If you're looking for a quick way to lose weight, a 21-day juice diet may seem to fit the bill. Internet sites touting the benefits of weeks-long juice diets claim they can result in weight loss of up to 20 or 25 pounds. It's likely you'll lose significant weight by consuming nothing but juice for three weeks, but you'll probably regain it quickly, according to Cornell University. In addition, drinking nothing but juice for 21 days may not be safe, especially if you have any health conditions.
Significance
Most people decide to follow the 21-day juice diet because they want to lose lots of weight fast, while some people believe fasting or juice fasting can potentially purge their bodies of various accumulated toxins. The first claim is true -- you will lose weight -- but there's no medical evidence for this second claim, according to Columbia University. In addition, you'll probably regain most or all of the weight once you abandon the fast.
Features
Most versions of the 21-day juice diet recommend using fresh vegetables to make your own fresh vegetable juice, which you'll drink several times each day. Fresh vegetables will provide needed vitamins and minerals as part of the diet. You might want to base the juice on tomatoes and carrots because they taste good but make sure you add some leafy green vegetables such as spinach for their added nutritional value. Stir in some of the leftover pulp from the juicing process to give yourself some extra fiber.
Effects
Fasting and severe caloric restriction, which you'll experience as part of your 21-day juice diet, can have some unpleasant side effects, according to Vanderbilt University. You may feel nauseated and dizzy, especially in the beginning days of the juice diet. You'll probably also feel tired, and you may have muscle or joint aches. Long-term effects include persistent cold feelings and a drop in blood pressure; if you experience any of these, you should stop the juice diet immediately.
Warning
Some people should not attempt a 21-day juice diet. For example, if you suffer from diabetes, this diet does not provide enough calories and can play havoc with your blood sugar levels, according to Vanderbilt University. In addition, a 21-day juice fast can cause malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, especially if you're already underweight.
Considerations
You shouldn't attempt a 21-day juice diet without talking first with your physician. Even though you might experience feelings of euphoria while on this diet, it's actually potentially hurting your body, according to Columbia University. If you want to lose weight, your best bet is to skip the juice fast and try eating a healthier diet instead.
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