30 Days Of Juicing Weight Watchers Wrap Up

Martha's Thoughts On Juicing

Well, we did it! Peter and I completed our little 30 Day Juicing Weight Watchers Experiment that we playfully dubbed - JuiceFest.

I'm happy to report it was fun for me. I think because I kept it simple and didn't force myself to give anything up.

I just added a serving of fresh squeezed juice into my day. And I liked it.

Even the really green tasting juices weren't that bad. And most of them were better than I expected. They made me feel good. And because I kept the serving to 10 ounces or less each day, it was easy to maintain my weight.

I can't say I noticed any major differences in appetite, cravings, or energy levels, beyond just an overall feeling of well-being. Before this experiment, I rarely drank juice, preferring to eat most of my fruits and vegetables and save my liquid calories for wine.

The only time I craved it was when I had a cold and then I let myself drink as much as I wanted until I felt better. I bought whatever was the best deal in the refrigerator case.

Have you ever thought about how companies are able to provide 100% juice, not from concentrate all year? I hadn't until I read this disturbing tidbit in Eat It to Beat It!: Banish Belly Fat-and Take Back Your Health-While Eating the Brand-Name Foods You Love!:

"In order to provide "fresh" orange juice year-round, companies like Tropicana, Minute Maid, Simply Orange, and Florida's Natural store millions of gallons of juice in tanks and then strip it of oxygen, so it can be stored for upwards of a year. This also strips the juice of all its flavor-providing chemicals, so they hire flavor and fragrance companies (the same ones perfumers use) to design "flavor packs" to make it taste like orange juice again!"

Nothing in grocery stores is as it appears. And after reading this I can't imagine buying the stuff in a bottle ever again. When I'm craving orange juice, I'm going to go to the trouble of juicing it myself. Fortunately, I live in Phoenix where friends and family with citrus trees are abundant 🙂

And now that my taste buds have been awakened to the deliciousness of fresh fruit and vegetable juice, it is something I plan on continuing, at least a few times a week, especially during the warm weather months.

Peter's Thoughts On Juicing

I've been juicing on-and-off for many years. Now that I've just completed juicing at home for 30 straight days, I can honestly report that I think the benefits of juicing really accumulated for me over time.

Carrot Apple Ginger Juice

I always feel great and get a little burst of energy when drinking fresh juice. But my body really appreciated having fresh juice every day for a month, instead of getting it randomly.

Overall I would say that juicing consistently for 30 days made me want to make healthier choices at meal time. I think starting my day with all those nutrients was so fulfilling, that I wanted to keep it going throughout the day.

I also found myself eating a little less than usual at lunch and dinner, and I didn't even feel like I wanted (or needed) an afternoon snack. I usually crave something sweet around 3 or 4pm, but that basically disappeared for me while juicing.

I've already taken the first two days of September "off" (I didn't drink any fresh juice), and I haven't been eating as well. Is it a coincidence or is there a connection?

I'm inclined to think there is a connection and will make it a new part of my daily routine to drink some fresh juice at least 3 to 4 days a week.

Fresh Green Juice

Juicing Realities

Juicing requires a commitment of time and money. I feel fortunate that I have the luxury of both in my life right now. Before jumping in here are a few points to consider:

1. Juicers are pricey. Before you invest in one, see if you can borrow one from a friend or relative to test for a couple of weeks. Or seek out a used one on Craig's List or at a thrift shop.

2. Juicing takes money. It takes a LOT of fruits and vegetables to make a LITTLE juice. If your grocery budget is limited you may be better off eating your fruits and vegetables instead of juicing them. They'll keep you fuller longer.

3. Juicing takes time. Making juice for two and cleaning up takes about 10-15 minutes each morning. When I knew I was going to have a hectic morning, I waited to enjoy my juice as an afternoon snack or made it the night before and stored it in a mason jar in the fridge overnight.

Thoughts from Ardee-Ann, a 39 Year Juicing Veteran

• Don't be afraid to experiment. Some juicing ideas cannot be salvaged but most can be.
• Cucumber mellows out almost any juice that seems to be "too much," lemon or lime juice can brighten almost any juice that seems a little flat tasting and a little pear, apple or banana will sweeten up a juice that needs it. These were my "go to" additions that helped to salvage some juicing experiments.
• Juice with herb tea cuts the calories and makes a refreshing summer drink. It also helps to cut some of the "wang" that some object to in the green juices. This combination also helps to get some reluctant children to start drinking juices that they may otherwise turn their noses up at.
• Just have fun juicing and remember it doesn’t have to be complex. Just enjoy yourself. Also, if you are using a centrifugal juicer (affiliate link) you can compost the pulp that is left behind.

The Juicers We Used For Our 30 Days of Juicing

See all the fresh homemade juices from our JuiceFest at 30 Days of Juicing

This post contains affiliate links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links or other (affiliate links), I receive a small commission that helps support this site. Thank you for your purchase!