio-K Coconut which includes hemp and pea protein. Probiotics and protein in one…count the basket and one (if you’re not a basketball fan, that means it’s a winning combo).


Fibre

Why: It’s all about the fibre. People like to focus on protein but really fibre is way more important. There are rarely (if ever) cases of protein deficiency but most people are deficient in fibre. Fibre helps the flow of things… but beyond that, fibre plays a huge role in muscle recovery and inflammation, managing a healthy body weight, controls blood sugar levels, while lowering cholesterol. We could all focus a little more on our fibre.


Top Pick: NutraCleanse is amazing. Nature’s Path Qi’a Chia Buckwheat and Hemp Cereal is a staple in our pantry too!


Magnesium

Why: Magnesium helps keep things a moving, helps you relax and sleep and helps with sore muscles. A trifecta of good things from one supplement. Magnesium also helps with anxiety and nerves and with regulating levels of Calcium, Potassium and Sodium. Magnesium is an every night ritual where we come from.


Top Pick: Natural Calm Magnesium by Natural Vitality and Naka Originals Magnesium Bisglycinate Complex.

Protein

Why: This is what everyone loves to talk about. Protein is the super star of the supplement world. This is the best advice we’ve heard when choosing a protein supplement:  Keep it simple! So many protein powders are so jam packed with everything it’s hard to keep straight… let alone pronounce half of the ingredients. Protein builds and repair tissues. You also use protein to produce enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is a powerhouse building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Lentils, tofu, black beans, hemp seeds, spirulina, quinoa, brown rice, oats and green peas are all great sources of plant based protein.


Our Top Picks: The simplest of cleanest of all options out there. We’re all about the Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro 70 and Hemp Pro Fibre. We also love the Body Energy Club Clean Vegan and the Botanica Health Perfect Protein.

All in One

Why: Life is busy… it’s hard to manage schedules, let alone multiple supplements. Sometimes the best bet is a one stop shop option. Give us all the goods in one go. It’s the easiest way to fill in the gaps.  


Top Picks: If you want it in a shake or smoothie, we really like the Progressive VegEssentials All in One. Silky smoothe flavour with all the nutrients you need. For multivitamins MegaFood is our top choice. We love their options for their Multi for Men, Multi for Women, Baby and Me and One Daily. MegaFood hands down makes the best multi vitamins out there.


Superfoods

Why: Ideally we get all the nutrients we need from a plant based, whole grain diet. However with the day to day stresses both internally from stress, lack of sleep or whatever it might be and externally from exposure to pollution and chemicals of all sorts, we could all use a little extra support.


Top Picks: Chia Seeds… easy to add to everything and high in essential fatty acids and packed with magnesium, iron, calcium and magnesium. We like the Prana brand. Avocados, full with healthy monounsaturated fats, are another easy go to. Moringa… fun to say and even more fun in smoothies is one of the best bang for your buck superfoods out there. Moringa is know as the “miracle tree” and the “world’s most nutritious plant species ever studied,” Moringa is an amazing source of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, boasting high amounts of vitamin A, C and E as well as calcium, potassium and a good dose of protein. It’s basically a one ingredient multivitamin. We sell a really high grade Moringa at the Juice Truck. If you want a really great and fully comprehensive guide to superfoods, we’ve got a whole section on superfoods in our new book.  


Support

Mushrooms

Why: Mushrooms are a miracle food. Whatever your need, there is a mushroom thats got your back. Lion’s Mane for brain and nervous system, Cordyceps for energy and performance, Reishi for stress and sleep, Chaga to boost your immune system. For an amazing guide we love the book Healing Mushrooms.


Top Pick: Four Sigmatic for all the mushrooms. These guys have got it figured out. We also really like what’s offered from Host Defence Mushrooms and the Shroom Tech supplements from Onnit. For more variety, check out Harmonic Arts. They have an unmatched selection and you can buy in bulk!


Adaptogens

Why: Not just because adaptogens are one of the buzziest words of 2017. Adaptogens are your life preserver. As the name suggests adaptogens are able to fill in the blanks wherever you need them most. Stress and adrenal fatigue are where adaptogens fight above their weight class but it’s a good idea to have some adaptogens on deck for almost every situation. We lean on them most when stress is high or our amount of sleep is low.


Top Picks: Ashwagandha… our second favourite supplement to say over and over again to Moringa and our top choice for adaptogens. We sell a high grade Ashwagandha at The Juice Truck. Another favourite is the Fermented Ashwagandha Adaptogenic Tonic by Botanica Health.  



Recovery

Why: Minimize the pain and maximize those gains. What you do after any exercise, any big trip, any cold will play a big role in you’re recovery. There are many supplements that can help, but these ones are tried, tested and true and won’t break the bank. A strong recovery regiment will get you back in the gym quicker, back on the court faster and stronger, back to work healthier or back in your time zone with less confusion.


Top Picks: Turmeric Lattes are definitely having a moment and they key part Turmeric… is one of the top performers for recovery. The Botanica Health Turmeric Golden Milk is tasty and boasts extra benefits with Ashwagandha added to the mix. The Blume Turmeric Latte mix is amazing and so is the Harmonic Arts Golden Mylk Blend. The Fermented Turmeric Ginger tonic also from Botanica Health is another one we regularly go to. For ginger we like the New Chapter Ginger Force supplement.


Focus / Energy

Why: Let’s be honest here… if it weren’t for that cup of coffee every morning, we’d all be yawning our way through till lunch. There’s more and more research coming out on brain health and the energy sector is massive… so there’s lots to choose from. The challenge is finding something that doesn’t give you the jitters or leave you crashing back down to sleepville. Having more focus and energy will help allow you to better achieve and better perform the tasks at hand.


Top Picks: Pine Pollen. Yes the yellow pollen from pine trees. It works wonders. Our Juice Truck Pine Pollen is our top selling supplement. Maca...lots of options here but we like the Ecoideas brand. Shilajit is fun and effective. Give Purblack a try. Panax Ginseng is also amazing. Try the Prince of Peace brand. For focus, play around with some nootropics. They have some interesting offerings at Bulletproof. Bacopa and Rhodiola are other super foods that get the job done. There’s lots of tea options as well. We’re fans of Matcha...specifically from Matcha Ninja and from withinUs TruOrganic Matcha. The woke tea from Fleurs earns its name sake too!

Sleep

Why: Everyone's favourite thing: sleep. We could all use more of it and many of us struggle with it. Falling asleep, staying asleep, working too much, binge watching netflix or scrolling instagram for way too long before bed...there’s a million ways to restlessly struggle with catching some zee’s. Shawn Stevenson and Ariana Huffington both have incredible books on sleep that are worth more than a nights sleep in insight. The benefits of sleep are endless: sleep benefits our heart, our weight, our mind, and much, much more. Sleep makes you feel better, but its value stretches far beyond just boosting your mood or banishing under dark circles under your eyes. Sleep is the single most important health habit.


Top Picks: The magnesium choices highlighted under digestion are an every night staple. Now Foods 5-HTP works magic. The Saje Sleep Well roller also works wonders. Chamomile tea does actually help with sleep as well. We like the Traditional Medicinals brand. We’ve recently tried CBD products with amazing results. The Fleurs Tea Doze offering is a great product. Great taste and sets you off for a nice relaxing night.


Best places to buy supplements:

The Juice Truck

Body Energy Club

Harmonic Arts

Real Raw Food

Organic Matters

Whole Foods

Vegan Supply

Eternal Abundance 




A Juice Truck Guide to Steveston Village

In 2011 we launched our juicing business, four wheels rolling in the form of a bright watermelon pink food truck, at the corner of Water and Abbott in Gastown. Myself and my business partner Ryan Slater made the daily commute from Steveston out to the city. We made it our goal that we’d one day be able to open up a shop in Steveston.


Six year later, we were able to make this dream come true. Our juicing team grew up here in Steveston. Ryan, myself, my wife Meghan and our Vancouver GM Lauren Ho, all grew up in Steveston. Many of our team have their roots in Richmond so we were so excited when the opportunity to open up shop in our hometown presented itself. We officially opened last week at 12151 1st Ave in the historic Alegria Cafe location. Alegria had been one of my go to spots growing up and my mom had worked there for years so it felt full circle when the opportunity presented itself for us to take over the location.

If you’ve never been, Steveston is one of the best kept secrets in the Lower Mainland. Anyone that lives in Steveston know’s it.

Steveston was a turn of the century, fishing village built on the water where the Fraser River meets the ocean. It’s maintained a modern village charm. Think Cape Cod - Maritime vibes with the best sunsets you can find.

Alas, growing up in Steveston we wanted to share our go to spots and everything you need to know about visiting our hometown. 

A Guide to Steveston: 

Drink

Gudrun

This place is a gem of gems. Tucked away off the main drag on Moncton, Gudrun’s rocks the best wine list in town. Long table ambience, incredible wines and a rotating food menu that focuses on fresh, local ingredients  done in the most gourmet way. Date night, wine night… Gudrun’s should be a top of any list of things to do in Steveston.

Britannia Brewing

The coolest spot to be in Steveston. It’s the first microbrewery in town and these guys nailed it. They also have a great food program for dinner and brunch on weekends. If you want to try something outside of the box, try their chai beer!

O’Hares Gastropub

One of the original pubs in Steveston. A few beers in and you’ll feel like you’ve travelled to Ireland. They have an amazing selection of craft beer and if you need something to go they have a liquor store next door with lots of local and craft options.

The Buck and Ear Bar and Grill

Famous for it's Friday nights! Steps from the famed Steveston Cannery, Fishing Docks and Garry Point Park, The Buck & Ear Bar and Grill boasts a 200 seat pub with old school pub vibes with pool, darts and lots on tap! 

Steveston Coffee Co. 

The original coffee purveyors of Steveston, having been around for over 15 years. They roast their own beans and have vegan treats to go with your cup of joe! 

Rocanini 

How do you like your coffee? Pour over coffee, siphon coffee, cold brewed coffee, espresso based coffee, lattes... Rocanini has the works when it comes to your caffeinated needs! You can't miss them...located right at the entrance of the village at Moncton and 1 Road. 

Eat

The Juice Truck

Juice, smoothies… something fresh and healthy. We’re the newest kids on the block and we’re excited to be here. Check out our retail section for vegan ice cream, chocolate bars, teas, books and much more.

Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant

One of the best sunset views you’ll find anywhere. Set right on the water, there's not a better place in town to relax to the flow of the ever changing tide. Get there before the dinner rush to get a seat on their patio.

Steveston Pizza Company

A giant in Steveston and worth the drive on its own. This is pizza at its finest. You can’t find flavours like this anywhere. Vegan options and all!

Little Mexico Cantina

Award winning tacos and amazing customer service. You’ll feel right at home … at least after a few tequila or mezcal cocktails.

Pajo’s

A staple in Steveston. All of our friends worked here in high school and this is where the tourists flock too. We go for the chips and vinegar. Be sure to watch out for the seagals… they’re a fan of the chips too.

Catch Kitchen + Bar

Above The Blue Canoe with postcard water views and the best veggie burger in Steveston. Try and get yourself a window seat… you might even get a glimpse of some passing sea lions!

Move

Russel Sean Fitness

If you want to get a sweat on this is where you want to be. Russel Sean Fitness is right at the pulse of Steveston. You’d be hard up to find a better place to workout anywhere in the Lower Mainland. From circuit training bootcamps, to boxing and spin, your options are covered. Their warehouse style gym gives you the room to push it to your max each work out.

Perfect Hearts Yoga

Tucked away in a secret little garden behind The Juice Truck lies a sanctuary of yoga bliss. Steps from one another... the perfect duo; juice and yoga! 

Walk

Garry Point Park

This is the jewel of Steveston. A 75 acre waterfront park with sunsets worth travelling for. The water lights up like a tide of fire at the magic hour of sunset. During the winter a pond in the middle of the park is frozen for outdoor hockey. The ultimate Canadian experience! 

The Dyke 

Linking up to Garry Point, you can take the Dyke from Terra Nova all the way into Steveston. With panoramic views to the west of the ocean, Gulf Islands and estuary, and views to the north of the Coastal Mountains and Vancouver International Airport,  this is another prime spot for watching the sunset, or if you're an AM stroller for an early morning sunrise. Walking or cycling, this trail offers high reward for an easy adventure. 

Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site 

Step back in time for this boardwalk jaunt. With a little imagination you could be strolling down the docks in years long passed. A wooden boardwalk takes you from the Chinese Bunkhouse past the Murakami gardens and the shipyards all the way along the water into Steveston Village. Expect to see herons, old fishing boats and maybe a seal or two along the way. 


See

Finn Slough Heritage and Wetland Society 

Adventure to the outskirts of Steveston for this made for a movie set town. It's worth the efforts to see these wooden houses built on stilts floating over the water, along the marshy river bank of the Fraser River. Finn Slough was originally built by Finnish Settlers in the 1880's. Think Alabama backwaters meets Finnish folklore with a small village flare. 

International Buddhist Temple

Home of the largest Buddha statue in North America. Steps from the bustle of #3 Road this is one of the most beautiful temple's in the Lower Mainland. Meditation, farming, traditional temple food and buddhist teachings. Theres lots to see, do and learn here! 

Shop

Nikaido

In need of a gift... go no further. Nikaido is stocked full with well curated wares from an unmatched line of teas sure to satisfy any enthusiast to stylish pens, stationary and tablewares. 

Pieces

If there was one shop that checked the boxes for Steveston vibe gift wares it would be Pieces. This popular spot is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Steveston Village. It's one of those places that makes you feel good as soon as you step through the door. 

Village Books and Coffee Shop 

New or used books... or maybe just the coffee. Boasting beans from 49th Parallel Roasters, this book store is an adventure awaiting your visit. Their used book section is amazing from kids books, to business, travel, self development and beyond. 

Prickly Pear Garden Centre

A utopia for green hearts and green thumbs. This place is special... a wonderland for any plant lover with everything for your outdoor and indoor needs. They also have an equally amazing gift shop and are two steps ahead for any seasonal needs from pumpkins in October to Christmas Trees in December. 

Phoenix Art Workshop

Supporting creativity from canvas to frame. If you're here for an extended stay sign up for one of their classes (or check out their art retreats). From art supplies to framing to classes, your inner creativity awaits you!  

Steveston Village Maternity

For cool moms and cool babes, this spot is a one stop shop. With tons of local options and everything else you could imagine needing for those special years!  

Scout and Co

This makers and finders collective has the hippest of Steveston offerings. They have a pinterest worthy selection of artisan, locally made wares from Vancouver and across Canada. 

Serendipity's Backyard 

Raise you vibrational frequency at this metaphysical gift shop that specializes in crystals, spiritually minded books, jewelry, incense, sage, gems, sacred gem jewelry, tarot, oracle cards and much more! 

Heringers 

A staple in the Steveston community. They've got the best pickles within 20 kilometers and incredible home made veggie patties. For the non vegans, they've got you covered with lots of options too ;) 

Steveston General Store 

We love this place. You can't come to Steveston and not browse the General Store for hidden treasure. Full of antiques, vintage and retro items of all genres. This is where I got my first juicer back in high school. This is where the juicing all began! 

Heal

Satori

From chiropractics to nutrition and massage, Satori is the place to heal your mind, body and soul! Located in a cozy little heritage home repurposed as an integrated health studio. Book a massage with Wesley...best healing hands we've come across! 

Past Tense

Might as well stay a while. This massage therapy clinic will have you driving back to Steveston for some of the best in the biz. Juice and a massage... don't mind if we do. 

Rain Tree Wellness Spa

Ah yes.... You should feel more relaxed just reading about Rain Tree. A true retreat and spa experience right in the village. An oasis of calm, surrounded by open air, seaside charm and the feeling you have stepped into a home away from home. Everything you want and more from a spa! 

Turning Point Wellness Centre

We can't write a section on healing and not include Turning Point. Ask for Aysha Revell, master RMT and master story teller.

Healing River Acupuncture Centre

Steveston is a mini mecca for wellness centres and Healing River is the go to spot for acupuncture. 

Do

Steveston Tattoo Company

This tattoo shop has an amazing vibe. Just walking through the doors you'll feel the energy of the place. International guest artists are always coming through so be sure to stay up to date with who's in store. 

Browcasso

Just down the street from Steveston Tattoo Company, Browcasso is famous for their brow work. Customers flock from far and wide for their microblading, eyeliner tattoos, eyelash extensions and much, much more. 

Steveston Barbers

A heritage spot in Steveston. They've been cutting hair since 1937... one of the oldest establishments in town. Old school at heart, with modern barber style.