Juice cleanses are steadily growing in popularity as more and more people are hopping on the bandwagon to “do a cleanse.” While you’ve probably read about your favorite celebrity going on a juice cleanse, you may not think that you can get through it yourself. Truth is, most people can make it through a juice cleanse quite easily. Before you take the plunge, though, learn as much as you can about it. That way you’ll know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make it through to the end. This handy guide will help get you started.
Be realistic about why you want to do a cleanse.
There are a lot of people who use juice fasting for the wrong reasons. They are typically looking for that magic pill or quick fix for health issues or weight problems. Don’t be one of “those people.” Going on a juice cleanse for those reasons is a bad idea and you will likely be disappointed – or start using it in unhealthy ways in order to achieve your desired, unrealistic results.
Juice cleansing is designed to give your digestive system a break, to cleanse your digestive tract. Use it as a way to start eating healthy and clean. Before you embark on this new way of life, use a juice cleanse to clean the slate, so to speak.
Preparation is the key to cleansing success.
The three to five days prior to starting your cleanse should not consist of junk food binges. Instead, begin preparing your body so that you can detox gently. Cut out sugar, dairy, and gluten as well as processed foods and caffeine. Over five days you can do this gradually so that when it comes time to cleanse you won’t have struggle quite so much from the effects of detox.
Choose a program you can live with – for the length of the cleanse anyway.
There are dozens of juice cleanse programs on the market. The most common cleanses last 24 hours, 3 days, a week, or 21 days. There are others, but these are the ones you will see most often. When you make your selection, think about how the cleanse will fit into your lifestyle. There will be some adjustments so choose carefully.
The product is also very important, if you have to choke down a vile concoction every day, you are much less likely to stick to your program. There are enough programs out there that you can find one you like with product you can live with. If you are making your own juice, try to get organic fruits and vegetables and keep it as clean as possible.
In the thick of it: feeling the effects of a juice cleanse.
Some people breeze through a juice fast with no ill effects. Those people might be aliens because most individuals experience at least some detox effects. Headaches, a general tired feeling, even achiness can occur – and you’ll probably be hungry. Some people liken the effects to the flu, but it usually passes within 24 to 48 hours and a burst of energy often follows.
People who are on medications, especially for high blood pressure or diabetes could experience some ill effects including fainting. Of course, pregnant women, children and women who are breast feeding should not go on a juice cleanse.
Juicy stuff about juicing.
Juicing is pretty time consuming so if you are doing it yourself be prepared for that as well as the all the fruits and vegetables you will have to buy. Because you need to drink around 10 to 12 cups of juice each day to stave off fatigue and keep your calories up, you will be spending a lot of time with the produce guy at your grocery store. Carrots and apples are pretty inexpensive and yield a good amount of juice, so try to use them as the base for your juices.
You should also make sure that you drink lots of water and only do light to moderate exercise. Don’t overdo it, you simply won’t be taking in the calories to support intense physical activity. You might also want to add a greens powder to your juice to up the nutrients. This is most often done during longer fasts, though. If you are doing a weekender you probably won’t need it.
Juicing can help get you started on a healthy eating plan and encourage you to take better care of your body. Do it organic, do it clean, and always check with your doctor before starting any diet program. Now hit that produce aisle and juice it up!
Disclaimer
These statements and products have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration “FDA” and are not intended to diagnose treat, cure or prevent any disease. The products, nutrition, and or lifestyle suggestions on this site, or in this blog or any of its written content, you should always consult your primary care physician before taking any of these things into consideration.
