What is the big deal about juicing? Here’s the 101.
First off, let me begin by explaining the 2 types of juicing that’s out – let me call them juicing for health and mainstream juicing.
- Mainstream juicing – what is most likely being referred to out in the media now, that is currently become more and more popularly used for detoxification, and consists of juice fasts lasting for 3, 5, or 10 or more days.
- Juicing for health – the juicing done by health aficionados who actually incorporate juicing into their daily lives.
I am not a fan of mainstream juicing. Juicing actually has legitimate benefits but mainstream juicing is what is attracting those who want quick fixes and to have a fast detoxification and weight loss. The problem with mainstream juicing is that people don’t realize how unhealthy and improper it is. You can’t eat like crap and then shock your system with a juice fast, only to jump right back into crappy food. It’s going to feel awful and any benefits to your body from the juice fast quickly goes to waste, literally and figuratively. So I suggest if you want to go through a juice fast, start off by easing your body into it by eating clean first. And DEFINITELY eat clean and light as you transition back into solid foods.
As for the juicing for health folks – we try to incorporate green juices into our everyday lives to supplement our diets. Personally, I drink green juices every day for breakfast, when my stomach is empty, so that the nutrients can go directly into my body.
What the heck is juicing?
It’s simple – take a bunch of veggies, mostly green veggies, and a little bit of fruit, and drink them without the fiber.
Many argue that you need the fiber in your diet. Here’s my argument: a healthy diet will have plenty of the fiber you need. You’re not missing out by juicing. By taking out the fiber, you are skipping the digestive process and allowing those nutrients to get to work on your body right away. Green juices are basically a magical elixir that you add to your everyday diet. They allow you to get an extra boost of veggies that you couldn’t possibly eat in a day.
Okay, so how do I do it?
Simple. Buy a juicer. Buy vegetables. Put the two together. I usually drink 16 ounces a day.
The proportion of veggies to fruit should be 3 to 1 because you don’t want to overload on the sugar. Personally, I only use half an apple for every 16 ounces and rely on cucumbers and celery to mellow out the taste, due to their high water content.
The darker green your veggies are, the better.
I find that as long as I have the cucumbers, celery, and apple, I can mix and match on the rest of the veggies without much problem. I like to include vegetables I don’t normally eat. Unless you like the taste of mustard, though, you might want to take it easy mustard greens. I learned that out the hard way. Also include herbs – cilantro helps clear out heavy metals from your body and parsley helps detox your kidneys. Lemons keep the nutrients fresher longer.
Does that help? Questions are welcome and I will be sure to update this post based accordingly!
But does it really work?
Yes. I am gaining nothing by telling you to start juicing, except the knowledge that I am helping you become a healthier person.
Juicing has helped me get stronger faster and heal faster. It has cleared cobwebs from my mind and it has balanced out my chemical hormones. I feel like a sane person now. Or…saner. And most importantly, it has helped my digestive system. So now I can eat more without getting fat! Woooooooo!!!!!!
Click here for help on what juicers to buy.
(or 
for gluten free)
(or more almond butter)
