MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG-TV May 6, 2014) – One of the newest diet crazes sweeping the Mid-South has people replacing meals with liquid kale and carrots, claiming quick and easy results.
The craziest part? Parents are doing juice cleanses with their children.
“I really think parents are fearful of their children becoming overweight,” said registered dietician Leslie Schilling.
She said many teens are asking her about cleanses because they see Hollywood stars like Beyonce and the Kardashians doing them.
“I wouldn’t want my kid to ever be on a diet of some sort. Kids have increased protein needs and increased energy needs, because they are growing,” said Schilling.
It’s becoming a growing craze across the country.
More and more companies are marketing towards kids and posting pictures of little ones, even babies, drinking liquid meal replacements.
Companies claim it gets rid of toxins and even helps children sleep better.
A California based company, DHerbs.com, sells a cleanse specifically for them.
The website states it is safe for infants as long as you pair it with a raw diet.
WREG asked them if anyone in The Mid-South purchased the cleanse, but have yet to hear back.
Will Byrd, the manager at Cosmic Coconut in East Memphis, said juice cleanses are fine for kids, especially in the Mid-South where so many children don’t get fruits and veggies. He said it is vital they eat with it.
“Fresh coconut, avocado or some sprouted toast,” said Byrd. “Unless it was recommended by a doctor and was instructed, obviously kids you don’t want to jump into anything. You want to make sure you know what you’re doing.”
Schilling said it’s important to know what you are doing and consider the side effects before you put your little ones at risk.
“It is something to really think about. You have to question the source. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” she said.
