We ask nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin for her advice on Beauty Editor Tracey's five-day juice detox
Body on the line for the beauty desk! In this week’s Grazia, I signed on for a five-day juice-only diet. The challenge: to survive on only six fruit, veg and but juices per day plus buckets of water. The verdict: I’m feeling a little more svelte and a lot more energetic. But is the buzz I’m feeling for real or just the placebo effect? And just how good is a juice detox for you anyway? I asked an expert for her professional opinion – my juice cleanse: glow-getter or gimmick?
“It’s no gimmick,” says nutritionist and chef Zoe Bingley-Pullin (www.nutritionaledge.com.au). “Sure, the body has built-in detoxifying powers and not all food is ‘poison’, but the idea behind a juice detox is that everything you put into your body is simple to digest, easy to get nutrients out of and doesn’t distract the body from getting on with its natural detoxification process.”
Did I get enough nutrients?
“You should have. I’m a big believer in juicing. People find it hard to get their required five servings of vegies into their day – the salad on your sandwich at lunch might only be half a serve, for example – but if you juice, you can get them in easy and fast. You don’t need supplements or vitamins in the five days it takes to do this juice diet. It’s also important that these juices are organic – the detox is obviously better without pesticides on your fruits and vegetables.”
Am I damaging my metabolism?
“No. Sounds like you get more than enough calories from the juices and drinking them with such regularity gets your metabolism going. It can be a good way to start a new, balanced long-term diet.”
Don’t you need to drink straight after juicing to retain goodness?
“Ideally, yes – but you’re not losing the nutrients as such, you lose a degree of the minerals and enzymes that help with digestion. But the benefit of having juices delivered fresh to you in the morning is it’s sustainable and simple for you. The order of the juices is smart – it appeals to the needs of your body and your usual eating patterns throughout the day.”
Does it really improve immunity?
“It should. The immune system needs minerals and nutrients and juicing ups your regular intake. Stress, bad diet and irregularity of good nutrition all deplete your immunity.”
Is there any risk?
“I wouldn’t do it if I was pregnant, had kidney problems or was diabetic. If you’ve got any specific health issue, you should see your doctor or a nutritionist before starting any detox. But, over and above, I’d say most people are fine to do it. Your particular juice diet sounds nutritious. You’re not going to do yourself damage in five days. But I wouldn’t recommend continuing any longer.”
Nutritionist’s advice:
1. Stick to light exercise. Quick cleanses like this often recommend walks only while detoxing. But if you cycle to work or have a physical job, ask a nutritionist for additional options. Bingley-Pullin suggests soaking some almonds in water to break down the protein content before eating – you get all the goodness and they’re easier to digest.
2. Wean off coffee. “I have green tea only the week before the detox – it’s got some caffeine, but it’s loaded with antioxidants. It’s a good little staggerer. Your body won’t go into so much shock,” explains Bingley-Pullin.
3. If you must eat, stick to raw veg. “When raw, the molecular structure of the vegetable hasn’t been changed by cooking – it’s just as nature intended and easiest for the body to process,” says Bingley-Pullin. “Warming carrot just a little helps release beta carotene, but keep heat very low.”
Interview by Tracey Withers
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