5 tips to eat clean as you prepare for your juicing retreat
4 August 2017
Once you’ve booked onto your juicing retreat, why wait until you go to start eating healthier? There’s no better time to start than right now. You will have more success sticking to the new routine established on the retreat if you start adopting the right habits before you go. Try not to think of this as a diet but consider it a lifestyle change.
Focus on your five a day
The first step towards a healthier lifestyle is going back to basics and ensure you are eating enough fruits and vegetables. Eating your 5 a day can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, chronic diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity and even cancer. It can also help you fight off pathogens and infections, and improve your mood. Smoothes and juices are a great way to get your 5 a day, which is why juicing retreats are becoming increasingly popular. Read the NHS’s guide for everything you need to know about your 5 a day.
Monitor your sugar intake
An article by The Telegraph suggests the average Briton consumes 700g of sugar each week, over three times the recommended amount. We all know we should be avoided foods with an explicitly high sugar content, such as sweets and fizzy drinks, but there are other foods to watch out for. Yogurts, tomato sauce and cereal can all have high sugar content. However, naturally occurring sugars in fruit and dairy are not a concern as they deliver nutrients, not just empty sugar calories.
Avoid processed foods
You don’t have to avoid all processed foods but do keep an eye out for anything that is full of sugar and has a long list of unrecognisable ingredients. Plain yoghurt, cheese, whole-wheat pasta and baby spinach are all clean processed foods. If you’re yet to make the switch, now is the time to start eating whole wheat bread and avoiding white bread.
Eat less meat
Clean eating doesn’t mean becoming vegetarian as meat is an obvious source of protein, but it does mean cutting down if you’re a keen meat eater. This will benefit the planet as well as your own health, as it can reduce your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. In particular, you should be avoiding processed meats such as cold cuts, bacon and sausages and instead reach for eggs, dairy, beans and nuts, all alternatives sources of protein. Introducing more plants into your diet means you will be benefitting from more fibre, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals.
Drink more water
We should all be aiming to drink 2 litres of water a day, around 4 to 6 glasses, to stay hydrated. This will keep you fuller for longer, so you will be less likely to snack. Drinking plenty of water improves your concentration, is good for your skin and can improve your mood.
We hope these tips have shown you exactly how you can start eating healthier before you embark on your juicing retreat. Adopting the right habits now will help you stay on track long term.
