Juice Fasts
Reviewed By:
Lynn Grieger, RD
Juice fast basics
Juice and vegetable fasts are used to lose weight, gain energy, and detoxify the body from the harmful effects of digestion and environmental toxins.
Juice fasts are not intended to be a long-term weight loss solution. In fact, many proponents of juice fasts claim that it shouldn't be used to lose weight at all, instead focusing on its value as a detox program.
Most juice fasts last one to five days. The only foods allowed are 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices, sometimes diluted with distilled water. Organic, freshly squeezed juices are preferred, and all juices should contain no salt, sugar or additives .
Upside of Juice Fasts
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This plan is simple to follow because the choices are so limited.
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The one food you're allowed to eat (or drink) is perfectly healthy.
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You'll lose weight quickly because of the very low calorie intake, although weight loss is not usually the goal of fasting. Many people believe that juice fasts allow the body to rejuvenate and heal itself.
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Many people feel refreshed and revitalized after a juice fast.
Downside of Juice Fasts
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There is no doubt that, with this extremely low-calorie diet, combined with zero protein, complex carbohydrates and fat, you'll quickly feel weak and disoriented.
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You have to be pretty committed to the program to stick with it. You will get hungry. Very hungry.
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Juice fasts shouldn't be followed for longer than five days, which means they are not a permanent weight-loss solution.
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Any weight that is lost during a juice fast is usually regained soon afterwards.
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For reasons that aren't completely understood, the vast majority of people who go on a juice fast experience an excruciating migraine-like headache known as a "detox headache."
Are Juice Fasts for You?
This chart can help you see how juice fasts fit your goals and lifestyle concerns.
Duration
|
One to five days |
Restaurants
|
Juice bars are your only option |
| Alcohol |
No |
| Caffeine |
No |
| Special Foods |
You'll either need a juicer and organic produce to make your own juice, or you'll need to buy organic juices from a health food store |
| Family Friendly |
No |
| Vegetarian Friendly |
Yes |
Lynn Grieger, RD on Juice Fasts
As a weight-loss solution, a juice fast just doesn't really do the job. Whatever weight you lose, you'll put back on once you start eating solids again. Although I'm a big fan of fruits and vegetables, as a diet plan, fasting takes a good thing and goes too far.
iVillagers on Juice Fasts
"I have tried juice fasting many times. It is the best for weight loss, body rejuvenation and strength, and mind clarity." -- An iVillager
"You will be doing your body a disservice by trying to lose weight through this way of starving yourself. If you consume too few calories to support your energy needs, your body will sense it is starving and slow down its metabolic rate, which works against your goal of losing weight." -- iVillager mdhellweg
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