Juice fasting can produce a wide range of health benefits including detoxification of the body, digestive system repair, weight loss, and strengthening of the immune system. It can also help determine whether you have any underlying food sensitivities that should be addressed.
As with any dietary change or regime, however, it is important to conduct your juice fast safely. Fortunately, we’ve put together a few healthy juicing tips to help you achieve your goals:
1. Consider your current state of health
Some people should avoid committing to a juice fast, including pregnant women, older adults, young children, people with weak immune systems, and people with certain types of chronic and acute illnesses.
2. Prepare your body
Going straight from your normal diet to a juice fast could make you feel unwell. To ensure that your fast goes smoothly and you stay on top form, try adopting a transitional diet of raw vegetables and fruits before fully committing to a new regime. You should also try to eat smaller portions than you usually would in order to prepare your digestive system for lower food intake.
3. Do your research
Different ingredients have different health benefits, so it is important to think about what you hope to gain from your fast. Green apples and kale, for example, are both anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants. Ginger, meanwhile, can help to reduce pain and boost the immune system. Cucumber is great for lowering blood pressure and improving the skin’s appearance.
4. Don’t skip the protein
Protein is vital for bodily processes such as maintaining muscle mass and appetite control. One of the issues with juice fasts is that most fruits and vegetables are fairly low in protein. Including dark green vegetables in your juice is one of the easiest ways to keep your protein levels up. This could include spinach, cabbage, broccoli or kale. You may also want to consider adding a little nut milk to your beverages if you feel that you need more protein.
5. Remember to exercise but don’t overdo it
Whilst exercise is a good way to control your energy levels during a juice fast, it is important not to overstretch yourself. Indeed, cutting your workouts down a little to conserve energy may be necessary.