Pros & Cons of Juicing

Juicing has quickly become the newest health craze. And for good reason. We can get an entire days worth of fruit and veggies in a single serving. For me, I definitely notice a difference in my digestion, skin, hair and nails when I am juicing regularly. There is no doubt that juicing can boast amazing heath benefits. However, it's important to keep in mind the benefits of eating food in it's natural state versus juicing. Here are my top three things to remember when juicing:

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• Organic: First of all, we want to make sure that the fruit and veggies that we are putting into our juices and also eating in their natural state are Organic.  Ingesting non-organic produce both whole and in your juices can pose huge health risks. With the amount of produce that goes into a single juice, you are ingesting the equivalent in pesticides and other chemicals when you choose non-organic. If you're not sure, then ask. 

• Sugar:Be sure to check the ingredients if you're purchasing pre-made juices (like from the grocery store). Most of these juices are loaded with sugar! Like seriously, you'd be no worse off just getting a soda (which, don't even get me started on soda).  Just because something is green, does not mean it's healthy. Be sure that your juices contain more veggies than fruits to reduce sugar content. A carrot & apple base is a tasty and low-cal start on which to build your juice. 

• Fiber: Juicing is an excellent way to feed your body necessary minerals and nutrients, however "fiber is a major component missing in juice. This nutrient helps your body to slow the absorption of sugar into the blood, works to improve your digestion, and makes you feel fuller for longer. The skins, peel, and pulp of many fruits and vegetables are naturally high in fiber, but they are typically removed during the juicing process. Therefore, when you drink apple juice, your blood sugar levels rise more quickly than they would if you had eaten an apple." (source) On the same token, an orange is an excellent snack, but one glass of orange juice can contain the sugar of up to ten oranges.

It takes our bodies longer to digest food in it's normal state, therefore suppressing the appetite for longer. We can easily digest food once it's been liquified, which is great for a quick pick me up or when we aren't feeling well, but keep in mind that your daily juice, although it's just fruits & veggies can still pack calories. Instead of juicing everything, make sure you're also eating them in their natural state.

Overall, the pros of juicing definitely outweigh the cons. But keep in mind, it takes our bodies longer to digest food in it's normal state, therefore suppressing the appetite for longer. We can easily digest food once it's been liquified, which is great for a quick pick me up or when we aren't feeling well, but your daily juice, although it's just fruits & veggies can still pack calories. Instead of juicing everything, make sure you're also eating them in their natural state.

Ok ok, but what about juice cleanses? 

I love juices and I love cleansing. I did a juice cleanse before my wedding for radiant skin, shiny hair and a flat tummy, but, I do not recommend juice cleanses to loose weight. They are an excellent way to tone up a day or two before an event or jumpstart a diet. But, juice cleanses are not a lasting solution to weight loss. In fact they can deter you from working out and reduce your muscle mass. Not good. Think about it this way, the quicker that you loose weight, the quicker you'll gain it back.