Rockridge Press - Juicing: The Complete Guide to Juicing for Weight Loss, Health and Life - Includes the Juicing Equipment Guide and 97 Delicious Recipes

Copyright 2012 by Rockridge University Press, Berkeley, California

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ISBNs: Print 978-1-62315-042-6 | eBook 978-1-62315-043-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

T heres a huge trend in the dieting and fitness world right now called juice fasting, but heres a little secret: Its not a trend. People all over the world have been using juices to cleanse the body, prevent illness, and cure diseases for centuries, but its just now becoming mainstream. So what is it, and how can you do it properly? Excellent questions, and Im going to do my best to answer them for you.

What Is Juice Fasting?

Juice fasting, also known as juice cleansing or just simply juicing, is exactly what it sounds like: refraining from consuming anything but juice in order to cleanse, detoxify, or heal your body. There are numerous variations of juicing, but all of them involve incorporating the juice from fruits and vegetables into your diet for a set duration of time. In Section 1 of this book, I discuss the technical aspects of juicing, such as the pros and cons, and who can benefit from it.

In juicings purest form, juice is all that you consume you dont even drink the pulp. At the other end of the spectrum, many people simply like to incorporate a glass or two of fresh juice, with or without pulp, into their daily diets in order to get a concentrated boost of vitamins and nutrients. Many people also like to do a juice cleanse in order to jump-start a diet plan. Regardless of why youre interested in juicing, there are certain things that you need to know before you start, so Im here to help you along your way.

Whats the Best Way to Extract the Juice?

In Section 2, Im going to discuss one of the most important components of juicing how to extract the juice. This is important because the quality of your juicing experience will be affected by the method that you choose. Its a no-brainer that if the process is difficult, messy, or otherwise unpleasant, youre not likely to want to do it on a daily basis.

Ive got you covered, though. Ill take the hassle and confusion out of this part of the process by explaining step-by-step exactly what you should look for in a juicer based upon your juicing needs and present living situation. I discuss details that youd probably never think of so that youre forewarned and forearmed. The section on choosing the right juicer will have you making delicious, nutritious juices with minimal fuss in no time at all.

Is There a Right Way and a Wrong Way to Juice?

Well, yes and no. Because juicing is a personal choice that you make for your own reasons, there really isnt a wrong way to do it if youre just talking about methods or durations. It is, after all, your body. That being said, there are some general guidelines that you should follow in order to get the most out of your juicing experience.

Simple things, like choosing fresh, organic produce and adding herbs and spices to improve both the flavor and nutritional value of your juices, can make a world of difference. Ill explain the top choices of fruits and vegetables, as well as offer some tips on healthy, great-tasting additives that are not only allowed but encouraged.

There are some steps that you need to take prior to starting your juicing experience, especially if youre planning on a total fast. Right now, your body uses about 30 percent of your daily energy just digesting your food because of the fiber and protein that you consume. When you juice, youre eliminating the hard work so that your body is gaining all of the nutrients without needing to expend energy to get them.

Thats a pretty big change, and you may experience some initial side effects as your body adjusts. Dont worry, though Im not going to let you go in blind. In Section 3, Ill discuss what you need to do to prepare your body for your fast, as well as review some side effects that you may expect. Ill also clue you in regarding how to choose the best produce, what herbs and spices are the most beneficial, and how to maintain your juice fast on the go. As a bonus, for each fruit, veggie, and herb listed, I have included its top nutrients so that you have a reminder even when youre at the grocery store. That means you can make up your own compatible juice combinations right at the market.

So Youre Interested in Juice Cleansing?

Though there are many different reasons to juice, cleansing is at the top of the list. Years of eating processed foods filled with excess fat, sugar, and other garbage that your body cant digest leaves your digestive tract stuffed full of junk. The fact that even the air you breathe and the water you drink is full of toxins doesnt help, either. Juice cleansing gets rid of all the trash and helps your body function optimally again. Ill cover how to safely and effectively conduct your cleanse in Section 4.