Touted as the ultimate dietary reboot, juice cleansing is a popular summer health ritual that is fast gaining popularity in early spring months.


Now can be the ideal time to indulge in a cleanse and emerge at the other end with healthier dietary habits.

“A three-day winter juice cleanse is an excellent way to get started on a path to a healthier lifestyle and it can also help break cravings and other bad habits, ” Vital Nutrition nutritionist Angela Ferguson says.

Anette Gohl, co-founder of Pure Glow Cleanse, says: “We like to think of juicing during early spring as a secret weapon for our clients. Once the spring warmth rolls around again and everyone starts scrambling to get back into shape, juicers are streets ahead and ready to strip back the layers immediately.”

Ms Gohl says juicing is a convenient way to get your recommended daily intake of two fruit and five veg, especially important in the cold and flu season that lingers.

“Juicing is a great way to consume a raft of nutrients in an easily digestible fashion, ” Ms Ferguson says. “Juices are very cooling so you need to make sure you are in a warm environment. Imagine snuggling up on the couch in front of the fire reading a book while sipping on juice, ” she says.

Green juices, smoothies and nut milks are typical components of a juice cleanse. The appeal of nut milk (usually almond or cashews) is that it can be heated on the stove for evening juicing.

“I love doing a juice cleanse at night and don’t find it difficult, ” mother and lifestyle blogger Amy Zempilas, a regular juice cleanser, says. “As long as I have plenty of warm, soothing cups of herbal tea that fill me up, I don’t feel hungry, ”

While a resetting of your taste buds and an end to food cravings often result, there is a downside to juice cleansing. Headaches, changes to bowel movements, bad breath, a loss in energy and changes to mood are fairly common — but can be eased with preparation. And some people with pre-existing health issues, have low weight, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are unsuitable for a juice cleanse.

“I cannot stress enough that you must quit alcohol, coffee, meat, dairy and other processed foods for a week before and throughout the duration of a juice cleanse. Side effects can be substantial if you don’t, ” Ms Ferguson says.

“Diabetics should consult a medical practitioner before undertaking a cleanse as your condition may need to be completely stable beforehand.

“I also wouldn’t recommend a juice cleanse if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.”

 

© The West Australian