Did a 10 day fast using a cheap juicer ($60 Hamilton Big Mouth from Amazon). Centrifugal rather than masticating, so you don't get all the fiber, but fiber has never been an issue for me!
I plan on starting a 2 juice / 2 small meal diet program next week, and only see the fiber as being an issue if you are fasting.
One point regarding storing juice. Don't. Reports vary on how quickly they're nutritional value drops to minimal (1 hour or 48?), but regardless, they taste like shit once they've oxidized. Especially if you incorporate a citrus or other fruit as most recipes recommend, it seems to sour or curdle the whole thing. Blech!
Personally, my primary requirement for a juicer is that it must be fast and easy enough to not change my daily routine much. Otherwise I wouldn't use it. Some of my key concerns:
- Easy to Clean. If you buy a centrifugal unit, make sure to use bags in the pulp receptacle. I can tear mine down and wash with the brush in just a few minutes. You'll not want to use a dishwasher if you use it more than once a day.
- Less Chopping. Buy something with a big mouth attachment. Quartering apples isn't difficult, but dropping a whole one in is just so much simpler.
- Dispenser Height. Skip all those cups/containers that come with a juicer. They're a waste of time. Most of the reviews I read researching multiple juicers was that the cups/pitchers wouldn't seat right (causing leaks or spray during juicing) or last long. My grocery store sells clear plastic cups (Dixie or Solo) with lids. Just make sure your juicer is tall enough to dispense into them. Great for breakfast on the go.
- Organic. I'm not a big organic guy, but with juicing most of the nutrients are in the skins. Just feel a little more comfortable with less chance of insecticides and such since I do a quick rinse before throwing into the juicer.
Favorite Breakfast Drink (Orangesicle):
1/4 Cantaloupe (skinned)
2 Oranges
Handful of Berries
Scoop of Whey Protein Isolate (plain)
EDIT:
Forgot the juicer!
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach.../dp/B000FHQJ6C
Cheap enough to get a "taste" for juicing. If you like it, you can always upgrade to something of a higher quality. Once mine breaks down, I will probably consider getting a higher end masticating unit like the Omegas or a Vitamix.