I’ve been an avid juicer for some time now. But, i’m quite aware that I cannot live healthily by juice alone. And anyone who’s trying to do so better get with the program of eating and wholly, nitrifying their bodies. I started juicing as a way to jump start my foray into vegetable consumption and give my cells the nutrients they needed to do the work they are capable of doing on my behalf.
I prepare and drink one juice every morning. It’s my breakfast, and it’s super easy because i’m not, and have never been a lover of eating breakfast. I also hated eating most vegetables, especially raw. Now, I drink carrots, spinach, kale, strawberries, celery, beets, you name it, all in one glass. Yes, most times a medley of fruit and vegetables is my breakfast. And people, let me tell you, it packs a powerful punch. After experiencing what that small act has done for my body, there’s no way i’m going back to skipping my breakfast and waking up to cornflakes and milk. No way.
But, once breakfast is over there is the remainder of the day. My other meals include whole grains (quinoa, brown rice), fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), beans and legumes (split peas, lentil peas, chick peas) and other wholesome foods. In essence, I eat 80% great and 20% of the time I splurge on what I want or what I might be craving.
Too many times I come across individuals who think that juicing alone is the gift wrapped answer to all their prayers; their prayers of weight loss, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, acne issues, cancer, and many other ailments. Sorry my beauties. Juicing alone is not the answer. It is but a part, and significant piece of whole health. Juicing by itself is not and should never be considered a balanced diet. Aside from fruits and vegetables, which provides us with an abundance of nutrients, our bodies need nutrients that are found in other food sources like, whole grains, fish (except if you’re vegan), nuts, healthy fats, etc. In addition, there are other areas in one’s life that must be addressed before optimum health is achieved. To be specific, stress management, career, relationships and finances.
What works for the goose may not work for the gander. We are all biologically unique, and as a result, we require unique handling. Though my current eating regimen was influenced by the juicing momentum, I initially had to assess the effects its consumption had on my body.
I would say this about juicing, however. It gave me the foundation which I needed to build a strong and wholesome eating regimen. In the words of Oprah, “this much I know is true.” Once my body started to respond positively to what I was putting into it, I began to want more good results, and that meant continuing to eat well. It also meant that I had to look into other areas of my life that needed nurturing. So, by all means, use juicing to jump start your way to an overall healthier lifestyle. But remember, you cannot live healthily and optimally by juice alone. Stay healthy beauties.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this? Do you juice? How often do you juice? What are your reasons for juicing?
Dixie Lincoln- Nichols is a biological science educator, health and wellbeing consultant and Qigong instructor. Her work has been featured in media outlets like, Oprah Mag, SELF, Yahoo and more. She is the founder of Inside Outer Beauty Market, a multi-cultutal retailer curating and creating products to support the body inside and out. Visit the site at www.iobeautymarket.com
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