From boutique Juice shops popping up in cities and small towns to Instagram celebrities touting the benefits of one type of juice cleanse or another, it seems like we’ve discovered the new health craze – JUICING!

According to Harvard Medical School’s research published in 2015, the sales of juicers in the United States alone climbed 71% compared to the previous year. This clearly explains the modern society’s inclination towards trying the newly found miracle routine.

What do you need to know about juicing before you start?

First, there were smoothies, then came green wheatgrass shots and now juice is having its moment. Juicing and juice fasts are fast becoming the norm in the health and wellness world and are promoted as having the ability to detox your body, energize, boost immunity, enhance weight loss, as well as increase your intake of health-promoting phytochemicals (some of which are linked to reducing the chances of cancer).  

All thanks to the vitamin and mineral rich produce squeezed and poured into a glass ready for drinking. The underlying theme is that if fruits and vegetables are healthy, then a glass brimming with juice extracts of a dozen fruits and vegetables should be even healthier.

A quick and scrumptious breakfast addition, a glass of fresh juice helps you start your day with a boatload of vitamins and minerals! But like any other lifestyle choice, even juicing comes with some do’s and don’ts. Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your efforts.

The DOs of Juicing

• Drink on an empty stomach

By juicing your choice of fruits or veggies, you make it easier for your body to quickly absorb vitamins and nutrients into the bloodstream.When your stomach is already full, it slows down the absorption process. Allow 30 mins, after drinking juice, before eating a meal or wait 2 hours after a meal before enjoying a juice.

• Follow juicing recipes

A glass of fresh and pure organic juice is perhaps one of the best breakfast additions. Believe it or not, organic juices can be tasty as well. You just have to add the correct proportions of fruits and vegetables for the perfect combination that is both good for the body and appealing to the taste buds. The Ingredients must mix well and enhance the overall health quotient of the juice. Start slow, follow the tried and tested recipes, and then gradually start experimenting.

• Consume Mindfully

Many people simply gulp the entire contents of the glass down their throats before rushing out to the office. Juice is not meant to be gulped down all at once; if you can, take your time to enjoy your glass of juice in the morning. Sit down, relax and cherish the freshness of the organic fruits and veggies. Swirl the contents inside your mouth savouring the taste before consuming, as this enhances digestion and gives your body the time required for absorbing the nutrients.

• Switch it up

Different fruits and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals. Vegetables such as cabbages, carrots, beetroots, kale and bitter gourd are considered the healthiest options for juicing. These veggies are high on antioxidants and low on calories, thus cleansing the body and helping support your overall health. However, variety is the spice of life, so don’t get stuck in a rut consuming the same fruits and vegetables every day. Try different recipes and ingredients to enhance the nutritional content of your juice. Plus, the more diversity you introduce into your juicing rotation, the more health benefits you’ll be able to access.

The DON’Ts of Juicing

• Don’t go all in at once

One of the reasons many who try juice cleanse for the first time aren’t enough fans to try it a second time around, is because they suddenly jumped into it. Which isn’t the way to go about it at all. What you should be doing, is working on your cleanse for at least two weeks in advance. You need to help your body along. Steer clear of processed foods, any kind of junk foods, and instead stick to mainly fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Don’t go more than 3 days at once

More experienced juice cleansers go for over 3 days, but that too is controlled depending on each person. Beginners are certainly not advised to go beyond 3 days, at least, not until they have embarked on juice cleanses periodically afterward. Your body will become lethargic, and crave solid foods because it’ll lack energy. Instead of depriving it of this and feeling utterly miserable yourself, limit your juice cleanse to a reasonable length of time. You also reap the benefits this way, rather than engaging in it pointlessly.

• Don’t gorge at the end of it

If you’re planning to make up for all the doughnuts and pizzas you couldn’t have after the cleanse is done, then there really isn’t much use in you starting one in the first place. You will undo all the good you’ve done over the 3 weeks, including the preparation time for before the cleanse.

You should be mindful of what you eat afterward, so you don’t throw your body off balance again. In fact, your body will probably not react well either, especially with these changes affecting it constantly. Follow a diet that’s both healthy and includes a cheat meal occasionally so you maintain consistency throughout.

Your search for the best juicing recipes ends here!

Anyone can find health and vitality through fruit and vegetable juicing at your own home, using your own equipment. It’s easier than you think! Here are some of them;

The Tropical Fruit Juice

Fresh tropical fruit is so refreshing first thing in the morning and will give you tons of energy to begin your day! This is a great one to help you get started if you are new to the practice. It is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to give you a mighty punch that goes right along with your new health kick!

Ingredients

• 1 Kiwi – Peeled
• 6 Strawberries – Medium
• 1 Orange Peeled
• 1/2 Mango – Peeled and Sliced
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks – Fresh
• 1/4 cup Coconut Water – Fresh or Canned

Instructions

Prepare fruit and process in your extractor. Stir in the coconut water. Drink and enjoy!

So easy and super delicious!

Very Berry Elixir

This will be your treat on an afternoon when you crave for sweets!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Strawberries – hulled
• 1 cup Raspberries
• 1/2 cup Blackberries
• 1/2 cup Blueberries
• 1 Cucumber – whole

Instructions

Process the fruits and the cucumber in your extractor. Pour into a glass and serve fresh. Drink up!

The Citrus Surprise

This one is like liquid gold and is full of Vitamin C, a wonderful way to boost your immune system and perfect for flu and cold season! The addition of ginger not only adds a wonderful surprise flavor, but it can help ease nausea, reduce pain and inflammation, and even relieve migraines. Ginger also aids in strengthening the immune system, working right along with the vitamin C from the citrus!

Ginger is a very strong-tasting root and you really don’t need a lot to get the healthy benefits and the punch of flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 Orange
• 3 Strawberries
• 1 Lemon
• 2 Large Carrots
• 1/2 inch Fresh Ginger

Instructions

Run all ingredients through the juicer. Done!

Homemade V8 Juice

Are you a fan of V-8? You can make your own at home!

Ingredients

• 2 Tomatoes – Medium
• 1 Stalk of Celery
• 1 Carrot – Large
• 1 Cup Broccoli
• 1 Cucumber
• 1/2 Lemon – Peeled
• 1 Garlic Clove
• A dash of cayenne pepper

Instructions

Simple – Run it all through the juicer and drink! Isn’t this fun and easy?

Apple Lemonade

This delicious juice is a great option if you have kids at home. Kids generally have a tendency to run away from everything that is healthy and grab sugary treats with both hands.

The essence of juicing is to consume it without sugar and provide a completely healthy experience to your body. However, if you are getting your kids to follow the juicing routine, adding a little sugar won’t do any harm.

Ingredients

• 1 litre fresh apple juice
• 3 lemons
• Sugar (to your choosing)
• Water (optional)
• Mint (optional)

Instructions

Blend all the ingredients together and allow them to settle down. If you have added sugar, blend it until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don’t think twice about going for a second round of blending. Blend on low speed for about 30 seconds and your delicious apple lemonade is ready!

Don’t worry about the pungency of lemon as the sweetness of apple juice will take care of it.

Mean Green Juice Recipe

There is no fruit to peel or slice in this recipe. Everything is thrown into the appliance whole! Super fast and easy!

If a pure vegetable juice is a little too hardcore for you, the apples in this recipe sweeten up the greens and make it more palatable.

Ingredients

• Kale
• Spinach
• Collard Greens
• Chard
• Sprouts or Dandelion greens!
• 1 Apple

Instructions

Do not use the same ingredients every time you make this Mean Green Juice Recipe. Instead, add in a combination of whatever lettuces you’ve in the fridge and an apple. The ingredients above are just suggestions for healthy dark greens to use for your green juice.

If you prefer to drink a sweeter juice, use 2 apples to create a sweet, fruity base and then add greens until you have enough juice for a whole glass. Carrots can also be used to sweeten up greens…and add even more incredibly healthy nutrients!

The Purple Secret

This is a powerhouse recipe that delivers all the essential nutritional elements to your body.

Ingredients

• 1 Apple
• Red Cabbage (small)
• 3 to 4 stalks of Celery
• 1 Ginger root
• 15 to 20 Grapes
• ½ Lemon
• Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions

Juice all the ingredients together in a juicer. You can then add the apple cider vinegar for the extra flavor or because of its alkalizing ability, or choose to have the juice without it. If you add ACV, remember to stir well before you drink.

Final Thoughts

Once you have mastered the basics, you will be ready to discover the wonders of juice fasting.

Best wishes, and enjoy your journey towards a happier and healthier you!

Happy Juicing!!

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