(Especially when I want to get lean)
I drink pure, additive free, unadulterated orange juice several times a day. ESPECIALLY when I want to drop some weight. I find it so frustrating that orange juice is often demonized and slandered. How could something so natural, healthy, nourishing and loaded with vitamins and minerals possibly be viewed in a such a poor light??
I posted an absolutely fascinating blog a few days ago about how orange juice can counteract inflammation and weight gain associated with eating processed food. I encourage anyone interested in health or weight loss to read it.
Today I want to share 6 reasons orange juice is included in all of ProComps Pro-Metabolic Meal plans. This is especially the case if weight loss, an increased metabolic rate, improved hormonal balance and a reduction in estrogen are important.
1. INCREASED METABOLIC RATE AND INCREASED FAT BURNING.
Orange juice and ripe tropical fruit are both incredibly nourishing to the metabolism. Sugars from both are essential for thyroid gland functioning. If the liver does not have a constant supply of glycogen will not convert thyroid hormone T4 to T3. It is the T3 hormone that fuels metabolism. So orange juice is wonderful for increasing thyroid hormone production – a faster metabolism means faster, easier fat loss.
“Fructose limits insulin secretion, but intensifies metabolism, burning Calories faster”
Dr Ray Peat PHD.
Our bodies use energy and make energy most efficiently when it is provided with a constant flow of glucose. I make sure I have sucrose from orange juice or ripe fruit and honey with every single meal.
Glucose provides fantastic instant energy. Fructose blunts the release of insulin keeping blood sugar stable that encouraging constant fat burning.
Note: When I really need to get lean, I exchange complex carbs for all simple carbs. Starches are made entirely of glucose molecules and they do not have the fructose element to help manage blood sugar, therefore not as effective for fat burning.
2. Naturally dense with vitamins and minerals.
To put it simply, Orange Juice is loaded in vitamin C, magnesium, folate and potassium. One of the most favorable nutrients for a healthy immune system.
A 2015 study by the Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that
“Citrus juices are excellent sources of vitamin C and contribute other key nutrients such as potassium, folate, magnesium and vitamin Orange juice intake has been associated with better diet quality in children and adults. OJ intake has not been associated with adverse effects on weight or other body measures in observational studies in children and adults.
“Critical Review Food Science & Nutrition. 2015 Apr 1:0. 100% Citrus Juice: Nutritional Contribution, Dietary Benefits, and Association with Anthropometric Measures.
Rampersaud GC1, Valim MF.
Lita Lee, Ph.D. who is a chemist, enzyme therapist, nutritionist, author and lecturer maintains that juice as a key component to a pro-thyroid diet and claims:
“Fruit juices are high in salicylates so it’s like drinking organic aspirin (very anti-inflammatory).”
-Lee, Lita, Ph.D. To Your Health Newsletter: January 2011. Retrieved 15 May 2015 from http://www.litalee.com/shopexd.asp?id=471
And…. ProComp’s meal plans are about improving thyroid functioning and metabolic rate – healthy, nourishing, hormonally balancing and which ultimately results in a better looing body
3. ORANGE JUICE IS EASY TO DIGEST AND REDUCES BLOATING.
Many people with low metabolic rate have decreased digestive enzyme activity in the small intestine. Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, discomfort and gas become very common. This is especially the case when more complex carbohydrates are eaten.
Orange Juice is an easy to digest carbohydrate because is it a disaccharide. A disaccharide is a simple, single carb with only one bond to break down. Complex carbs such as monosaccharides and polysaccharides have several bonds needing digestive enzymes to break down.
4. ORANGE JUICE IS QUICK AND EASY.
Life is busy for us all and food prep does take up precious time. Juice is a really easy option on the go. I like to add gelatin or an egg for protein to ensure an evenly balanced meal in a glass.
5. PREVENTS SUGAR CRAVINGS
Working with hundreds of clients over the years, it is evident time and time again that whenever SUGAR STORES ARE LOW, SUGAR CRAVING OCCUR. Cravings disappear as soon as the body is fed and sugar stores are replenished. Avoiding sugar will make cravings stronger. Drinking a glass of more of orange juice and goodbye sugar craving.
AN INTERESTING OBSERVATION….
This may be of interest to those of you who
enjoy the odd glass of wine or two. According
to Dr. Ray Peat, PhD, drinking alcohol with juices rich in fructose like orange
juice, is better than drinking alcohol alone. Dr, Peat’s findings are a direct
result of fructose’s help to stimulate the detoxification of the
ethyl alcohol from the body. –Peat, Ray,
Ph.D. Sugar Issues. Retrieved 15 May 2015
from http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/sugar-issues.shtml
THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING QUALITY ORANGE JUICE REALLY ARE TOO GREAT TO IGNORE.
In my opinion, it is just as essential as protein and this is exactly why it is included for every ProComp client and is a staple in my own personal nutrition plan.
Please feel free to connect with any questions about our meal plan programs and how they could help you create a great looking, healthy body that you have only ever dreamt of.
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