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Nutrition is one of those fields
where experts can advocate opposing views -
and both be right!
This leads to a lot of confusion for those
trying to figure out what is healthy and what is not, specifically as it pertains to
their own individual needs.
JUICING is one of those controversial subjects
in the field of nutrition.
There are those who swear by the benefits of
freshly juiced fruits and vegetables while others rise up against the loss of fiber as unhealthy.
Some opt for week-long juice fasts for cleansing
while others insist our bodies cleanse naturally.
And of course, many debate the differences between juicing or smoothies - which is better?
With so many questions,
no wonder there is so much confusion!
Hopefully, I can help you sort through some of this confusion so that you can make decisions that are right for YOUR body, YOUR health and YOUR lifestyle. Please feel free to read an excerpt of my thoughts in a recent interview conducted by Ruth Hamburg Furman, founder of (click on link to visit Ruth's site) 
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JUST JUICE IT INTERVIEW:
WHEN YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS, HOW DO YOU FEEL JUICING IS PART OF A HEALTHY DIET?
The science supporting the benefits of fruits and vegetables is unmistakable: the more we eat, the better we feel, and the better chance we have to protect ourselves against the abundance of chronic diseases. When working with my clients, I advocate nutrition, with an emphasis on plant-based nutrition, as the foundation to feeling better and preventing disease. With fewer than 1 in 10 Americans eating enough fruits and vegetables, eating more of them may seem to some as overwhelming.
Juicing is the perfect solution: it is one of the
fastest, easiest, and tastiest ways to ensure that they are receiving the recommended daily amount, while feeling the wonderful effects immediately. We all like instant gratification; juicing fresh fruits and vegetables has an immediate effect on our cells, our energy, and our mood. I think of juicing as another seed of good health in an already well planted garden.
CAN YOU SUGGEST A FEW QUICK TIPS ABOUT HOW TO INCORPORATE JUICING INTO OUR DIETS?
Most of my clients are very busy women, whether they are working outside or inside their home, so they don't have a lot of time to spare. One suggestion to ensure they drink their fresh juice is to make a double batch and store the extra in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 48 hours. While some would say that it's not as good as drinking it right away (the enzymes aren't at their peak, oxidation has begun to set in), I say; it's better to drink it 24 hours later, than not drink it at all. Another suggestion, I encourage busy women to make their fresh juice at night rather than in the morning, when they are rushing to get out the door and start their day. Thirdly, it is a great mid-day snack; instead of reaching for that cup of coffee with cream and sugar at 3:00 (or a chocolate bar pick-me-up), drink a glass of green juice at 2:00, an hour before that mid-day fatigue sets in. It will give you a healthy boost of energy, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and help to reduce cravings for otherwise unhealthy food choices.
ARE THERE PITFALLS WE SHOULD AVOID WHEN PURCHASING JUICES AT A RESTAURANT OR JUICE BAR IF WE HAVE HEALTH ISSUES?
For those new to juicing, there may be a tendency to air on the side of sweet, that is more fruits than vegetables, as they begin to develop a taste for predominantly green drinks. Juicing removes the fiber from all fruits and vegetables, making the concentration of fructose in fruits higher than eating it in its whole food form. This intense amount of sugar can prove harmful to some, but especially dangerous to those with diabetes, inflammatory illness or weight challenges. As a general rule, fruits to vegetables should be 1:3. If you find that it is just not sweet enough, I recommend diluting with water, and giving it time. Your taste buds will change as your body begins to appreciate more nutrient-dense green nutrition. Please also make sure that your juice is organic, freshly juiced to order, and prepared in a clean facility.
ARE THERE ANY TIPS OR RECIPES YOU CAN SHARE? FAVORITE INGREDIENTS TO ADD TO JUICES FOR HEALTH BENEFITS?
In my practice, I tailor my food suggestions to each client and their particular needs. We are all so unique and individual; what heals one may hinder another depending on their health conditions. That being said, I do have a few tips that apply to juicing: rotate your fruits and vegetables to ensure you are getting a full spectrum of nutrients unique to each piece of produce, choose produce that is strong, fresh, local, seasonal and organic, make dark leafy greens abundant in each and every juice, add a citrus fruit to help assimilate the nutrients in the greens, add sweet potatoes beets or carrots for sweetness, always add one of nature's super foods like ginger, garlic, or turmeric (or all of them if you like) for an extra kick - they are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and . . . always listen to your body.
MY PERSONAL FAVORITE JUICE RECIPE:
2 oranges (peeled)
2 apples
1 cup pineapple (anti-inflammatory)
1 cup chopped broccoli (anti-cancer)
1 cup kale
1 cup romaine
¼ wedge green cabbage
1 knob fresh ginger
1 knob fresh turmeric
6-8 mint sprigs
ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD:
As mentioned previously, juicing is a seed in an already well-planted garden - it is not a substitute for healthy eating, but rather an addition to it. We need fiber to cleanse our digestive tract. We need whole foods in their original form to receive the full benefit of vitamins and minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. We need more plant-based foods that help build our immune system, provide us with nutrient-dense calories that keep us fuller longer, and create sustainable food choices day-to-day, year-to-year. I am not an advocate of fasting nor feasting, but rather achieving balance and consistency through proper nutrition for optimal health.
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Sari Dennis, CHC, AADP
Certified Health and Wellness Counselor
Certified Food For Life Instructor, PCRM
 * (702) 443.4339
Sari Dennis is the Founder of My Wellness Counts, a personalized health program that improves the lives of women by developing their understanding of proper nutrition and healthful living. Sari serves as a mentor to her clients, and is dedicated to their success, by empowering women to implement lasting changes that benefit their whole health and happiness.
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