Juice Fasting

Weight loss has become a fad these days. People tend to go to any extreme or experiment new things in order to lose weight. Many new techniques and fad diets are coming up for weight loss where an individual can shed those extra kilos without sweating it out. One such technique is juice fasting, which has gained popularity across the globe. This is also a very effective way to for cleansing the colon and detoxifying the body, as it is considered to be one of the best master cleanse diets.

Benefits of Following a Juice Fast

There are many known and proven benefits of juice fasting, since it is a natural way to shed those extra kilos.

• Going on a juice fast is beneficial for the digestive system as it gives rest to the functioning of this body system. Vegetable and fruit juices can be easily digested without much effort and loss of energy. At the end of the fast, you will feel rejuvenated and fresh, since it acts as an energy booster.
• Juice fasting for weight loss is an excellent remedy, as it increases the rate of metabolism and helps in the breakdown of fat molecules. In short it is a low-calorie diet, which can aid in weight loss in an effective manner in a short period of time.
• The vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that are found in fruits and vegetables are easily assimilated in the body during the fast. It is also beneficial in the prevention of infections like cold and flu. It can also act as a remedial measure to reduce the risk of getting cancer.
• Though in the initial stages of the fast, many individuals may complain of discomfort and hunger, once they get used to this fast, they may experience high levels of energy.
• Another benefit is that it a natural way for detoxification. This detox diet helps in expelling the toxins and waste from the body. This fasting also helps rejuvenate the cells and triggers the production of healthy cells.

Side Effects of Juice Diet

Though you can reap a lot of benefits from this liquid diet plan, juice fasting should be for a short-term only. Prolonging this fasting method can cause health problems.

• The individual may experience extreme hunger, fluctuations in the blood sugar levels and feel light-headed.
• Since fruits like orange and tomato are consumed, it may increase the levels of acid in the body, resulting in acid reflux.
• Constipation may also be a common complaint, since fruit juices are devoid of fiber, required for adding bulk to the stool.
• Juice fasting can also interact with certain drugs and medicines.

Recipes for Vegetable and Fruit Juices

Here are a few delicious recipes, for a juice fast, made from a combination of vegetable and fruit juices.

Tomato Juice

Ingredients

• Tomatoes, medium-sized, 3
• Red bell pepper, ½
• Onion, small, ¼
• Garlic cloves, 2

Directions

Wash the tomatoes and cut them into large chunks. Dice half red pepper and onion. Transfer the cut vegetables into the blender jar and add 2 cloves of garlic. Blend them together till all the vegetables are pureed.

Mixed Vegetable Juice

Ingredients

• Carrots, 3
• Beetroot, ½
• Tomato, 1
• Celery stalk, 1
• Swiss chard, 3
• Watercress, 4 sprigs
• Lettuce, ½ head
• Garlic cloves, 3 to 4

Directions

Wash all the vegetables and cut them. Put all the vegetables together into a juicer and blend them thoroughly. Strain the juice in a tall glass and enjoy. You can even add a sprig of mint for garnish.

Fruit Combo

Ingredients

• Apple, 1
• Watermelon, 1 slice
• Orange, ½
• Pineapple concentrate, 4 to 5 tablespoons
• Pomegranate, ½

Directions

Combine all the fruits and blend them together, till they are thoroughly mixed. You can even add fruits of your choice in this recipe. Pour this juice in a tall glass and garnish it with a lemon wedge.

Juice fasting is not recommended for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Individuals who have undergone surgery and are recuperating are also advised not to follow this fasting method. Before you indulge in juice fasting or any other fasting, always consult a medical practitioner for advice.