A juice diet involves drinking only fresh, blended fruits and vegetables for a nutritious, fulfilling meal. As a substitute for standard meal plans, a juice diet can be beneficial for losing weight and getting a good daily balance of vitamins and nutrients. Alternatively, drinking juices as a supplement to an ordinary healthy meal plan can provide a welcome health boost. But what are the real benefits?
Nutrition
When fruits and vegetables are juiced, they lose their insoluble fibre which makes it much easier and quicker for our bodies to absorb the phytonutrients and enzymes in the produce. Juices act as direct delivery systems to help our bodies absorb the good stuff naturally. In addition, for anyone not so keen on getting their five-a-day, blended fruits and vegetables can be an easy way to get your daily requirement. For example, the broccoli and carrots ever-present in childhood nightmares are easily and tastily combined with other ingredients in a juice, so much so that you may not even notice they’re there.
Convenience
In addition to the various health benefits of juicing, it is also one of the most convenient meals to prepare, store and enjoy. For the majority of juice recipes, the only preparation involved is skinning, pitting or chopping the fruit and veg, then simply throwing it into your juicer and pulsing until smooth. The easiest way to prepare juices is to prepare a high volume at once, then store the remainder in the fridge or freezer until you need it. Juices can be stored in a flask and taken to work to save you the hassle of preparing a lunch box of sandwiches, fruit and other snacks.
In addition, the leftovers from juicing (pulp, skin) can be used in other ways. Try adding the pulp to other recipes such as apple-bran muffins or vegetable broth. Or why not just add the pulp back into the juice for some added texture?
Weight loss
When compared to an ordinary balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and other vitamins and minerals, a juice strips the ingredients down to the bare essentials with very little fat and salt. Whilst those with an unhealthy diet (e.g. fast food, takeaways, processed foods) may benefit from the clean juice meal plan, it can be tricky to ensure you still get enough fat. If you’re unsure about embarking on a juice diet, try beginning by supplementing the occasional meal with a juice.
Skin, eyes and hair
The vitamins in juice can benefit more than just your weight loss. The ingredients you choose to add to your juices will change the positive effects on your overall health. For example, for healthy eyes, adding a few key ingredients such as carrots, kale and red/orange fruits will provide a boost of vitamin A which the body converts to retinol to protect the delicate eye area. For healthy skin, vitamin E is an essential. Find this in blackberries, bananas and kiwis.
TOP RECIPES
Carrot Power Breakfast Juice
The ingredients in this juice are very basic but combine to make a perfect morning perk-me-up with the added benefit of supporting healthy vision. Simply prep and peel the ingredients, then throw into the juicer for an instant nutritious start to the day.
Large carrots (peeled), ½ lemon (peeled), greens of your choice (e.g. spinach, kale or red lettuce), 1 apple.
Green Lunch Booster
This lean green juice contains all the ingredients you need for a fulfilling, nutritious midday meal. Remember to go easy on the ginger if you’re a juice newbie.
1 green apple (or more for added sweetness), 1 cucumber, 4 stalks of celery, 4-6 leaves of dark leafy greens (kale or spinach), ¼ lemon (peeled), fresh ginger.
About The Author:
Victoria shares her top tips for vision health for a
geek glasses supplier, Directsight.
Image Credits:
Yellow.Cat
Elizabeth
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