Fasting is simply eliminating certain foods or drinks from your diet for a specified period of time. Typically people fast in order to cleanse their bodies. The reasons for fasting may include losing weight, eliminating a negative symptom or simply increasing energy through removal of toxins. Choosing a juice fast over a water fast is advisable because it is easier to maintain a fast where you are consuming some calories. Make sure to check with your doctor prior to attempting any type of fast.
Benefits of Juice Fast
Those who believe in juice fasting claim it can do everything from helping you lose weight to curing cancer. Juice fasting proponents say consuming only freshly made juice will remove toxins from your body that are making you sluggish, may help you appear younger, and will result in clearer thinking. According to the MayoClinic.com, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims; however, juicing can help you get more beneficial fruits and vegetables into your diet.
What to Juice
When juice fasting it is a good idea to emphasize juicing of vegetables and include only small amounts of fruit. The high amount of sugars found in fruits make them less desirable for juice fasting. Also juice only organic produce that is free of pesticides. It makes no sense to detoxify your body with produce that contains toxins. If you cannot afford organic produce, at least peel the non-organic produce you are using and throw away the peels.
How to Juice
The best way to juice fresh produce is with a high-quality juicer. While you can use a high-powered blender, you will not end up with juice but instead with a smoothie. A juicer will separate out the pulp, leaving only the juice behind. Make sure to wash all produce before juicing it and cut off any bruises or rotten spots. Remove any stems or pits. It is not necessary to remove small soft seeds from fruits such as oranges, watermelon or apples. Citrus fruits should be peeled before juicing.
Juice Recipes
Simple pure juices made of only one ingredient are one option. Carrot juice, apple juice, and tomato juice are all beneficial and simple. A plethora of juice recipes can also be found online, and you can create your own recipes based upon what fruits and vegetables you like. For example, make carrot-apple juice by juicing six carrots and two apples. However, do not rule out juicing fruits and vegetables you do not normally like as in juice form and combined with other flavors you may enjoy them. Garlic, parsley and beets can all be juiced to add flavor and nutrients to your juices.
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