It’s All in the Timing

Alarm goes off. We snooze. We stretch. What’s next? The correct answer should be hydration. If you are getting the recommended eight hours of sleep at night, that’s eight hours without drinking water. The body requires proper hydration for a handful of things- digestion, brain function, energy, the list goes on. By drinking water first thing in the morning, our digestive processes are able to start moving and the flow of oxygen is increased, thus helping the production of muscle and blood cells.

That being said, the same standards go for juicing. The best time to drink juice is on an empty stomach. For most of us, this is the morning. We wake up well rested and our stomachs have not been filled for the past 8-10 hours. When your stomach is empty, it is going to absorb the first thing it comes in contact with. Take advantage of this concept by giving it what it really needs- nutrients! Drinking an organic juice on an empty stomach means those vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids are going to be absorbed that much quicker!

Timing is also key when it comes to eating your first meal. If practicing mindful eating, your first meal should be when you are hungry of course! However, research has shown that waiting to eat any where between 30 minutes to an hour after you’ve consumed your juice is ideal for maximum absorption of nutrients from both juice and solid foods.

Many people have found that by starting off their day with a refreshing lemon water with ice (or hot with some honey in the winter!) followed by a green juice has completely eliminated their need for the daily “stimulant” of coffee or caffeinated tea. Caffeine in small doses does no harm to most individuals, however when one becomes dependent on that cup of joe to feel energized, what they might really be missing is proper nutrition and absorption of micro-nutrients (as well as sleep). Juice cleanse preparation often calls for limiting or eliminating caffeine from the diet. By beginning the day with an all natural beverage, we are preparing our stomach and liver for a day full of high nutrient dense foods that will keep the body nourished.

An ideal day for maximum micro and macro-nutrients might look something like this:

7am / Iced Lemon Water

with Honey and Cayenne

Read my previous post for information on the benefits of lemons.

8am / A Fresh Green Juice “Glow“

9am / Breakfast

Overnight oats recipe like this Citrus Granola Parfait from The Tolerant Vegan is a perfect on-the-go breakfast that is both filling and delicious.

1pm / Lunch

This Spicy Kale and Quinoa Black Bean Salad from The Glowing Fridge is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamin C that makes for a perfect lunch that is easily transportable for the work day.

4pm Afternoon Snack Smoothie!

A smoothie is a perfect afternoon snack that will not weigh you down. Our Sprouted Almond and Blueberry Smoothie is full of anti-inflammatory ingredients that are perfect for a post-work out snack or an afternoon pick-me-up

7pm Dinner

I just recently tried this Sweet Potato & Lentil Cake recipe by Blissful Basill. With 16g protein and 10g fiber for two cakes, this is a perfect dinner option that is simple and delicious.

 

 

Sources:

“Best Time to Drink Fresh Juice.” JustJuice.org. N.p., 2014. Web. 27 Aug. 2016.

“Juicing 101: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To Juicing – Juicing For Health.” Juicing For Health RSS. N.p., 18 May 2012. Web. 31 Aug. 2016.

“What Happens When You Drink Raw Juice On An Empty Stomach.” Diet of Life. N.p., 2014. Web. 31 Aug. 2016.