A question we are often asked during our program is whether V8 juice (or similar “Vegetable Juice”) is compatible and should be a part of our weight control program. First, let’s break down the content of V8 juice:
V8 juice was originally developed in Illinois in 1933 and it contains the same 8 vegetables now as it did back then: carrots, celery, beets, lettuce, parsley, spinach, tomatoes and watercress. Concerning nutritional content, there are several varieties of V8 juice but the original contains (per 8 ounce serving):
51 calories, along with 2 grams of protein, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber and 8 grams of sugar. It also contains 4 percent of your daily recommended calcium, with 39 mg; 4 percent of the daily recommended iron, with .7 milligrams; and 470 milligrams of potassium, or 23 percent of the recommended amount. There are “low sodium” variations of V8 juice.
Compared to regular vegetables, V8 juice contains less fiber and more sodium. Therefore, the consumption of “real” vegetables is more beneficial than drinking your vegetables, whether this be V8 juice or the other competitors.
The bottom line: If you love V8 juice and wanna continue this during our program, a modest amount is certainly fine. For those people with high blood pressure, try to use the low sodium variations.
One last thought: At all times, remember that protein ingestion, and lots of it, is the key for losing weight and burning fat as opposed to muscle. Vegetables are good to keep on your radar but not as important for long-term weight control. Fiber and vitamins can be obtained via 0 calorie vitamins and supplements.
Sort of difficult at 4 AM to find fun songs about “Vegetable Juice” so how about an old tune from “Juice” Newton…enjoy “Angel Of The Morning”
