How to lose the pouch without resorting to caveman style eating. Or maybe we should!
On a recent news broadcast they said the obesity rate is going up and will be worse than it has ever been before. The report said more than half of us will be overweight. Dear lord, I need to lose these extra 40 pounds like yesterday. Ok, who am I kidding. I gained 30 during the pandemic and then another 15 after my summer of surgeries, so the number is more like 65 pounds and I am being modest.
What can we do? What am I trying to do in this world of too many fast food choices and pizza toppings. Reduce the fat without losing my sweet tooth. I have heard of juicing as a way to lose weight, especially the belly pouch, but I love to eat, so what do we do? What do I do?
Here are some weight loss benefits to help you and me consider eating less.
Juicing is popular, especially during the hot summer months. It is a means to lose weight and maintain a healthy diet. You still get a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for good health. One of the many fabulous benefits is it can help in losing that stubborn belly pouch. Which is a common concern for men and women of any age but definitely for those over the age of 40 when life is setting in and taking shape around the stomach area. I am not going to lie, my stomach has never been flat. It might have been when I was ten.
The good old days.
The belly pouch, the flap over, the gut, whatever you want to nickname it, is also known as visceral fat. Fat that accumulates around the abdomen (your belly) and internal organs (probably not a good thing). This kind of fat comes with various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. I have high cholesterol and I am working on it daily, or at least that is what I tell myself. Losing this fat is not only important for aesthetic, but can help in improving overall health and reducing the risks of chronic diseases.
Here are some ways that juicing can help individuals lose their belly pouch:
Low in calories
Juicing is an excellent way to consume a high volume of nutrients while keeping calorie intake low. Juicing can be lower in calories than consuming the whole fruit or vegetable, but you have to pay attention to what you add in and compare it to what is taken out when juicing. If you lose some fiber while juicing you might want to add that in with flaxseed or other fiber rich options, but also consider smoothie bowls with toppings for your full nutritional value. Consuming a low-calorie diet is essential for losing weight, and juicing provides an easy and convenient way to achieve this.
By clicking on and / or purchasing something using my affiliate links in this post, I may be compensated.
High in fiber
Although juicing removes most of the fiber from fruits and vegetables, some juicers leave a small amounts in the juice. This fiber is known as insoluble fiber and can help individuals feel full for longer periods, reducing the need for snacking between meals. What I have found helpful is carrying an apple with me when I am out for the day or nuts, find your fiber where ever you can to remain full throughout the day. Fiber promotes healthy bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. I cannot tell you how constipation nearly ruined my last week in Hawaii after my surgeries, prunes to the rescue. But this is a common problem for those trying to lose weight.
2. Provides essential nutrients
Juicing provides a concentrated dose of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Speaking of juicing, follow this great YouTuber for excellent ideas and though I use a fantastic bullet, because its only me, here is another great option for your juicing benefits. A healthy metabolism is essential for weight loss as it determines how efficiently the body burns calories. By providing essential nutrients, juicing can help boost metabolism, making it easier to lose weight.
3. Helps reduce inflammation
Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in the body in response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation is linked to various health problems, including obesity. And from someone who has had one too many DVTs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in her life, it is a great idea to keep injuries and inflammation at bay. Many fruits and vegetables contain anti-inflammatory compounds to help reduce inflammation in the body. By reducing inflammation, juicing can help individuals lose weight, but do not forget you need to do your due diligence and keep the bad foods at bay and this will help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Provides hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for good health, and many people do not consume enough water throughout the day. You should check with your doctor to see how much water is right for you. I would also recommend drinking tea throughout the day if you do not like water. I love green teas, black teas, jasmine tea, you name it I probably have it in my cupboard. Just aim to consume a majority of your fluids through juicing, since this also provides essential nutrients.
Fruits and vegetables are high in water content, and consuming their juice can help individuals stay hydrated and maintain healthy body functions and just imagine what this will do for your skin and energy. Proper hydration is also essential for weight loss as it helps to reduce water retention, which can contribute to bloating and a larger belly pouch. This might be my issue, maybe I am not drinking enough tea. I need more juicing options in my life.
5. Reduces cravings
Juicing can help reduce cravings for unhealthy foods, and this is what they always say, but I know for sure that I always have a craving for cake and ice cream. which contributes to my weight gain. So, this time around I am going to do the 21 day rule. Stick to my new eating habits for three weeks and see how I look and feel. Are you with me?
Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense and provide a satisfying feeling of fullness, but they are just one source to reducing your cravings. Think outside the box and think about what others do in other countries to stay lean or get in better shape. Many people in various countries use powerful fat-melting herbs and plants to aid in weight loss. You have seen them on the shelves of your healthy chain vitamin stores. Stuff like Milk Thistle, Ginseng, and Resveratrol to name a few. Why go out and buy all this stuff separately when you can get it in one mix for juicing?
This is the main reason I am trying and recommending Ikaria Lean Belly Juice. Beet root, Acai and African Mango extract all in one. I love it! And as we get older and naturally eat less everyone is on the search for that magical potion to help you reach your goals. This is not magic but it will help you reach your goals, while awakening your lazy metabolism and boost your energy.
6. Improves digestion
Many fruits and vegetables contain digestive enzymes helping to improve your digestion and reduce bloating. A poor digestion contributes to weight gain and a belly pouch. I think my digestion is pretty good, but my menopause belly is due to a hysterectomy and donuts. I am adding one juice a day until I can get to three with one small meal. I know it doesn't seem like a lot of food, but sometimes you need to shock the body by switching up your calorie intake. Once I lean out and my goal is in sight, I will add more healthy food choices back into my diet.
In conclusion, juicing is an excellent way to lose weight and maintain a healthy diet. I know this for a fact because when I have lost weight it was because I added a juice or two to my day and took away my big breakfasts and heavy lunches. By consuming a low-calorie diet, staying hydrated, and reducing cravings for unhealthy foods, we can lose our belly pouch and maintain a healthy weight, lord willing, for the rest of our lives.
However, with that being said, don't go overboard and do nothing but juicing all day long for weeks at a time. A balanced diet that includes whole foods is essential for good health, and I would never recommend juicing all day everyday, forever. Juicing should also be one in moderation, as excessive consumption of fruit juices can lead to high sugar intake and potential negative health effects. We want to get healthier, not go backwards. Like they say, everything in moderation is a good thing.
I am already looking forward to that strawberry sundae down the road, in the summer, in my two piece bikini. Dream big!
Overall, if you incorporate juicing into your healthy diet and lifestyle you can provide numerous health benefits to life while you lose your belly pouch and maintain a healthy weight.