“Feeling bloated? Go on a juice cleanse!”
“Want to lose a couple of extra stubborn pounds? Go on a juice cleanse!”
These are things I’ve heard from people and companies promoting juice cleanses. They aren’t sharing knowledge about the truth behind them. They are focusing on your struggles (hook, line, and sinker) and reeling you in without a real solution.
What I wish they said: “Human being? DON’T go on a juice cleanse.”
Juice cleanses are kind of like con artists.
You’re tricked into thinking you’re going to feel better, and have loads of energy, but you end up hangry, moody, and sluggish. But you’re drinking fruits and vegetables, why would you be feeling this way?
The real reason is that juice cleanses aren’t as healthy as you’re led to believe.
How is A Juice Cleanse Unhealthy?
1) Lack of Fiber
Of course fruits and vegetables are important, and getting them in some form is better than not at all, but when juiced, they are stripped of their fiber.
Fiber is what keeps you full and adds bulk. It also helps slow down the absorption of sugar in your blood.
When you drink high-sugar fruit juices, that sugar is instantly hitting your bloodstream at a rapid speed.
So, while at first, you may notice a short burst of energy, you are soon to be followed by the feeling of hitting a wall (or having an energy crash).
Having even blood sugar levels mean having consistent mood levels. And let’s face it: having reliable mood levels means making better decisions all around.
2) Your Body Doesn’t Actually Need a Detox
I know. You’ll probably have to let that one sink in for a minute.
If you are eating mostly whole sources of food, your body naturally doesn’t need a ‘detox’ or ‘cleanse’.
This is especially true when you’re eating real food, and doing other things to take care of yourself, like moving your body (with the best online workouts), being mindful, etc.
If you want an added boost, a juice cleanse can be used as a supplement to the food you’re already eating.
Green juices are best as they contain much less sugar than fruit juices. But as stated before, these should accompany your meals, not be the main focus.
And if you still want fruit, I suggest eating the whole piece of fruit, with the fiber still intact.
3) May Cause Weight Gain
Only drinking liquids for a set number of days may allow you to lose a pound or two…of water weight.
Not only are juices not satiating for many reasons like lack of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, but they also don’t contain enough calories to sustain you all day.
Any weight you may lose on a juice cleanse will come back when you start eating meals again.
Plus, you may find yourself eating even more food than you normally would to make up for your ravenous hunger on those days when you weren’t getting enough sustenance.
So, in short, don’t do a juice-only cleanse. You’ll do more harm than good to your body.
If you want to add fruit or vegetable juices to your whole food meals as a supplement for getting more nutrients in, then by all means go for it.
Just remember to make sure you aren’t drinking added sugars and focus on whole meals that are nourishing, but still satisfying.
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