Juice cleansing recipes for your detox diet

“Eating clean” is the new trend in getting a fitter body and achieving a healthier lifestyle. And while these can certainly be eaten as is, there is also a nutritious and fun alternative for fruit and vegetable intake – juicing!

Juicing or juice cleansing has become a buzzword, especially after several local and Hollywood celebrities have been known to undergo this detox craze. But nutrition experts recommend juice
cleansing not merely for weight loss but also for its health benefits.

Juice cleansing is a popular detoxifying and weight loss regimen where a person consumes the juices of fruits and vegetables to help achieve specific health goals. It allows you to take in an amount of nutrients from fresh foods that you would not likely get in its solid form. So if you want to get rid of built up toxins from your body – and lose a few pounds while at it – juice cleansing would be a great choice.

“Good News” prepared several fruit and juice recipes that you can try out!

WATERMELON MINT JUICE
 

Because watermelon contains a large amount of water, it can help the body get rid of water retention. It’s a significant source of lycopene; in fact, according to Dr. Jessica de Leon, lecturer on Integrative Medicine and Healthy Lifestyle, it has 40 percent more lycopene than tomatoes. It also contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and magnesium. Aside from these, watermelon is rich in fiber, which primarily helps maintain a healthy weight and eradicate body wastes.

Directions:

To make your own Watermelon Mint Juice, simply put pieces of watermelon into a juicer or a blender. Blend until juices are produced. To add flavor, add in the mint leaves.

Cost: Php 50/ 3 glasses

PINEAPPLE MINT JUICE
 

Pineapple is high in enzymes, which boost our bodies’ metabolism. It’s also an excellent source of manganese and Vitamin C. Since its juices contain high amount of vitamins and minerals, it can aid in digestion and regulation of blood sugar.

Directions:

Cut pieces of pineapple to fit into the juicer or blender. Put in the blender with mint leaves and blend. Pour into glass and enjoy this simple but tasty treat!

Cost: Php 40/ 3 glasses

MIXED VEGGIE FRUIT JUICE
 

Celery is a diuretic, which helps in the production of urine. It’s a great source of different vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B complex and sodium that help our body maintain its careful balance. Cucumber, on the other hand, is a known antioxidant and contains high amount of Vitamin K. To complete our mixed veggie fruit juice is apple, which is rich in fructose known to help regulate blood sugar.

Directions:

First, blend in pieces of cucumber. Once juiced, add apples for sweetness, then celery to complete this healthy treat.

Cost: Php 65/ 3 glasses

CARROT-KALABASA JUICE
 

Carrot and pumpkin (or kalabasa) are known to contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which does not only contribute in the detoxification process but also helps in fighting cancer. These are also rich in Vitamin A and fiber.

Directions:

Blend in some cucumber, followed by slices of pumpkin and carrots. To add aroma to the juice, add in pieces of ginger and cinnamon. Pour into glass and enjoy!

Cost: Php 35/ 3 glasses

—Donna Allanigue/CM, GMA News