A fruit and juice diet is often used as a method of ridding the body of toxins, but whether it's effective is up for debate. Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian speaking to CBS News, says there is no solid scientific evidence it does work. Detoxing benefits aside, a fruit and juice diet does promote weight loss because calorie consumption is reduced. Combine the juices and fruits with some lean protein for a healthier diet.
Features
Fruits are consumed whole and in juices. Vegetables are consumed in the juiced stage. Most diets relying on fruit and juices recommend they be consumed raw. Organic fruits and vegetables are recommended for those fruits consumed with the skin on. The most pesticide-contaminated fruits include apples, blueberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches and grapes, according to EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.
Benefits
Fiber is beneficial for losing weight since it slows down the rate food is converted into sugar. A fast conversion means an increase in insulin production, and increased insulin leads to low blood sugar, which leads to hunger. Eating the fruit whole increases the amount of fiber in the diet. Fruits and vegetables have lots of essential vitamins, especially vitamin C and A from beta-carotene-loaded vegetables such as romaine lettuce, kale and carrots.
Considerations
While some fruits are easily juiced such as oranges, many such as apples aren't. Most vegetables are difficult to juice without a mechanical or electric juicer. The juicers are an added expense and run from $30 to well over $100, as of 2010.
Storage
Fruits are bulky and take up a lot of space. Some like bananas have a limited shelf life and can't be stored in the refrigerator because they lose flavor. Berries are especially perishable. Juices lose vitamins when exposed to air so can't be made too much in advance. Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and parsnips may be stored in a cool dark place. Ample storage space is required for a fruit and juice diet. The alternative is shopping every few days.
Time
Considerable time is involved in washing the fruits and peeling and chopping both the fruits and vegetables for eating and juicing. Packing up the juices for consumption at work is time consuming as well. It's difficult to adhere to this diet while eating in restaurants unless you order a fruit plate.
Warning
Protein deficiency can result from this diet since fruits and vegetables are not good sources of protein when compared to foods such as lean meats, fish and eggs. Digestive upset is not uncommon from the sudden increase in fiber.
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