Juice fasts have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to detoxify the body and promote weight loss. However, with so many conflicting opinions and information out there, it can be difficult to know what you can and cannot consume during a juice fast.
One question that often arises is whether or not almond milk is allowed on a juice fast. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with some helpful tips and recipes for incorporating almond milk into your juice fast.
So, let’s get started!
Can You Drink Almond Milk On A Juice Fast?
The short answer is yes, you can drink almond milk on a juice fast. However, it’s important to note that not all almond milk is created equal. During a juice fast, it’s recommended to consume raw, dairy-free milks. This means that any store-bought nut milk should be avoided as it is not raw.
If you’re looking to incorporate almond milk into your juice fast, we recommend making your own using a high-quality blender such as a Vitamix. Here’s a simple recipe for cashew, almond, or hemp milk:
– 1 cup nuts or hemp seeds
– 4 cups filtered water
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon raw honey or 7 dates
– Dash of cinnamon (or more if desired)
Note that if you’re making almond milk, you’ll need to strain it with a cheese cloth or nut milk bag. This recipe makes a little more than a quart and should be refrigerated immediately and consumed within 3-4 days.
It’s also worth noting that the PUR Harmony Juice Cleanse with Mylks is a great option for those who want to add nut-based milk to their cleanse. This cleanse incorporates four cold-pressed juices and two almond milks every day.
Understanding The Basics Of A Juice Fast
Juice fasts, also known as cleanses or detoxes, involve drinking homemade or premade juices made from vegetables, herbs, and fruit. The goal of a juice fast is to provide the body with a concentrated amount of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals while giving the digestive system a break from solid food. During a juice fast, it’s recommended to consume ample water, tea, and sometimes clear broths.
Juicing fruits and vegetables is different from blending because it isolates the liquid of the produce from the pulp and fibrous portion. Therefore, fruit and vegetable juices will have a more concentrated amount of nutrients but less fiber when compared to smoothies. Juice fasts can be as short as 24 hours or as long as 10 days.
While on a juice fast, it’s important to avoid solid food and stick to raw, dairy-free milks if you want to incorporate nut-based milk into your cleanse. This means that any store-bought nut milk should be avoided as it is not raw. Making your own nut milk using a high-quality blender such as a Vitamix is recommended.
It’s also worth noting that some juice cleanses incorporate almond milk into their program. The PUR Harmony Juice Cleanse with Mylks is an example of this, which incorporates four cold-pressed juices and two almond milks every day.
What Is Almond Milk And How Is It Made?
Almond milk is a popular dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk. It’s made by blending almonds with water and then straining the mixture to remove any solids. The resulting liquid is a creamy, nutty milk that can be used in place of dairy milk in many recipes.
To make almond milk at home, you’ll need raw, unsalted almonds and filtered water. Soak the almonds in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to soften them. Drain the water and rinse the almonds before adding them to a blender with fresh water. Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain it through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to remove any solids.
You can customize the flavor of your almond milk by adding sweeteners like honey or dates, as well as vanilla extract or cinnamon. Store your homemade almond milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
It’s important to note that not all almond milk is created equal. Store-bought almond milk may contain additives like sugar, thickeners, and preservatives that are not recommended during a juice fast. To ensure that your almond milk is raw and dairy-free, it’s best to make it yourself at home using high-quality ingredients.
Nutritional Benefits Of Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or on a vegan diet. But did you know that almond milk is also packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your health? Here are some of the nutritional benefits of almond milk:
1. Low in Calories and Carbs: Almond milk is a low-calorie beverage, containing only 14-28 calories per 100 milliliters. It’s also low in carbs, with less than 2% carbs or 3.43 grams of carbs in 1 cup. This makes it a perfect choice for people who are watching their calorie and carb intake.
2. High in Healthy Fats and Protein: Despite being low in carbs, almond milk is high in healthy fats and protein. This means that it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes and those who are following a low carb diet.
3. Rich in Magnesium: Almond milk is rich in magnesium, a mineral that many American diets fall short on. Magnesium is important for muscle function, blood sugar control, blood pressure, and making bone, protein, and DNA.
4. Good Source of Antioxidant Vitamin E: Almond milk is a good source of vitamin E, which is important for your immune system and blood vessels. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your cells from the effects of dangerous molecules called free radicals.
5. Contains Bone-Building Calcium: Many commercial brands of almond milk are fortified with calcium, which is important for bone health. Getting enough calcium keeps your bones strong and can help your body fight osteoporosis.
6. Low Glycemic Index Food: Almond milk is considered a low glycemic index food, which means it’s less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.
Alternatives To Almond Milk During A Juice Fast
While almond milk is a popular choice for those looking for a dairy-free milk alternative, there are plenty of other options to consider during a juice fast. Here are some alternatives to almond milk:
1. Cashew Milk: Similar to almond milk, cashew milk is a creamy and delicious dairy-free option. It’s also easy to make at home using raw cashews and filtered water. Simply blend the cashews and water together until smooth, then strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.
2. Hemp Milk: Made from hemp seeds and water, hemp milk is a great source of plant-based protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It has a slightly nutty flavor and can be used in place of almond milk in most recipes.
3. Coconut Milk: While canned coconut milk should be avoided during a juice fast, homemade coconut milk is a great option. Simply blend fresh coconut meat with water and strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Coconut milk is rich and creamy, making it a great addition to smoothies and other recipes.
4. Oat Milk: Made from oats and water, oat milk is a popular choice for those with nut allergies or intolerances. It has a mild flavor and can be used in place of almond milk in most recipes.
5. Rice Milk: Made from brown rice and water, rice milk is another dairy-free option to consider during a juice fast. It has a slightly sweet flavor and can be used in place of almond milk in most recipes.
Ultimately, the choice of which dairy-free milk alternative to use during a juice fast is up to personal preference. Experiment with different options to find the one that works best for you.
Recipes For Incorporating Almond Milk Into Your Juice Fast
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate almond milk into your juice fast, here are a few recipes to try:
1. Vanilla Almond Date Shake
This protein-packed shake is perfect for a post-workout drink or as a dessert replacement during your juice fast. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1.5 cups raw almonds
– 6 cups filtered water
– 6 dates
– 3 tsp. vanilla extract
– Up to 1 tsp. cinnamon
– Up to 1 tsp. nutmeg
– Up to 1/2 tsp. cloves, allspice, and/or ginger
Directions:
– Soak the almonds in enough water to cover them for at least 8 hours. Rinse and discard water.
– Add the almonds, water, dates, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and any other spices to a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Homemade Almond Milk
Making your own almond milk is easy and ensures that you’re getting a raw, unprocessed product. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 3/4 cup almonds, soaked in water overnight
– 3 cups filtered water
– Optional: sweetener (such as honey or dates) and flavorings (such as vanilla extract or cinnamon)
Directions:
– Rinse the soaked almonds and add them to a blender with the filtered water.
– Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
– Use a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to strain the mixture into a bowl.
– Transfer the milk to a jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
3. Kale Almond Milk
This recipe from Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Juice book is a great way to incorporate greens into your juice fast while still enjoying the creaminess of almond milk. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup almonds, soaked in water overnight
– 4 cups filtered water
– 2 cups kale leaves, chopped
– 2 cups spinach leaves, chopped
– Optional: sweetener (such as maple syrup) and flavorings (such as cinnamon or nutmeg)
Directions:
– Rinse the soaked almonds and add them to a blender with the filtered water.
– Add the kale and spinach leaves and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
– Use a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to strain the mixture into a bowl.
– Transfer the milk to a jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Remember, when incorporating almond milk into your juice fast, it’s important to use raw, unprocessed ingredients and avoid any store-bought nut milks that may contain additives or preservatives.
