Juicing: 5 Tips to Kickstart Your Healthy Habit
There are so many benefits of juicing with a healthy, whole-foods approach.
You get to jump-start your new healthy habits with a much lower risk for any side effects, and you will be in the know about all the amazing health benefits that juicing provides.
So, Why Juicing??
Juicing can be a FANTASTIC way to increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
I use it as much as I can, though not daily (time doesn’t permit). However, in the summer and when I feel like adding an extra boost to my nutrition intake, I take the juicer out of the cupboard.
It provides a convenient way to consume large amounts of nutrients that you may not be able to eat whole. For instance, blending several vegetables and fruits into a drink allows you to enjoy the benefits in a quick, easy-to-digest format.
Juicing also helps detoxify the body by flushing out toxins while providing a hydration boost, making it a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle.
By removing the fiber (in some cases), it can be gentler on your digestive system (not sure if many people know this!), especially when you are consuming larger quantities of fruits and vegetables.
If is, in fact, a PERFECT COMPLIMENT to a healthy diet rich in whole foods and helps nourish your body with essential nutrients.
Below, I will preview five tips to kickstart the habit of juicing. If you are new to juicing, these tips can help you get a racing start on your habit.
But first, a quick reminder of why juicing is SO GOOD for you:
5 Tips to Kickstart your Health Juicing
1. Always Drink it Straight After Making
Fresh juice should be drunk as soon as it’s made because it can develop bacteria pretty quickly. Be on the safe side and drink it right after you make it. Also, minerals and vitamins are sensitive to exposure to air and light, so consuming the juice immediately ensures that you’re getting the maximum nutritional benefits.
TIP: If you’re in a rush, store your juice in an airtight glass container and refrigerate it, but drink it within 24 hours for optimal freshness and nutrients. Adding a little lemon juice can also help preserve it for a bit longer, by the way.
NOTE: Always make your juice fresh at home. It will be the freshest juice you could ever have! Store-bought is a no-no in my books.
2. Use the LeftOver Pulp of the Juice
I don’t really enjoy cleaning my Phillips juicer, to be honest. I will probably need to get a different juicer at some point, but, for now, it will have to do.
I repurpose the pulp by throwing it in my compost bin. It would break my heart to see all that goodness to into the other bin! You can also use it in your garden as mulch.
TIP: If you’re into baking, carrot or apple pulp can be used to make delicious muffins or cakes. Or broth! You can even add it to smoothies for extra fibre. Up to you.
3. Try a New Fruit and Vegetable
To keep your juicing experience exciting and to broaden your taste palate, try a new fruit or vegetable every time you go shopping. This way, you’ll always have new combinations to enjoy, and it’s a great way to discover potential new favourites.
SUGGESTION: If you typically juice apples and carrots, consider branching out by adding beets or cucumber.
4. More Vegetable Juice, Less Fruit Juice
While fruit juices are delicious and loaded with nutrients, they also contain more sugar.
Focus more on juicing vegetables, which are packed with vitamins and minerals without the extra sugar hit.
TIP: To balance the taste, combine vegetables with low-sugar fruits like green apples or lemons. Adding a slice of ginger or a squeeze of lime can also help bring out the flavours while keeping your juice low in sugar. And remember, the less fruit you use over time, the healthier your juice will be.
NOTE: Gradually shift the ratio of fruits to vegetables as you get used to juicing. Start with 60% fruits and 40% vegetables, then aim to flip that ratio as your palate adjusts to the taste of veggie-heavy juices.
5. Make Your Daily Fruit & Veg Selection Together as a Family
Who is going to be the one who decides what gets juiced every day? You can take it in turns 🙂
TIP: Let each family member take turns choosing what gets juiced. This will encourage everyone to be more invested in the habit and ensure that the whole family enjoys it together. You can even make it a learning experience by researching the health benefits of the chosen produce.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Juicing…
- Relying Too Much on Fruit: While it can be tempting to load up your juice with sweet fruits, too much sugar can counteract the health benefits. Keep fruit juices to a minimum and focus on nutrient-dense vegetables.
- Not Enough Variety: Sticking to the same ingredients can get boring and might mean you’re missing out on a wider range of nutrients. Experiment with seasonal fruits and veggies to keep things interesting.
- Skipping the Fibre: While juicing removes fibre, don’t forget that fibre is essential for digestion. Make sure to still include whole fruits and vegetables in your diet or repurpose the pulp!
Conclusion
It might take a few weeks before you get into the habit of juicing, but once you do, you’ll feel the difference.
Start with simple recipes and adjust them to suit your taste and health goals. Remember to always drink your juice fresh, and don’t shy away from experimenting with new fruits and vegetables.
Juicing can be a refreshing and nutritious addition to your healthy lifestyle.
Remember to drink your juice fresh and on the same day.
LOVE,
Patri
