Juicing and juice cleanses are becoming more and more popular in major cities and within the fitness culture. But while these cleanses have impeccable benefits, there is some risk involved, as well.
Suddenly cutting out solid or commonly-consumed foods can be a shock to both your body and your mind. It's important to prepare yourself, do your research, pick the right cleanse for you, and ease slowly into and then back out of the cleanse.
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Why a Juice Cleanse?
There are plenty of reasons to go on a cleanse. Most decide to cleanse for the digestive benefits, and the theory that a temporary liquid diet will aid or jumpstart weight loss.
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While the digestive benefit theory is completely accurate, it is important to point out that a strict liquid diet for any longer than five days raises more of a concern for those with the goal of weight loss than it does confidence.
One concern is safety. Before starting any cleanse, it is important to consult with your doctor on what is healthy for you. Your budget, current health condition and future health goals all play a part in the cleansing route you chose to take.
Safety issues aside, the radical reduction in calories from an overly-long cleanse can cause the body to think it's starving. It will, as a result, hang onto fat stores rather than burn them.
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Big Benefits of Juice Cleansing
Skin problems, sleep troubles, fatigue, sugar and rich-food cravings are all indications that your body could be ready for a clean sweep. Mentally, a cleanse can prepare you for a new workout regime, New Year's or birthday resolutions, or simply a clean start in your eating habits.
Meat Eaters: Ease In, East Out
If you are a meat eater, it's important to gradually cut down on the amount of meat you consume is the days leading to your cleanse.
Depending on how much meat you normally consume, the common recommendation is to be meat free for three days prior to the start of a juice cleanse.