Spring Shape-up! Juicing for Weightloss
Spring is finally here, and if you’re like me, you probably gained a few pounds over the winter. Now is a great time to shift gears and get into shape by doing something about your winter weight-gain. Summer is right around the corner, don’t forget!
Juicing for weight loss is a delicious and healthy way to get slim and revitalize your whole system. Fruits and vegetables contain lots of natural vitamins, minerals and important enzymes that your body needs. When you make them into juice, they are more easily assimilated. That’s why when you drink a glass of fresh vegetable juice you begin to feel better almost immediately!
Buying a Juicer
Fruit/Vegetable Juicer
To get started, the first step is to purchase a quality juicer. You get what you pay for in this regard, so don’t cut corners on quality. A good juicer will last for many years and pay you back many times over with good taste and future health benefits! Make sure that the manufacturer is well-known and has a good reputation in the industry. On a practical level, a juicer with a simple design is often best, because it is easier to wash and keep clean.
Once you’ve purchased your juicer, it’s time to try juicing for weight loss and better health. While there are lots of juicing recipes out there, the first thing you should do is identify your own preferences. What are your favorite fruits and vegetables? Begin by making a list, and then it’s time to head to the grocery store and do some shopping.
Start off by choosing 3 fruits and 3 vegetables that you like. Keep in mind that not all fruits and vegetables are suitable for juicing. A softer fruit or vegetable may not go through the juicer as easily. Stiff and firm vegetables like carrots and celery are very easy to work with. Having said that, don’t hesitate to experiment and try new things!
Another key point to understand is that dark green vegetables tend to be rich in vitamins and minerals. Broccoli, spinach, parsley and kale are all vitamin-rich vegetables that pack a healthy punch.
Fruit juicing using a combination of your favorites is a delicious and wonderful alternative to pre-packaged soft drinks. Many people find that once they start drinking “real fruit juice,” it’s very hard to go back to the store-bought variety!
Fruits and vegetables can be combined into one juice, but there are a limited number that actually taste good. Carrots and apples happen to be a delicious combination.
Juicing Recipes
Here are a few juicing recipes for you to try:
Carrot-Apple Juice:
3 large carrots (washed)
1 large apple (washed)
Juice the carrots first, then follow with the apple. Enjoy! (For an even healthier version, juice a little beet or wheatgrass as well.)
Kiwi Melon Smoothie:
2 kiwi fruits (peeled)
1/2 cantaloupe (peeled and seeds removed)
2 bananas (peeled)
Juice the cantaloupe first, then the kiwi and finally the banana. Delicious!
Vitamin Punch:
3 large carrots (washed)
2 stalks celery (washed)
1 bunch kale (small, washed)
Juice the kale first, then the celery and the carrots. Healthy!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own variations! Creating new juice recipes can be a delicious and satisfying experience. And you’ll experience better health, too!
Juicing for Weight Loss
One of the best things about fruit and vegetable juicing is that it helps you lose weight. Fresh juice is packed with fiber, so it helps to curb your appetite. Many people find that if they drink a glass of fresh juice 30 minutes or so before mealtime, their appetite is markedly reduced when they sit down at the table. It’s possible that a glass of fresh juice can even serve as a meal replacement once a day. For example, skip lunch and have a glass of fresh fruit or vegetable juice instead. Do this for a week or two and watch the pounds come off.
As you can see, there are many health and weight loss benefits that come with fresh vegetable juicing. Your body will take in lots of healthy vitamins and minerals. You’ll also look and feel better, and your friends may soon start asking you for your secret!