Juice cleanses — replacing your usual meals with fresh-pressed juices consisting of fruit and vegetables — are often touted as a quick fix for weight loss or a way to detox after a period of indulgence. However, experts are divided as to whether these ‘cleanses’ are a useful part of a healthy diet.
Here, two RDs weigh in on whether or not you should try a brief juice cleanse and why it may not be the best idea for weight loss.
Cassie Shortsleeve is a Boston-based freelance writer and editor. She has worked on staff at both Shape and Men’s Health and contributes regularly to a slew of national print and digital publications such as Women’s Health, Condé Nast Traveler, and Furthermore for Equinox. With a degree in English and creative writing from the College of the Holy Cross, she has a passion for reporting on all things health, lifestyle, and travel.
Tony Snyder says: You can put me down on the “Pro” side of juicing. I love how it makes me feel. I’ve done 30 days before and I’m on one right now. I get that it’s not for everyone. But for me, it works.
Crystal Shepherd says: Same here, Ive done several 15-30 day juice fasts. It resets my body and puts me at peace with my inner self. Youre right not for everyone, but works for me
Christie Peña says: My husband and I recently did a 3 day cleanse. He lost 8 lbs and I lost 7 lbs. For us, it was great and we were careful to drink lots of water. I felt amazing, my skin cleared up and I felt lighter, of course. It’s exactly the reset we needed but I can see how people can take it too far.
Robert says: This article is missing a very important distinction between juice pressing or extraction and juice blending. There is a huge difference between the two. With juice pressing you are removing all of the fiber, With juice blending you’re eating everything that is in the fruit or vegetable or whatever you’re putting into your smoothie.
I have been using a vitamin to make smoothies every day for five years, there is not a chance in the world, there is no way in the world that you could tell me that drinking a picture full of fruits vegetables nuts and seeds every day is not healthy. Every morning the first thing I put into my body is kale Swiss chard carrots nuts seeds and fruit. It gives me a very calm energy That lasts for a few hours. Also, not only is it a fantastic way to lose weight in a very healthy way but it is very easy to stick with it. I’ve been drinking this smoothie every day for five years and I never get sick and I always feel great. I am 58 years old and prior to doing this I hardly ever ate vegetables. Now, I can say I eat very healthy every day eating leafy greens healthy nuts healthy seeds as well as fruit. I lost 30 pounds 5 years ago and have kept it off.
Personally, I think this article is misleading and doesn’t provide key information.
