Fat-free fruit juices that can substitute the meals of the day.

The juice extracted from any fruit is not only refreshing but also a substitute to a complete meal. It is easily digestible, fat-free, without cholesterol, and therefore a very healthy diet alternative in these fast-paced times. Here are a few special juice recipes that are recommended for different times of the day.

Juice fasting is a multidimensional experience in which total body transformation occurs. There are a wide range of metabolic changes and experiences. The blood and lymph are detoxified. When juice fasting, the release of toxins from the colon, kidneys, bladder, lungs, sinuses, and skin clears out complications that have arisen from a bad diet and unhealthy lifestyle. The benefits of following a juice fast include heightened spiritual awareness and relaxation of the body, mind, and emotions. Many people feel a sense of letting go of pain from the past and developing a positive attitude towards the present. During juice fasting, the body is able to clean out its system because it is not expending energy towards the digestive organs.

Raw juices contain certain natural medicines, vegetal hormones and antibiotics. For instance, string beans are said to contain insulin-like substance. Certain hormones needed by the pancreas to produce insulin are present in cucumber and onion juices. Fresh juices of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and radish contain antibiotic properties.

Juice fasting fruits and vegetable juices may be divided into six main types. These are:

1. Juices from acid fruits like orange, lemon, grapefruit, strawberry and pineapple.

2. Juices from vegetable fruits, namely, tomato and cucumber.

3. Juices from green leafy vegetables like cabbage, celery, lettuce, spinach, parsley and watercress.

4. Juices from root vegetables like beetroot, carrot, onion, potato and radish. Generally speaking, fruit juices stir up toxins and acids in the body, thereby stimulating the eliminative processes. Vegetable juices, on the other hand, soothe the tired nerves and work in a much milder manner. They carry away toxic matter in a gentle way. Owing to their differing actions fruit and vegetable juices should not be used at the same time or mixed together. It is desirable to use juices individually. In any case when juice fasting not more than three juices should be used in any one mixture.

5. Juices from sweet fruits such as prunes and grapes.

6. Juices from sub-acid fruits like apple, plum, pear, peach, apricot and cherry.

Juice fasting is also safer than water fasting because it supports the body nutritionally while cleansing and probably even produces a better detoxification and quicker recovery time.

While juice fasting the stomach actually shrinks to its original size (the size of your fist). After three days of just ingesting raw organic and fresh juices, broth and tea, you will lose all cravings for solid food. Your mind might tell you otherwise, but your body is very content. When you just drink your food, your stomach gets a physiological rest, allowing the colon to shed old compacted and putrefied material that was waiting there to cause future disease.

What exactly is juice fasting?

A juice fast is a liquid, nourishing diet consisting of just juice and water. Many natural healers have combined periods of fasting with certain supplements which help to speed up the benefits of the fast.

The favorable effect of raw juices in the treatment of disease is attributed to the following facts:

• The juices extracted from raw fruits & vegetables require no digestion & almost all their vital nutrients are assimilated directly in the bloodstream.

• Raw juices are extremely rich in alkaline elements. This is highly beneficial in normalizing acid alkaline balance in the blood & tissues as their is over acidity in most conditions of ill health.

• Raw juices of fruits & vegetables are extremely rich in vitamins & minerals, trace elements, enzymes & natural sugars. They exercise beneficial effect in normalizing all the body functions. They supply needed elements for the body's own healing activity & cell regeneration thereby speeding the recovery.

• Raw juices contain certain natural medicines, vegetal hormones & antibiotics. For instance, string beans are said to contain insulin like substance. Certain hormones needed by the pancreas to produce insulin are present in cucumber & onion juices. Fresh juices of garlic, onions, radish & tomatoes contain antibiotic substances.

• Generous amounts of easily assimilable organic minerals in raw juices especially calcium, potassium & silicon help in restoring biochemical & mineral balance in the tissues & cells, thereby preventing premature aging of cells & disease.

Breakfast Special

An energy-packed alternative to a full breakfast.

Blend the strawberries along with the banana and yoghurt. Then add the orange juice and honey and blend once again. Serve immediately. You may use sugar instead of honey, depending on taste.

Mid-Morning Special

A smooth thick juice that can well replace a snack.

Blend the bananas along with the milk and pear juice, until the combination is smooth. Then add the blueberries, cinnamon powder and honey/sugar and blend once again. Serve immediately.

Late Afternoon Special

Early evenings are very tempting snack times. Have this special juice.

Mix the ginger juice along with the cherry juice and limejuice. Add sugar to this and keep stirring until it dissolves completely. Fill the bottoms of your glasses with crushed ice and pour this juice on top of it. Then add the soda and garnish with slices of lime.

Health Special

A classic special that is highly nutritious and energizing. You could have it instead of lunch or dinner.

First blend the orange juice and yoghurt together in a food processor. Then add the bananas and strawberries. Blend for just a few more seconds. Then add the wheatgerm and blackstrap molasses and blend until all the ingredients are smooth.

Summer Special

An exotic summer cooler.

Mix the cherry juice with the orange juice, honey, red pepper and salt. Stir it well until the honey and salt are completely dissolved. Serve chilled.

Winter Delight

A hot and spicy winter special.

Heat the orange juice, pineapple juice, honey, cloves and cinnamon stick in a pan. Give it one boil and then let it simmer for 20 minutes. Strain out the cinnamon and cloves and serve hot steaming mugs of this unique concoction.