Juicing the right way

Despite initially gaining notoriety for being a `crash diet,’ juice cleansing today has be come popular, thanks to celebs like Nargis Fakhri, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Aniston and Megan Fox, who swear by its many health benefits. Since it helps one detox from everyday addictives like coffee, alcohol, fatty foods, etc., this diet has become a great way for people to get rid of toxins that accumulate in the body over time, thus helping them kick-start a healthy lifestyle regimen in the process.

What’s a juice cleanse?
Dr Amrapali, weight management expert and nutrition specialist, says, “Juice cleanses, also known as juice fasting, is a part of a detox programme a method of fasting. The speciality of this method is that a person consumes just the juices of fruits or veg etables and refrains from eating anything solid – not even the pulp. For instance, a typical juice cleanse could be achieved by blending fresh juices of apples, carrots, spinach, cabbages, cauliflowers, lemons, beetroots, wheatgrass etc.”

Why it helps
This detox diet gives one a chance to take a break from processed foods, which have become the order of the day. The nutrients loaded in these juices provide one with glowing skin, boost immunity, promote good bone health, improve vigour, vitality and energy, help lose weight, ease digestion, and also elevate mood! “It allows the body some time to renew and repair itself. Raw fruit and vegetable juice contains many elements like minerals, vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants, which give the body everything it needs to heal and detoxify safely. Performing a juice cleanse also promotes improved sleep patterns and curbs food craving,” says nutrition expert Ekta Thaker.

Pre-cleanse ritual
You need to prepare your body before the cleanse. According to cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Manchanda, “To prepare for an intense, full body cleanse, it is ideal to take a week or at least a few days to taper your intake of the following: coffee, alcohol, salt, sugar and other sweeteners, all animal foods, including dairy products, eggs, fish, shellfish, chicken, beef, pork, and all other flesh meats.” These foods put significant strain on your digestive organs, and avoiding them suddenly can sometimes create withdrawal symptoms.

Consult your physician before starting a juice cleanse

At the start of each season, take a break from regular food and do a five-day juice cleanse. This will allow your body to rest and rejuvenate

How long should it last?

“Juice cleanses can last for a day, three days or even five days. Avoid prolonged periods, as the body needs other food substances for normal functioning,” suggests Dr Amrapali. Thaker adds, “How often one should cleanse depends on how much resh, organic, whole ruits and vegetables you eat and how much junk food you avoid. But it’s advisable to cleanse not more than four times a year.”