Juicy Bites

Being a self-confessed health and fitness nerd, i admit to the fact that nothing amuses me more than hearing about the latest diets out there. From coke and candy diets to meat-only diets, i have heard of them all and yes, unfortunately most fad diets are more fads than actual, practical, not to mention healthy ways to change your eating. So when a friend told me about a “juice detox” she had planned, naturally my nerdy interest was piqued.

Juice – its one of those tricky foods – there are the right kinds and the wrong kinds. And trust me, too much of the wrong kind and the numbers on your weighing scale will change alright, but not in a good way!

Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly side of juice:

-          The best juice to drink both from a nutritional point of view as well as from a weight loss perspective? Vegetable juice – try tomato, beetroot, or mixed vegetable for a good dose of health without the high sugar or calorie content.

-          The worst juice? Your canned, bottled or boxed “mixed fruit” juice – usually these extra sweet mixtures tend to be loaded with sugar and other preservatives and sadly lacking in any real nutritional value.

-          Your best bet for a tasty and healthy glass of juice is to buy your own fruit (say sweet lime) and make your own glass.

-          Even if they are 100% natural and made in your own kitchen, beware of the fact that not all fruit juices are created equal. Some are filled with high levels of fructose and sweet that may not be ideal for you if you are looking to lose those extra kilos. Pomegranate, orange, watermelon, cherry, and juice made from red grapes are all great on taste, calories and health.