Juicing is the cool, intelligent, and healthy lifestyle choice of the thinking individual, thanks to all the health fad promotions done by celebrities on the social networking sites. But before you jump onto a bandwagon there are certain significant things to know about juicing. For instance, did you know that using too many ingredients at once will lead you into an ‘obesity trap’ e.g. apple and bananas in the same juice?
Juicing creates excess amounts of fructose to be released into the systems. Fructose in turn converts into fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides which get deposited as fat, thus causing risk of various life threatening diseases like type II Diabetes and heart ailments. Instead of burning fat people indirectly store more fat with excessive consumption of fructose.
What Makes Juicing Such an Exciting Choice for Gymyard Junkies?
Provided you do it correctly, juicing has the ability to boost the health of an avid fitness enthusiast.
A glass of juice can be the ideal source of energy by generating alkalized system within the body. Adding food items rich in anti-oxidant properties and Omega 3-fatty acids improves immunity and general health. Cod liver oil and olive oil are good sources of anti-oxidants. Adding greens to the juice is another way to balance the fructose. Beet-root juice is a fabulous healthy option as it contains high nitrate which enhances physical performance. Powdered amino acids maintain the daily protein content of the body. Adding it to the juices will help in easy digestion and increase the alkaline content of the human body. But to get great juices you need great juicers. Do some online research before buying a good juicer.
Healthy Juicing Recipes Post Workout:
- Beet-Ginger Juice:
Beet is a good source of nitric-oxide and produces anti-oxidants which detoxify the body. It nourishes the liver cells and prevents fatty acids from accumulating in the system. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce muscle soreness. The combination of both calms the system after a hectic fitness schedule. Pears are a good source of dietary fibre and a good low calorie fruit. Cucumber revives the body and aids in weight loss.
Ingredients:
2Beets
2 Pears
1Knob Ginger
1 Cucumber
- The Sweet Melon Kale Elixir:
Honeydew Melon is high in Vitamin C and aids tissue repair. Kale is low in calorie count and an anti-inflammatory food. Lime is refreshingly rich Vitamin C source and a great way to balance the alkaline content of the body. All these natural ingredients act as natural electrolytes after a power-packed gym session.
Ingredients:
4 cups kale
1 cup honeydew melon
1 medium cucumber
1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Cucumber-Coconut:
Coconut water is a natural source of electrolyte, enzymes, amino acids, minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. It is deliciously low-cal beverage that reduces muscle cramps and strengthens the bones. Cucumber helps rehydrate the body. Turmeric reduces inflammation and provides relief to aching muscles. A stimulating drink after muscle exhilaration.
Ingredients:
½ Cucumber
1 Green Apple
½ Cup Honey
2 Mint Leaves
8 Ounces Coconut Water
Dash of Turmeric
- Carrot – Green Tea:
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and packed with micro-nutrients that aid in healthy lungs. Green tea provides catechins, which reduce muscle damage done during the workout. Spinach is naturally rich source of folic acid, magnesium and potassium. Strawberries are packed with anti-oxidant properties and are cholesterol free. Ginger and kale reduce muscle stress. An invigorating juice after a strenuous workout.
Ingredients:
1 Large Carrot
1 Green Apple
½ Cup Baby Spinach
½ Cup kale
½ Cup Strawberries
1 Cup Green Tea
1 Knob Ginger
- The Peaches and Green Protein:
Almond milk is low-fat and high in minerals such as potassium, sodium, and zinc. Gives body instant energy and supplements the daily protein intake. Green superfood has a variety of powedered greens such as green tea, broccoli, wheat grass, and barley grass which are super rich anti-oxidants. Banana contains high fiber and aids in weight loss by suppressing hunger. Peaches are low-fat and rich in calcium. Protein powder aids in muscle growth and gives strength. A sizeable green drink after spending tough time in gym.
Ingredients:
¾ cup of unsweetened almond milk
2 cups baby spinach
½ cup kale
1 tablespoon green superfood
½ frozen banana
2 cups frozen peaches
1 teaspoon spirulina
4 tablespoons protein powder
Now that you know what kind of post workout juices could work well or you, it is important that you invest in a good juicer to acquire maximum benefits from the juicing diet. Make sure you buy a juicer that is easy to use and then dismantle and clean e.g. an Alpha juicer or Green Power Kempo. A good gear juicer works eqyally well with fruits and vegetables.
Final Thoughts
To obtain optimum health benefits rotate the intake of amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Use nutritious ‘greens’ more than fruits after your daily exercise. Consume the drink within 15 minutes of juicing to balance the alkaline content and allow the easy absorption of the nutrients into the bloodstream. Avoid quick fixes like chocolate, tea, and coffee after a workout. Healthy juicing is an investment for a lifetime.
