These are dangerous times. Everyone around me is getting attacked : the sniffles, a cold, the flu.  I discovered a little juice bar in Firenze centro, ‘Lovelife,’ where I get the healthy ammunition to hit back. 

Walking in, I am welcomed by the scent of fresh fruit, the buzzing sound of a blender and a group of healthy-looking customers. I opt for a cup of creamy yogurt with crispy granola, coconut flakes and fresh fruit. With my ‘Defender’ [freshly squeezed pear, apple, ginger and lemon] in hand, I take my place at the bar and watch the customers roll in. As I scoop away my yogurt, I start to think that this could be a more nourishing alternative to my usual chocolate-spread morning ritual.

On my way out, I order a second ‘Defender’; just in case I need a little extra protection against one of Italy’s most feared winter maladies: ‘Colpo d’Aria‘ [or 'hit by air'].

Lovelife Centro, Via dell’Oriuolo 26/r, 50121 Firenze, Mon-Sat 10:00 – 19:00. Lovelife Novoli, Piazza Spadolini 6, 50127 Firenze, Mon-Sat 9:30 – 18:00.