I thought today that I’d talk about a specific occasion, a perfect time to have a juice or smoothie – after a workout.  Now, I’m not much of a workout type gal.  I walk/bike as often as I can, but I don’t go to the gym or lift anything more than my 2.5 pound hand weights!  But I do know that it is necessary to replenish your body after exercise.  If you eat or drink the proper foods after a workout you can enjoy more energy, with less soreness, and a quicker recovery time.  During immediate post workout your body is primed to accept the nutrition.

So what do your consume after your exercise routine?  Because of heavy media advertising, we’re conditioned to believe we must have a protein bar or shake.  Many of those are great and do provide nutrition.  But you don’t have to go out and buy a pre-packaged snack to get such nutrition.  Try fulfilling your body’s need the natural way.  Fruits and veggies contain simple sugars, carbohydrates, and amino acids that refuel your body and won’t weigh you down.  Green juices are especially rich in the vitamins and minerals you require.  Greens such as kale, spinach, celery, and cucumber can be juiced with an apple or carrot and some lemon or ginger.  It’s a quick, easy, and healthy snack.

Don’t just take my word for it.  Fitness expert Yuri Elkaim also suggests drinking green juices and smoothies post workout.  He makes the drink in the morning or just before going to the gym and has a quick punch of nutrition available exactly when he needs it.   Here’s Yuri talking about his routine.

Juice cleansing works best when you make it a part of your lifestyle and daily health routine.  A routine encourages repetition, which in turn helps create habits.  A healthy lifestyle in my view, includes a regular juice detox.  There are also a number of other healthy practices I like to include when I’m juicing and detoxing.  These are like “cleanse boosters” that support the body and aid the healing process.

1. Hydrotherapy – There are a number of different techniques used in hydrotherapy.  Aromatherapy baths relax the body and mind with herbs.  Saunas help the body release toxins through sweating.  Hot/cold alternating water in the shower stimulates the immune system.
2. Exercise – A light routine of exercise along with a juice cleanse helps to oxygenate the blood and lift the spirits.  Walking, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are some of the methods I prefer.
3. Herbs and supplements – Prior to and after a cleanse we can help our body’s ongoing detoxification with natural herbs and supplements.  Herbs are natural medicines.  Some can help build the immune system while others assist the colon, liver, and kidneys to remove wastes.  There are too many specifics for me to address in this post.  For more information on herbs and products that assist the digestive system I recommend you visit Dr. Brenda Watson’s site.  Probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants are some of the other supplements that assist the digestive/detoxification process and Dr. Watson addresses those as well.

With a holistic approach you’ll enjoy much greater success on your next your juice cleanse. Try adding some of these tips into your daily routine and notice the benefits.