Jason Vale’s final juice plan, the 5:2 juice diet ,  is now available from  all good book stores. here are a selection of the recipes on offer,  and a reminder of the benefits of juicing.

“If you’ve read this column over the last few months, you’ll have learned some of juicing’s major benefits. For example, it can improve learning and memory by stimulating new brain cells in the region of the brain responsible for memory. It can also be good for weight loss and the maintenance of a healthy weight. It can improve your mood by improving your sleep patterns and increasing mental clarity. Fasting also increases the effectiveness of insulin, a hormone that affects our ability to process sugar and break down fat, and can also help you live longer. So if you want to eat a lot, the message is clear, eat little two days a week. That way you may get to live longer and thus get to eat more!”

Power plant (from week 1)

“Celery and cucumber provide the perfect balance of sodium and potassium, great for pre and post workouts to reduce achy muscles and replace lost salts. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme effective in reducing inflammation and dissolving mucus. Spinach is wonderfully rich in manganese, magnesium and iron as well as key vitamins such as A, C and K.”

Ingredients:

Pineapple 1/2 peeled, cucumber 1/4, lime 1/2 (peeled, with pith left on), celery 1 1/2 stalks, 1 large handful spinach leaves, 2.5cm broccoli stem and 1 small handful of ice.

Instructions:

Juice all the ingredients. Pour over ice and enjoy.

Goji berry, blueberry and coconut power blen  (from week 2)

“Fresh coconut contains a very good source of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and a very substantial amount of the electrolyte potassium, as well as sodium, which help replenish deficiency in the body. Coconut water also includes calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. The banana adds potassium and amino acids. Goji berries have all 18 amino acids as well as vitamin A, B1, B2 and vitamin E.”

Ingredients:

“Fresh coconut contains a very good source of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and a very substantial amount of the electrolyte potassium, as well as sodium, which help replenish deficiency in the body. Coconut water also includes calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. The banana adds potassium and amino acids. Goji berries have all 18 amino acids as well as vitamin A, B1, B2 and vitamin E.”

Instructions:

Place all the ingredients into a blender, whiz until smooth, pour into a glass over ice and sip slowly.

Pink Paradise (from week 3)

“The juicy pink grapefruit provides an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B1. It’s also a good source of pantothenic acid, copper, potassium and biotin, which can help maintain a steady blood sugar level.”

Ingredients:

1/2 pink grapefruit (peeled, white pith left on), 1/2 pineapple peeled, 1 raw beetroot, 1 small handful fresh mint, 1 small handful ice.

Instructions:

Simply juice everything and pour over ice.

chocolate, orange power blend (from week 4)

“Tastes naughty, but is actually good for you! The sweetness of manuka honey offsets the bitterness of cocoa whilst the butterscotch tones of maca boost the nutrition. Cocoa powder includes several minerals including copper, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, iron and calcium. Maca is rich in Vitamins C, b and E, and provides plenty of calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron.”

Ingredients:

2 oranges peeled (white pith left on), 1 ripe banana, 1 heaped tsp cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp maca powder, 1 tsp manuka honey, 1 small handful ice.

Instructions:

Juice the oranges and pour into a blender. Put the banana, cocoa powder, maca powder, manuka honey and ice into the blender. Blend until smooth, drink and enjoy!