I LOVE juicing, but often wonder if I'm doing it the right way. I wanted to get to the bottom of the juice trend and get an expert’s advice on the best way to go about it, so I sat down with Jen from Alchemy Juice Co. in West Palm Beach, FL. For all you brides-to-be looking for the best hair, skin and hangover cures, these expert tips are for you.

VEGETABLE-BASED VS FRUIT-BASED

We first asked Jen why a bride might consider juicing before a wedding, and she told us, “We reset our phones, computers and other devices regularly, but our bodies are the most important machines we can control. Often we forget that they need a reset as well.” In Jen’s opinion, “Both fruits and vegetables contain tons of vital phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. A thoughtful combination that features a two-to-one ratio of vegetables to fruit can both cleanse and rebuild your system, while also tasting delicious without too much sugar.”

Jen tells us that juicing can even keep your immune system strong, pointing out that anything green will do the trick. She also let us in on a little secret. “I am also a huge ginger advocate. It is anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial.”

JUICING FOR CLEAR SKIN

According to Jen, clear skin has everything to do with diet. “Eliminating processed foods and including more whole foods and juices is integral to achieving that youthful glow,” Jen explains. “Our ‘heal juice’ is full of skin superfoods with spinach, parsley and green apple. You can never go wrong with ‘detoxify,’ which contains kale, spinach, cucumber, parsley, lemon and ginger. These all promote radiant skin.” Jen offered a bonus skin tip: “Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and remember that there are no overnight fixes. Start implementing these superfoods into your diet now to reap the rewards on the big day!”

TIPS FOR GETTING SHINY HAIR WITH JUICING

Jen’s got extra tips for brides who are dreaming of shiny, glossy hair. “Dark leafy vegetables contain vitamins A and C and help your body produce sebum, which acts as a natural conditioner for your hair. Carrots also contain vitamin A for a healthy scalp. Cucumber has silica, a mineral that promotes hair growth and nourishes roots. You can also add a beet. Red vegetables promote hair growth with phytochemicals and antioxidants like lycopene.”

THE JUICE ALL BRIDES SHOULD HAVE THE MORNING AFTER

Hangovers are not just a product of too much bubbly. “They happen mainly because of the toxicity of the alcohol and dehydration. By addressing these two issues, you can easily banish the symptoms. Drink a fruit juice that is high in fructose (fruit sugar) before going to bed. Fructose can help metabolize the alcoholic chemicals… remember to sip it before bed, and of course, hydrate! Tons of water!”

HOW TO GET YOUR FIANCÉ ON THE JUICE TRAIN

Jen acknowledged that getting others interested in juicing can be a common struggle. She tells us, “I think consistency is the key. Make one juice and share it. Their taste buds will change and they will begin craving the goodness of the juices. I can’t say I’ve noticed a ‘gateway juice,’ but green juices are all the rage. Beet seems to be tough for some people. I think you should start with things you know you like, and branch out from there. I’m a firm believer in moderation.”

BEAT THOSE HONEYMOON TRAVEL BUGS

We asked Jen to share her tips for beating any honeymoon travel bugs, and she told us, “Anything with ginger and turmeric! Both ingredients are full of anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Try them with carrot or citrus to boost vitamin C intake too.”

THE BEST JUICIER TO PUT ON A REGISTRY

It turns out the Le Creuset of the juicing world might just be the Omega VRT ($330). “That’s what I use at home and I love it! It’s easy to use and clean, and it’s as close to a true cold press as you can get. It runs about $400, which isn’t cheap, but if you plan on juicing every week, it pays for itself in no time. Glowing skin, gorgeous hair and overall well-being will be yours!”

RECIPE: JUICE FOR LONG HAIR

Ingredients:

2 carrots
1 cucumber
1 handful of spinach
1 handful kale
1 beet

Directions: Wash all ingredients, and then feed into a juicer. Pour into a glass, and enjoy!

RECIPE: JUICE FOR SHINY HAIR

4-5 Swiss chard leaves
1 lemon, peeled
1 orange, peeled
1 sweet potato, peeled
2 carrots
10 strawberries, tops removed

Directions: Wash and prep ingredients, then feed into a juicer. Pour into a glass, and enjoy!

Will you try juicing for the wedding?

(Photos via Babble, Simply Kaylyn and Linda Wagner)

See this blog and more of my wedding tips on Brit + Co.

Juicing for the Wedding Tips from Alchemy Juice Co. | Health