About the 21 Day Vegetable Juice Diet

The 21-day vegetable juice diet has been around for some time. Like any other diet, many have tried it and reported positive results, while others have not been as satisfied. Knowing what the diet is and how it works can help you decide if this is the diet for you.

Identification

The most recent addition to the world of juice fasting is known as "21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha's Vineyard Diet." The diet involves consuming only fresh juice, enzyme drinks and pills for 21 days. The diet was developed by Roni DeLuz, RN, ND, PhD, a naturopathic doctor and registered nurse, who coauthored the book.

Only the juices of fresh vegetables are allowed, as they are more concentrated in valuable vitamins and minerals. The enzyme pills or drinks help to break down the vitamins and minerals so that they are instantly usable by the body. Using a juicer is recommended, but a food processor or blender can also be used to liquefy the fresh vegetables.

Purpose of the Diet

Most people use the diet to lose weight. However, in addition to weight loss, the diet is also said to benefit the digestive system, giving it a chance to rest and repair itself.

While on the diet, you drink the juice of fresh vegetables for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You may have juice for a snack as well. Milk, eggs, sugar, salt, butter, and alcohol are not allowed for 21 days. Neither are meat, chicken or fish. You are to consume nothing but fresh, live vegetable juices and enzyme drinks or pills (available at your local health store).

Claims

The diet claims that you can easily shed a pound a day or more by simply drinking juice and taking enzyme tablets that you can buy over the counter. The diet also claims to remove toxins from the bloodstream, which supposedly will improve overall health. In the book, Roni DeLuz, says that after juice fasting, dieters will experience increases in energy and mental clarity, a reduction in arthritis and joint pain, a stronger immune system, and fewer head and body aches.

However, while the author is convinced that everyone will lose weight and feel better after fasting for 21 days, the medical community is not as sure. According to a review of the book by Holly Wyatt, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Colorado's Center for Human Nutrition, the diet raises some serious concerns because it takes detoxification, which our bodies do naturally, to the extreme.

Another reviewer, Dr. Pamela Peeke, a renowned physician, scientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, metabolism, stress and fitness, warns that you may actually end up gaining weight after the initial weight loss because of the calorie restriction that is associated with the diet. The average dieter following the plan only consumes about 1,000 calories a day, which is not enough to sustain muscles. Of course, this initial loss is what dieters report, but once the 21 days are over, Peeke warns that most people will regain the weight, plus some.

Detox Features

Aside from drinking plenty of water, vegetable juices, herbal teas, and enzyme drinks, the author recommends the use of enemas, sauna treatments, cellulite treatments, and kidney, gallbladder, and liver cleanses to supply additional detox benefits.

Risks

Since any diet can potentially be dangerous, consult your physician before you start the "21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha's Vineyard Diet" or any other weight-loss or fitness program.