Meredith of the raw food megaplex that is Matthew Kenney’s MAKE restaurant and school is one of our favorite raw chefs. Not only is she gorgeous – in the way only a raw foodie can be – and a master chef, she’s penned the uber accessible guide, Everyday Raw Detox, full of the kinds of recipes that will keep you in balance because they are easy enough to use – well – everyday! Here’s Meredith with a recipe straight from the Everyday pages!

While we promote eating raw food and fresh juices year-round, sometimes it feels less intuitive, especially if you don’t live in Southern California!

Summertime is the time to get on the fresh-food wagon, no matter where you live. Consuming fruits and vegetables in their most natural state is always important, but it is so much easier in the summer – and it feels right! When it’s cold outside, a juice or smoothie might not seem as appealing. Bring on summer! The sun and heat (and festivities!) can often leave you super dehydrated, and desperately in need of a hydrating antioxidant-packed boost.

My book Everyday Raw Detox is about incorporating these foods into your diet – as suits your lifestyle. Whether it be a smoothie a day, a juice a day, or really focusing on trying to incorporate as many raw food meals into your regimen as possible. I don’t believe in strict or rigid! Do what you can and you will notice an incredible difference.

I’m featuring a recipe from my book that is great for the summer season – this juice is packed with vitamin C to keep your immune system up, and spice to keep the metabolism kicked up (hey bikini bod), plus they also make excellent cocktail mixers! Delicious with tequila or vodka. Yum!

This combination might sound odd, but it is absolutely delicious. It tastes almost like sweet and sour candy. This smoothie is packed with vitamin C. The addition of red bell pepper and cayenne make it high in capsaicin, which acts as a natural pain reliever and antibiotic. This smoothie is great for immunity and metabolism.