The best way to get your nutrients from fruits and vegetables is to eat them whole, fresh, organic, and often. Juicing can be beneficial, but many store-bought juices lack the essential fiber that is discarded when fruits and vegetables are turned into juice. The key to juicing the right way is using a blender, not a juicer. Blenders can turn whole fruits and vegetables into liquid form, allowing for maximum nutrient absorption while retaining the full benefits of fiber.
Blending: The Better Juicing Alternative
For a convenient and easy-to-use home blender, the Magic Bullet works wonders and will ensure that you get the benefits from your juiced fruits and vegetables without losing the fiber. Here’s how it works: fill the blender halfway with water, add your chopped up vegetables and other ingredients (like raw ginger, almonds, turmeric, beets, etc.), crank it up, and drink it straight away. The Magic Bullet allows for the health benefits of vegetables with none of the waste.
Juicing Tips for Athletes
If you’re an athlete or involved in intense exercise regimens, it’s essential to juice properly to reap the most health benefits and avoid unwanted weight gain. Here are some important tips on how to juice at home:
- Use a blender, not a juicer. Blenders retain the fiber content of your fruits and vegetables, which is essential for digestion and overall health.
- Don’t use too much fruit. Juicing fruit results in a high concentration of fructose sugar, which can lead to unwanted fat storage and possible insulin resistance.
- Choose alkalizing fruits and vegetables. These help neutralize acids in the body, reducing fatigue and aiding in recovery. Lemons, watermelon, and cantaloupe are examples of alkalizing fruits, while broccoli, beets, and cauliflower are alkalizing vegetables.
Incorporating Healthy Fats and Proteins
Many juicing recipes lack healthy fats and proteins, which athletes need for energy, lean muscle growth, and optimal performance. When juicing, consider incorporating sources of healthy fats like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, extra virgin olive oil, and raw, unprocessed coconut oil. Fats are needed for the body to transport fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K.
For proteins, use a serving of organic vegan protein powder. Whey and soy protein powders should be avoided. Adding a performance booster, such as raw beet juice, can further enhance athletic performance.
The Ideal At-Home Juice Recipe
Using a Magic Bullet or similar blender, prepare a juice with the following ingredients:
- 2-3 cups of water
- A serving of chocolate organic vegan protein powder
- A sprinkle of organic cayenne pepper
- 5-10 almonds
- 5 walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of raw coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon organic ceremonial matcha green tea powder
- A handful of kale
- A handful of spinach
- ½ raw beet
- A sprinkle of Chaga mushroom powder
- ½ inch piece of raw turmeric
- ½ inch piece of raw, peeled ginger
This juice recipe is packed with nutrients, fiber, healthy fats, and proteins, making it an ideal choice for athletes and anyone looking for a health boost at home. In conclusion, consuming whole, natural, organic, fresh fruits and vegetables is the best option for optimal health. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, especially during intense workouts, consider making your own juice blends at home using these tips to ensure you’re still getting all the health benefits that fruits and vegetables have to offer.
