If you are looking to lose some weight, juicing is an option worth considering. A major benefit of juicing is that it delivers micro-nutrients to the body, and is low in calories with no fat. You will be drinking a concentrated cocktail packed with minerals, vitamins and enzymes.

To peel or not to peel

If the peel is edible, such as with carrots, then it is best to buy organic and to scrub the skin, rather than peeling it. Ideally it is best to buy organic vegetables as these can be washed and not peeled. There are many nutrients just below the skin which may be lost when vegetables are peeled. If you buy non organic produce, however, then peeling may be the best option.

Alternatively, non organic vegetables can be washed in a solution of water and apple cider vinegar. To do this, half fill a sink with water, add a cup of cider vinegar and soak the vegetables for 15 minutes. Scrub if necessary and rinse well.

Juicing releases nutrients in a more digestible form

A significant amount of the beneficial nutrients in vegetables are held within fibre. This fibre is not broken down efficiently by the body and is excreted along with the goodness it contains. When vegetables are juiced, nutrients are released from the fibres and made available to the body in an easily digestible form.

Juices contain phytochemicals

Vegetable juice contains plant chemicals known as phytochemicals. The health benefits of phytochemicals include removal of carcinogens from the body, and protection of cellular DNA, and protection against cancer causing substances. These phytochemicals are found in a wide range of vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, garlic, carrots, beetroot, cabbage, chives and cauliflower.

As well as phytochemicals, vitamins are found in juice. For example, carrot juice is a good source of vitamin A, peppers of vitamin C and Pumpkin of vitamin E.

Storage of juices

It is best to drink freshly squeezed juices straight away as they may lose some nutrients and enzymes if stored. If you do have to make them in advance, add a few drops of lemon juice to help prevent oxidation. Juices should be stored in a sealed flask in the fridge.

Juice as an appetite suppressant

Fresh juice acts as a healthy appetite suppressant, and is therefore very useful in a weight loss diet program. Try drinking a glass of fresh juice before your main meal, and experience a rapid decrease in appetite.

Vegetable juice has much less sugar than fruit juices and about 50% less calories. Try carrot or a combination of carrot and parsley juice when hunger hits you, and feel those food pangs melt away.

Juicing works best with a healthy diet

Rather than concentrating on juicing exclusively for weight loss, focus on juicing for health. In other words, make a commitment to incorporate juicing into a healthy eating program you can follow – and it will certainly contribute to a healthier, slimmer you.

Juicing does not have to be expensive

If you decide on the juicing option for weight loss then with the help of a relatively inexpensive centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicer, such as the Breville Juice Extractor 800JE, or the Jack Lalane Juicer, you can be drinking a glass of fresh juice within seconds.

Drink a variety of vegetable juices

When making juice, it is important to use a variety of vegetables, in order to provide your body with a broad spectrum of vital nutrients. You will find that having at least one glass of vegetable juice per day, will contribute to weight loss in the long run, if combined with a healthy diet. It will also help you to maintain your weight loss, once you have reached your target.

Carrots
Carrot is the most used vegetable for juicing. As carrot juice is sweet, celery juice is often added. Benefits of juicing carrots include improved eyesight and reduced pain of stomach ulcers.

Cucumbers
Cucumber juice cleans your kidneys, can lower high blood pressure and improves skin problems. Add cucumbers to your home juicing machine when you are also making carrot and celery juice. Cucumber is valuable for reducing the strong flavours of some other vegetable juices.

Beets
Beet juice is very strong and more palatable when mixed with celery, carrot, cucumber, or asparagus juice.

Parsnips
Parsnips are often overlooked when it comes to juicing. Parsnip juice is sweet. Try mixing it with other juices such as apples, spinach and celery. Parsnips contain far less calories than carrot juice and so is a valuable ingredient in juice recipes for weight loss. This vegetable is a good source of folic acid, potassium, sulphur and vitamin C.

Tomatoes
The tomato was once considered an aphrodisiac. In 1995, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of a study which showed an association between consuming a diet rich in tomato-based foods and a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Researchers believe that Lycopene, an antioxidant nutrient found in large amounts in tomatoes, may be responsible for this potential protective effect.

Juicing can boost vitality

A big advantage in juicing for weight loss is that your well-being will improve, and you will experience a boost in vitality. Many people have found that drinking fresh juice improves their immune system function and digestion.

More information on juicing

Many books give advice on juicing for weight loss, for example “Juiceman’s Power of Juicing” by Jay Kordich.

Before you start a juicing for weight loss program, it is always advisable to consult a health practitioner first if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, nursing, or have any illness.

See also: Lose Weight with Celery