Given the many health fads and diets out there, it’s only natural to be skeptical about starting a cleanse. Yet, more than a trend, a cold-pressed juice cleanse is an excellent way to detox, nurture, and refresh your body.
Back to Basics: What Is a Juice Cleanse?
A juice cleanse is a detox method focused on drinking cold-pressed juices made from fruit and vegetables. A typical juice cleanse lasts between 1 to 7 days. Some include nut milk, protein juices or certain meals to support the process and your overall health.
Each cleanse experience is unique and can vary according to your health condition, goals, and specific ingredients.
Benefits of a juice cleanse include:
- Rest for the digestive system: Studies show that a 3-day juice cleanse may increase gut bacteria, helping ferment and metabolize complex carbs. Your body will get a break from digesting processed sugars, caffeine, alcohol, and other substances that may have kept it too hard at work.
- MORE energy! Fueling your body with vitamins and nutrients from fruits and veggies can provide a natural energy boost. And since there is no pulp in cold-pressed juice, your body will absorb the invigorating juices in no time!
- Reduced inflammation: Cold-pressed juices are packed with polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory functions. They also have plenty of antioxidants, well known for fighting free radicals that may contribute to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
- Calorie deficit: During a cleanse, you will consume fewer calories and stay off processed and unhealthy food. If you are working toward a calorie deficit, then a juice cleanse can help break away from harmful eating habits and set you on the right path to reach that goal.
Best Juice Cleanse for Beginners
Nervous about your first cleanse? We got you! As a beginner, it is crucial to choose the juice cleanse program that best suits you and your needs. We recommend opting for a half-day, mini juice cleanse or a 3- or -5-day cleanse to start.
- Mini Cleanse: This half-day cleanse includes four juices per day. Drink cold pressed juices for two meals a day and finish your day with a healthy This allows you to ease your way into juice cleansing and take note of how your body reacts.
- 3- or 5-day Juice Cleanse: This type of cleanse includes 6 juices per day and allows you to try out cleansing without committing to a full week. Perfect for both beginners and experienced alike. Try choosing a cleanse that includes a nut-milk or protein-based juice to keep you satisfied.
It is important to keep in mind that everyone’s body is different. As you do your first juice cleanse, listen to your body as it reacts to the intake of cold pressed juice.
How to Prepare for your First Juice Cleanse
At least 2 to 4 days before starting a juice cleanse, gradually stop consuming the following items:
- Processed food
- Refined sugar and white flour
- Dairy and meat products
- Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine
- Over-the-counter medication (unless prescribed)
Make sure your diet includes fresh vegetables and fruits during this time.
What to Do During a Juice Cleanse
Drink your cold-pressed juices throughout the day, a few hours apart from each other. Ensure you drink plenty of water between the juices to stay hydrated.
As you cleanse your system, you may experience some headaches and mood swings. Be patient and ease into the process. Help your body rest and recover with healthy mind-body practices such as walking, breathing exercises, meditation, and avoiding any extraneous physical activity.
Embarking on your first cleanse may also make you hungry. If you need food, eat vegetable broth, smoothies, a snack of solid fruits or veggies like carrots, jicama, or cucumbers.
Drink your last juice at least 2-3 hours before going to bed. If you feel sick, stop the juice cleanse and talk to your doctor.
What to Do After Your First Juice Cleanse
Gently incorporate solid foods back into your diet, starting with broths or smoothies, and leading into whole fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Eat your veggies raw or steamed and keep drinking plenty of water. Avoid the same items you eliminated right before starting the cleanse (processed food, alcohol, refined sugar, etc.).
As the days go by, continue to slowly introduce food from your typical diet until you return to eating full nourishing meals.
If you are looking to kick off your first cleansing journey to detox, reset, and restore, order a juice cleanse today!