Social media obsesses over the most ordinary things: the view of clouds from a plane’s window (guilty), a boy that worked at Target (He wasn’t ready! He was JUST a boy!), and juice (yum!), just to name a few.
If you would have asked me what I thought of “healthy” juice a few years ago, two images would come to mind: my mother making a disgusting goop from random produce in our fridge, or a naturally gorgeous, perfect-figured girl walking around in yoga pants in Los Angeles.
Juicing and juice—there’s a difference, I’m getting there—have become just as trendy as thigh gaps and Starbucks, but before making these one of the stops on your road to Bikini Boot Camp, know what you’re getting yourself into.
Juicing (v. and n.) is a liquid cleanse that shouldn’t be explored without doing proper research and consulting an expert, or at least make a quick call to your doctor. It’s a popular (and expensive!) diet that serves to strengthen the immune system and purify the body in order to make it easier for nutrients to be absorbed, just ask some of the Pretty Little Liars.
Photos Courtesy of Ashley Benson’s and Troian Bellisario’s Instagram Accounts
A cleanse lasts for a short period of time, but it should be kept in mind that it usually requires removing food from your daily diet until you have reached your last day. Yes, there are plenty of misconceptions about juicing that can become very real consequences if the cleanse isn’t executed properly. Cleanses shouldn’t last more than ten days, and often go wrong when people try to use them as a shortcut to being skinny.
I haven’t freed my body of Chipotle sins just yet, but one of my favorite bloggers, Charly Cox of Style The Natives tried a cleanse, and if you would like to read on her experience, you can find that here.
Photos Courtesy of Style The Natives
If you’re as amped about juicing as Simon Cowell is about most auditions he’s witnessed, then take it down a notch and try some juice.
Juice (n.) is…well, it’s juice, but let’s specifically talk about fresh and pressed juices.
Pressed juices are made from raw fruits and vegetables. These are the juices used for cleanses, but instead of being a meal replacement, they can also be a great replacement for milkshakes or soda, or moments when water is too bland to be considered. Chemicals used in sodas and energy drinks can lead to bloating, breakouts and crashing, while raw and pressed juices naturally contain vitamins that leave bodies energized and refreshed. (Do I sound like an ad yet?)
As much as my MySpace profile used to say otherwise, I’m all for not trying new foods and drinks—have you ever had a bad taste in your mouth? You can almost hear your taste buds scream in agony! However, trying juices that haven’t been highly sweetened, mixed with additives, and misleadingly promoted by an adorable little girl (I still love you, 90s Welch’s girl), is a path that more should travel on.
Before you throw every even remotely edible item into that juicer your mom bought after seeing an infomercial, ease yourself in by getting juice from your favorite healthy lunch spot, and if you don’t have one, search for “juice” on the Yelp! app.
Right photo courtesy of the Original Chop Shop Co. Instagram Account
Looking at their menu was a bit intimidating at first, but don’t be afraid to ask for opinions. Restaurant employees have not only tried most of their restaurant’s menu, but also know what people like, and what would be picked last if all of the choices were about to play a game of kickball.
Lastly, I may be obsessed with juice but I don’t drink it daily. Just like they would be if you were buying these juices for a cleanse, they’re still pretty costly when you’re just grabbing a cup to go. I’d like to think of them as an occasional treat while being more considerate about what I eat in between trips.
By Candice Maniga
Comments