If you’re reading this blog and following Faithfully Guided then you’re probably looking for ways to get healthier. Even small steps in the right direction can make a huge difference in the long run. Where most people struggle is their diet – and getting the recommended amount of daily fruits and vegetables. Today we want to offer juicing as a solution…

As many of you know Vitalize Natural Market and Juice Bar has joined us at our new location on SW 1st Ave Downtown Ocala. They offer their full line of juices, smoothies, and smoothie bowls – you can Check Out Their Menu Here. All of this is available for pre-ordered scheduled pick-up at either location!

So Why Juice?

Juicing offers several benefits for your body. First, it’s great for detoxification. We come into contact with so many harmful things in our environment that we are not aware can negatively impact our bodies. Juicing detoxes heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and even bad bacteria that reside in our digestive tract. Vitalize offers a package for a 1-day juice cleanse that’s great for detoxification. It consists of 6 juices in a specific order and recommended that you only drink the juice and water for that day. You can also choose to do a longer juice cleanser if you desire. Some people recommend a cleanse at least once per year, or every 3 months is great too!

Another exceptional benefit is that juicing rests our gut. The process of juicing removes all the fiber from the produce, so the antioxidants and minerals can be absorbed quickly and efficiently without waiting for digestion to occur.

Lastly, juicing gives us so much energy! You will feel this happen immediately when drinking a juice since the nutrients are so quickly into the body. This energy is long-lasting throughout the day.

What to Juice?

When juicing, you want to stick mainly to vegetables. Sometimes this is difficult if you’re new to juicing, and that’s OK. The reason is that fruits and some vegetables can contain a lot of sugar that bump up your blood sugar. This can especially cause problems for diabetics. Try to stick to veggies like greens (kale, spinach, herbs), cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, and carrots. The nutrients in this produce will make your skin and hair glow and are great for your eyes! Sometimes fruits like lemon and green apple can be tasty and great for you, in small amounts. All of Vitalize’s juices are customizable, so just ask if you would like a substitution.

Juice vs. Smoothie

Many people wonder, should I drink juice or smoothies? The answer is, both are great for you! As I mentioned before, juicing removes all the pulp and fiber from the food, whereas with a smoothie this is all blended up in the mixture. A smoothie takes longer to digest and doesn’t give your gut a rest, but you still get all those great nutrients and antioxidants you would from a juice. Vitalize has a variety of smoothie options which can be great meal replacements, but the above warning about sugar still applies. Adding protein and fiber in the form of greens to the smoothie will really help to slow down the absorption and prevent that sugar spike. There are several options to “boost up” your smoothie at Vitalize with plant-based protein, chia/hemp seeds, or a greens powder for extra nutrition!

Stop by and try something new today! You won’t regret it!

Check Out Their Menu Here