Getting started with a juice fast/juicing

Like so many others, we were inspired to juice after watching Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead on Netflix.

I highly recommend watching Forks Over Knives on Netflix as well, as this has the pertinent research on why you should consider changing your eating habits for the long haul.  Juice fasting is not the solution, it is merely a tool.

http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/ is where I started looking when I wanted to start my fast.

Here is an awesome resource on how to prep each fruit/veggie for juicing.  I printed this and keep it in the kitchen.

Lanae used this blender that Joe used in Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead.  Its a centrifugal juicer, which means it spins at high speeds to separate the juice from the pulp.  The chute is large, so shoving some whole fruits down it is no big deal.  Pros- price, can save time due to less prep work because of large chute, tears quickly and efficiently through fruit. Cons: louder, not as effective for leafy greens, heat of motor spinning that fast can potentially kill enzymes (allegedly).

My mom and I opted to try a masticating juicer, also called a slow juicer. We bought this.  These spin at a much slower rate, as they actually grind and squish juice out of the vegetation.  They also can be used to make pasta and nut butters.  Pros: quiet, efficient for leafy greens, drier pulp=more juice. Cons: more expensive, while juicing soft items (fruits like oranges)- may need to rinse grinder as it can clog, more prep as chute is about 1/3 the size.