Juice fasting diets have traditionally been used for detoxification. The ideas are simple and make sense, however, they are only intended for a limited period of time (commonly referred to as a juice fast).
You naturally abstain from fats, processed carbohydrates, refined sugars, as well as substances like coffee and alcohol, by ingesting solely fresh juices for a period of time.
As a result, the liver and kidneys, as well as their linked systems, including the entire digestive tract, benefit greatly from this. It’s also thought that giving the digestive system a break from fiber makes digestion easier and allows nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently.
Many bold claims have recently been made about the benefits of prolonged juice fasting, including illness prevention, free radical destruction, fat burning, and pain relief. Many of these claims, however, have yet to be backed up by any credible study.
Juice fasting is not a long-term solution to weight loss
Juice fasting just for weight loss is a band-aid solution to a long-term problem that can lead to unintended consequences in some cases.
Juicing essentially means drinking your meals, which consist mostly of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Juicing is a terrific way to enhance energy levels and absorb extra nutrients when incorporated into a healthy diet. A popular favorite is a beetroot, celery, carrot, apple, ginger, and mint; wonderful for a morning ‘pick me up’.
When ‘juicing,’ you will undoubtedly lose weight, but there is no guarantee that any fat will be burned. Instead, the lack of protein in your diet may cause you to lose muscle mass. You also risk decreasing your metabolism, which means that when you resume a normal diet after the ‘juice fasting’ phase, less energy will be used and perhaps more fat will be retained.
These issues can be avoided by drinking juice more regularly (every 2-3 hours) and balancing your juices with protein. Proteins may be found in powder supplements or natural sources like almond milk or Greek yogurt.
High-carb and high-calorie
Juices, especially those made mostly of fruit, can be unexpectedly high in calories. Because of their high carbohydrate content, this is the case. The act of juicing fruits and vegetables can also remove some of their natural benefits; in particular, the lack of fiber is a cause for concern. After the physical mass, which is mostly fiber, is removed, the leftover sugars make up a significantly larger portion of what’s left.
Juicing, when used as a short-term rejuvenating and cleansing fast, can be a very beneficial aspect of a healthy lifestyle. It should be accompanied by a balanced diet and regular physical activity. It is, however, a fad diet that should not be continued for lengthy periods of time. It’s not a long-term weight-loss option.
Although there may be some initial spectacular weight loss, little will be done to ensure long-term weight maintenance.
If you decide to try a juice fast, you should first speak with a healthcare expert about any potential hazards. Juicing is not suggested for those with diabetes or heart disease. It is also not suggested for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Always include a variety of fruits and vegetables, rinsed well before use. Choose organic produce wherever feasible to avoid concentrated pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use (particularly in leafy greens).