The Ultimate Guide to Cold Showers for Energy and Recovery.

It sounds freezing just thinking about it, but once you get your mindset to overcome the cold you’ll start feeling the amazing benefits of cold showers. Cold showers have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their numerous health benefits and invigorating effects. While the idea of subjecting yourself to icy water might seem daunting, the rewards may make it worth the initial discomfort. Believe me, I’ve tried! Coming from a 37 year old women who enjoys steamy HOT showers! Let’s explore the science behind cold showers and get right into the potential benefits backed by research.

Benefits of Cold Showers

  1. Boosts Circulation and Immune System: Cold showers are known to stimulate blood circulation, promoting overall cardiovascular health. The exposure to cold water causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, enhancing blood flow. This increased circulation may contribute to a stronger immune system by mobilizing immune cells throughout the body.
  2. Elevates Mood and Reduces Stress: Cold showers trigger the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. Additionally, the shock of cold water on the skin activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased alertness and a temporary reduction in stress levels.
  3. Enhances Recovery for Muscles and Joints: Athletes often turn to cold water immersion as a recovery tool. Cold showers can help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, promoting faster recovery after intense physical activities.
  4. Improves Skin and Hair Health: Cold water can tighten pores and cuticles, preventing dirt and oil from clogging the skin. It also promotes shiny hair by closing hair cuticles. While hot water may strip natural oils, cold water helps retain moisture, contributing to healthier skin and hair.

Incorporating cold showers into your routine might not SOUND like fun, but once you get the hang of it, they come with a plethora of health benefits. Start slowly, and make sure you are breathing throughout the process.

Here’s my personal journey with cold showers.

Since I started, I’ve noticed my hair falls out LESS in the shower, I have more energy throughout my day and overall have enhanced mood. Coming from someone who loves steamy hot showers, how did I get my self to finally take the plunge? Well I started taking cold showers right after my steam or sauna sessions (more on this in a coming blog post!) at the gym. I got to enjoy the warmth, then started cold showers at the end of my shower for the last minute. Now I use the coldest setting! It is FREEZING! I feel so refreshed and revitalized after I have to say! Short term pain for long term enjoyment! Try it out you wont regret it.

References:

Meehan, C. F., & Tomasi, T. B. (1992). The immune system and cold water swimming. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 420(1), 105-113.

Shevchuk, N. A. (2008). Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression. Medical Hypotheses, 70(5), 995-1001.

Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(S1), 43-48.

Best Cold Pressed Juices for Pre and Post-Workout Vitality

cold pressed beet juice

It’s the year 2024 and you are ready to get into the best shape of your life. Although a new year isn’t required to start setting health and wellness goals, it definitely helps to motivate everyone for a fresh new start. Embarking on a fitness journey requires more than just physical exertion; it demands thoughtful consideration of nutrition to support your body’s needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of cold pressed juices and how they can be tailored to become your best friend for pre and post-workout nutrition without the use of store bought pre workouts that may have negative side effects. Let’s dive right into the refreshing and energizing universe of the best cold pressed juices, carefully chosen to maximize your stamina and muscle recovery throughout your fitness journey.

Understanding Pre-Workout Nutrition

Before you hit the gym, it’s crucial to fuel your body with the correct nutrients so that you can maximize the benefits of your work out. Understand what sources of nutrition you body needs to fuel that work out is also essential. The best cold pressed juices that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants serve as an idea pre workout beverage to kickstart your energy levels.

Here are some of the best cold pressed juices we recommend that help with pre & post work outs:

Beet it Orange

Royal Flush

Mean Greens

Evergreens

Ginger Shot

Turmeric Shot

Wellness shot

Recovery is a very important part of your fitness and wellness journey.

To fuel your body and ensure it recovers you want to focus on a balanced combination of macro and micronutrients.

  1. Carbohydrates: Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, sweet potatoes, or oats. These provide sustained energy throughout your workout.
  2. Protein: Essential for muscle recovery, include chicken, fish or plant based options like quinoa or tofu. This is essential for muscle repair, growth and crucial for optimizing the benefits of your workout
  3. Fats: Didn’t think you needed this did you? Well fats are VERY important for our diet and unlike many advertisements that try to scare you away, if you include healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, it can actually contribute to over all energy and endurance.
  4. Hydration: Don’t forget to drink water through-out your day! Staying hydrated is fundamental for performance and your overall health. Cold pressed juices like the ones we mentioned not only provide the amazing nutrients, but also help to keep you hydrated as well. They do not replace water however.

Understanding these sources of nutrition ensures that your body is well-prepared for the physical demands of your workout and your wellness journey. As you enjoy the Best Cold Pressed Juices for Pre and Post-Workout, complement them with a well-rounded diet to fuel your fitness journey effectively. Remember, it’s not a diet it’s a life style. Try to make smaller changes that aren’t very drastic that you can keep up with. We all need a little snack every now and then, but minimizing processed sugar and processed foods that feed disease is essential and necessary. More on that in another blog! Stay tuned.

Here’s to a healthy and energized 2024.

Sources:

What is the difference between cold pressed juice vs regular store-bought juice?

cold pressed juice

You keep hearing the buzz word cold pressed juice, but what exactly is that and what makes it better? Not all juices are created equal. With the rise of health-conscious consumers, cold-pressed juices, juice cleanses, and detox cleanses have gained popularity. Lets dive right into the differences between cold pressed juices and regular store-bought juices.

Cold Pressed Juice

The Process: Cold pressed juices are made using a hydraulic press to extract liquid from fruits and vegetables without generating heat. This process retains vital enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants, delivering a nutrient-dense juice1. Other juices are either heated during the process or after which kills enzymes and nutrients during the process.

Nutrient Preservation: Research has shown that cold pressing minimizes nutrient degradation, preserving the integrity of vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables2. This ensures that every sip of cold pressed juice packs a powerful nutritional punch.

Store-Bought Juices: The Unfiltered Truth

Heat Pasteurization: Most store-bought juices undergo pasteurization, a process involving heat to eliminate bacteria and prolong shelf life. However, this process can also compromise the nutritional value of the juice by breaking down heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes3.

Added Sugars and Preservatives: Many commercial juices are loaded with added sugars and preservatives to enhance flavour and extend shelf life. Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and type 2 diabetes4. Our cold pressed juices at Green Press are juiced, bottled, and delivered directly to the customer with out the use of any pasteurization process that destroy these vitamins.

Cold Pressed Juice Cleanses

Cold pressed juices are popular in detox juice cleanses due to their high content of detoxifying compounds. Ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens contribute to the body’s natural cleansing processes5.

The high water content in cold pressed juices aids in hydration, supporting the elimination of toxins from the body6. Proper hydration is a cornerstone of any effective detox program.

Cold pressed juices wins as the champion for those looking for a nutritional powerhouse, as opposed to juices with a bunch of nasty added chemicals and preservatives. With its meticulous extraction process and nutrient-rich profile, cold pressed juices offer a refreshing alternative to store-bought options laden with additives and sugar.

As you embark on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, let the vibrancy of cold pressed juices be your guiding light. Choose wisely, sip consciously, and savor the benefits of a choice that’s not just a beverage but a commitment to your well-being.

Sources:

  1. “Effects of Commercial Processing on the Nutrient Composition of Fresh Produce.” Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2000.
  2. “Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Vegetables: A Review.” Food and Public Health, 2012.
  3. “Effect of Pasteurization on the Nutritional Quality of Orange Juice.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2010.
  4. “Added Sugars and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association.” Circulation, 2016.
  5. “Anti-inflammatory Effects of a Tart Cherry Juice Blend in Rats with Carrageenan-Induced Pleurisy.” Journal of Food Science, 2014.
  6. “Water, Hydration, and Health.” Nutrition Reviews, 2010.