We’re always on the lookout for the next new diet craze. Because let’s be honest, sustaining a diet is incredibly hard and boring. That’s why new trends and fads are great because they keep things exciting! (However, one must always be wary of those diets that are not sustainable and which are detrimental in the long run.) One of the recent trends to come out is what is known as a juice cleanse. But what is it exactly? Is it easy? Is it safe? Does it work? How do I juice cleanse diy? Read on.
What is a Juice Cleanse?
A juice cleanse is a kind of detox diet. As the name suggests, a juice cleanse involves only drinking vegetable and fruit juice for a certain amount of days. Juice cleanses usually last 1-3 days, but they can go for as long as 10 days.
People believe that going on a juice cleanse helps detoxify the body from an unhealthy build-up of fats and toxins coming from an unhealthy diet. This trendy detox craze also touts that it can help with weight loss and maintenance.
What are the Proposed Benefits?
Here are some proposed benefits of going on a juice cleanse:
- Improved overall health
- Flushing out of toxins
- Better digestion
While the entire idea of detoxifying by only drinking juices and vegetables makes sense, we need to turn to science to verify its claims.
Unfortunately, there is no current evidence or study that strongly points to the exact effectiveness of a juice cleanse. Some schools of thought even argue that solely drinking vegetables and fruits can deprive the body of fiber.
On the other hand, certain fruits and vegetables (like citrus, kale, and carrot ) have been proven to be beneficial to overall health so an increased intake of them can help your body.
With all the information available to us right now, it might be wise to not put too much stock into the efficacy of a juice cleanse when it comes to a healthier lifestyle. However, introducing more fruits and vegetables in your diet through juicing may be a good idea. Maybe finding a middle ground, one where you introduce juices but not entirely relying on fasting would be the best course of action.
Is it Effective?
When it comes to the topic of weight loss, going on a juice cleanse can certainly produce results. For the short-term, it can be a quick means to reset your body. However, it’s not a suitable nor sustainable method for any long-term results. If you’re set on juicing, find a middle ground between juicing and other more stable weight loss methods like meal planning or exercise.