0 Juicing for Weight Loss and Better Health

A week ago my sister started a juice fast. She said she wanted to do it for weight loss and as a way to cleanse herself internally. Many people fast for such purposes. A juice cleanse is one of the most common methods that people use to help jump start a weight loss program or to simply help cleanse their body of toxins.

The method my sister chose was by purchasing a three day cleansing program from a company that specializes in all natural juice. These juices were made up of 100% fruits and/or vegetables. She drank these juices for three days and was allowed to eat certain foods when hungry. The results were weight loss and a new love for juicing. She ended up purchasing her own juicer and continues to drink fruits and vegetables as part of her diet now.

A juice fast can be one of the easiest types of fasts to do. Rather than not eating anything at all, you are taking in liquid while getting vitamins and minerals as well. The downside is that you will be hungry and even more so when you have to be around others who are eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The smell of food will make you want to throw in the towel. However, three days isn't extremely long. It just takes discipline to finish. After my sister completed her cleanse, I can share what the pros and cons were:

Pros

• A juice fast is simple and easy to follow
• Can be inexpensive if you juice fruits and vegetables yourself
• Weight loss
• More than likely will continue drinking fresh juice on a regular basis

Cons

• Requires patience and discipline
• Temptation to quit can be high
• Can be expensive depending on the plan you follow

Besides the weight loss, I feel the best benefit is that my sister has a whole new outlook on food. She says her cravings are gone and she enjoys the way juicing makes her feel. Her food choices are much better. In fact, her diet has been consisting of items such as broiled fish and vegetables.

Juice cleanses should not be started without consulting with a health professional to be on the safe side. I also would avoid any plan that lasts longer than three days and states that you cannot consume food at all.

Another option for cleansing the body is through the use of herbal cleanses. A good herbal cleanse should allow the consumption of salads and/or fruits and vegetables.