In Australia, the current nationwide Government health initiative ‘Go for 2&5’ recommends the daily intake of 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables each day for Australians aged 16 years and over. Uh-oh, does this sound like a lot more than you’ve been digesting lately? If yes, you’re not alone. Whether because of the often difficult taste, or pure laziness, many of us struggle to get the right dose of nutrients day in and day out. Juicing however is a great way to increase natural fruit and vegetables intake, and get you back on track to a more vibrant you.
The remarkable story of Joe Cross is a true testament to the fact that healthy eating practices can prevent and assist in managing a variety of diseases. An Australian entrepreneur that has spent a good half of his life creating great wealth, Joe Cross then found himself to have become physically bankrupt. Joe tipped the scales at 300 pounds and was suffering from an autoimmune disease that required constant medication. Confronted by such a bleak time in his life, Joe became determined to turn his life around by vowing to only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice for 60 days. ‘FAT, SICK AND NEARLY DEAD’ is a documentary of Joe’s journey as he embarks across America with his Breville juicer in tow. Part road trip, part self-help, this film follows Joe through all the heart-felt encounters along the road, to the final inspirational finishing line. After 60 days of juice and another 70 days of clean eating, Joe was 100 pounds lighter and off all medication, and he’s bringing his transformation to the rest of the world. To “reboot” your lifestyle, watch the full documentary for free online here or join the juicing revolution here.
While Joe’s feat is extraodinary, perhaps not all of us can go to the same extremes. But simple changes and small steps do make a difference and are easy to take. Here are some overlooked juices and vegetables that are easier on the tastebuds and are sure to start you on your own lifestyle makeover:
Lychees – Lychee juice is extremely high in a compound called polyphenol, an antioxidant compound that has been linked to protection again degenerative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is also full of vitamins C, B2 and B8 to boost immune systems and the absorption of iron. Combine with juiced oranges for a super vitamin drink.
Spinach – 1 cup serving of spinach contains 30mg of calcium as well as 1688mg of carotene and 2813 IU of Vitamin A. Spinach is also a rich source of folate and contains lutein, which helps prevent muscular degeneration and cataracts. Juice with banana, apple and almond milk for a sweet supplement, or with herbs, garlic and tomatoes for a savoury blend.
Pomegranate – recent studies have shown that pomegranate juice contains more antioxidants than almost any other common fruit juice, thus being highly beneficial for anti-aging and anti-atherosclerotic purposes. Add to any drink for a super healthy punch.
With a couple of fruits and vegetables in hand, all you need now is the right juicer. There are predominantly 4 types of juicers, but it’s the masticating juicer or triturating juicer that you’re after to get the most out of your fruits and vegetables. Masticating juicers juice most kinds of fruits and vegetables and operate at slower speeds to help them retain as many nutrients as possible. Joe Cross is accompanied by a Breville juicer in his transforming journey. The BJS600 is a Breville patented juicer that slowly crushes and squeezes fruits and vegetables to make juices that retains nutrients and a little fibre for an ultra purifying drink. Although coming at the heavier end of the cost scale at $499.95AUD, head to the online store here and your body will be thanking you for it from the very first juice!
