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What is the Vegetable Juice Diet?
The vegetable juice diet is a fasting diet that consists only of vegetable juice. Proponents of this diet believe that drinking only vegetable juice helps to eliminate toxins within the body while thoroughly cleansing one's immune system. The notion behind this method of eating is that by drinking an excessive amount of vegetables, a person will begin to feel more energetic while also losing weight.
While eating vegetables is healthy, the process of cooking raw vegetables can eliminate vital nutrients. Contrastingly, turning raw vegetables into juice does not strip vegetables of nutrients. In order to convert raw vegetables into juice, a machine called a juicer is necessary. This type of machine extracts juice from any vegetable while discarding any inedible parts. Some nutritionists believe that the vegetable juice diet works well since this diet allows people to consume a vast amount of vegetables in the form of juice.
People who wish to follow this diet should attempt to ingest one pound (.45 kilos) of vegetables per fifty pounds (22.73 kilos) of weight. For example, a person who weighs 150 pounds (68.18 kilos) would need to consume three pounds (1.36 kilos) of vegetables per day. Even though all types of vegetables are ideal when following the vegetable juice diet, some vegetables are encouraged more than others.
Wheatgrass, garlic, celery, and romaine lettuce are believed to be the most effective types of vegetables. These vegetables are thought to contain a large amount of necessary nutrients, and can also be easily mixed with other vegetables in order to produce appealing juice.
It is important to note that the vegetable juice diet should not be followed for more than one week. Since vegetables do not provide enough nutrients to sustain a person longer than one week, anyone who follows this diet for longer than this amount of time may suffer physical ailments as a result. Water is also considered a large part of this method of eating, and water should be consumed in addition to juice throughout the diet.
Before embarking on the vegetable juice diet, be sure to speak with a qualified medical professional. This type of diet, as with any other type of fasting diet, is considered a drastic diet. Thus, neglecting to check with your health care provider prior to fasting can lead to health complications and problems. Anyone who is currently following this diet should begin eating regular food if dizziness or faintness occurs.
Discussion Comments
I tried this diet, and I was really committed, but I ultimately had to give it up after about 6 days. I felt so hungry and weak that it was just not worth it for me to continue. I hated the way I felt when I was doing it and what kind of a way is that to get healthy? I think that vegetable juice is good for you, but you really need to eat some solid foods too. I am kind of suspect of all these new fasting diets that encourage you to drink all your meals. It just seems unnatural to me.
Does anyone have any really good or exotic vegetable juice recipes?
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