Losing Weight From Juicing Vegetables

Many detox and cleansing diets encourage juice fasts or the consumption of juices to aid in quick weight-loss. However, these diets are often low in calories and initial weight loss is typically water. Furthermore, they may incur health risks due to restriction of food groups and calories when followed longterm. Yet, juicing vegetables may actually help you lose weight if it is part of a healthy, well-balanced diet plan that is combined with regular exercise.

Low-Calorie

Most vegetables are low in calories, have little to no fat and no added, refined sugars. Vegetable juices prepared from fresh vegetables are similarly low in calories. Weight loss essentially occurs when the number of calories you take in are less than what is expended or burned off. In order to lose a safe 1 to 2 lbs. per week, a deficit of 500 to 1,000 daily calories is needed. Replacing high calorie and fatty foods with juices is a healthier, low-cal alternative to assist in achieving a caloric deficit for weight-loss.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vegetables are a source of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed in the body for normal body processes, hormonal balance and the prevention of diseases. The Mayo Clinic cites that changes in hormonal balance may lead to weight gain in both women and men during the aging process. So eating a healthy diet that meets your daily nutrient requirements can help maintain normal body functions and hormone levels to prevent a slowed metabolism and weight-gain. Drinking fresh vegetable juices daily can help you meet the recommended intake of 5 vegetable servings per day as cited by the Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations. Prepare your own juice by combing three to four vegetables and choose from a variety, such as carrots, beets, cabbage, cucumber, celery, spinach, lettuces, asparagus, swiss chard and rhubarb.

Digestion

Vegetables are a source of dietary fiber that aids in satisfying the appetite and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Fiber also helps maintain a healthy digestive system by pushing waste products and undigested foods through the digestive tract for elimination. However, eating too much fiber at once can also interfere with digestive processes and delay gastric emptying. This is particularly true for people who are not used to eating fibrous foods or suffering from digestive disorders. Consult with a physician to determine what an appropriate amount is for your own individual needs and health conditions. Juicing vegetables eliminates much of the fibrous pulp from the vegetables which makes them easier to digest and decreases constipation and bloating. The high water and nutrient content of juices still assists in maintaining a healthy digestive tract by collecting toxins and waste for elimination as it moves through the body.

Diuretics

Many vegetables that are juiced act as diuretics which help remove excess water from the body that contributes to bloating and inhibits weight-loss efforts. Such vegetables include asparagus, cucumber, celery and dark, leafy greens and lettuces that are high in water content. Add these low-calorie veggies to a juice to drink as a light breakfast or afternoon snack in place of a high calorie meal. Avoid purchasing store-bought juices that have added sugars, fats, sodium and processed ingredients that act as preservatives. The higher calorie content will contribute to excess caloric intake and weight gain. Prepare your own juices at home with an appropriate juicer or read store bought labels carefully prior to purchase.