Juice cleanses (also known as juicing), are a new fad among health & fitness fanatics in Orange County. The question is, are they really healthy and do they really work? Juice cleanses are juices of different vegetables and fruits which you can select according to your taste and needs. There are many reasons why people decide to do juice cleanses, and some of them are for detox, weight loss, energy boost, anti-inflammatory benefits, and because they are packed with valuable vitamins, enzymes and nutrients. Another reason people choose to juice is because it’s much easier to drink the daily suggested amount of fruits and veggies than to eat it.
Is juicing just another fad diet? There are many things to consider when choosing to go on a juice cleanse. One reason is that juice is high in sugar and can skyrocket your blood-sugar levels. Make sure to choose veggies & fruits low in sugar such as broccoli, kale, spinach or grapefruit. Another issue with juicing is you leave out substantial amounts of protein your body needs to function. Weight loss is the #1 reason people choose to do a juice cleanse, and you will probably lose a little, but will gain it back when you start to eat whole food again. If you are looking to shed some pounds, you need to change your whole diet and incorporate exercise into your daily routine for the weight to stay off. The last reason people choose to juice is for detoxing, but your body already naturally detoxes itself through the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Instead of doing a juice cleanse, you should consider drinking fresh squeezed juice from fruits and veggies along with eating healthy food as part of your diet for added nutritional benefits.
If you still are interested in juicing, you can try it, but make sure that you have consulted a doctor as proper guidance is necessary for this diet. Our Nutrition Specialist Stephanie Lapinski can answer any questions you may have about juice cleansing, and help you formulate a food plan to help reboot your system, rebuild your body and maintain your health.