What I Learned During My First Juice Cleanse
I’ve been thinking about a juice cleanse for quite some time. Friends have said the benefits for their skin are amazing. Boggers have recommended a juice fast or a juice cleanse to help with their gut issues. I’ve been a fan of the locally owned and well-loved Ginger Juice and even hovered over the “add to cart” a time or two before. The thought intimidated me, though.
I love my food. I write about it. My friends are restaurant industry people. I’m dating a restaurant owner. I travel a lot and food and drinks are a highlight. Replacing my meals and snacks with liquid didn’t sound like fun or like it would fit into my lifestyle. I love my fruits and veggies, though. I also suffer from eczema and found myself in a bit of a food rut. Ginger Juice came to the rescue and changed my mind about a juice cleanse. I signed up to try the one-day juice cleanse–the beginner option! Here’s a little bit about how it went…
A Few Reasons to Consider A Juice Cleanse
- Show yourself you can accomplish something. That was the biggest thing I came away with. It was a challenge and I made it through with flying colors! I was proud.
- Try some new flavors without much effort. I tried 7 new flavors in one day. I found a few favorite juices and soups I’d like to enjoy more often. I may even try to make a similar soup at home. Inspiration was flowing.
- Don’t do it for weight loss. We ain’t about fad diets or shortcuts here at Sweet Sauce. Body changes happen with long-term healthy lifestyle choices and habits. Dr. Kelly Plowe also said, “Juice cleanses specifically lack fiber, which helps control your appetite and helps your body ‘cleanse’ itself. Any weight lost is likely to be gained back.”
- Increased energy. I undertook my juice cleanse on a very long, stressful day. I tell ya I felt great and energized all day. Raw fruits, veggies, and spices are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help deliver energy to your amazing body. A cleanse also detoxes your body’s systems, which also gives your energy a boost.
- Reset your gut. A clean slate is healthy for your body to get all its ducks, or enzymes, in a row. Eating straight-forward nutrients and eliminating solids for a bit gives it a rest so it can work optimally.
How to Do it Right
- Eat healthy before and after the juice cleanse. Gradually eliminate foods like sugar, meat, dairy, wheat, and alcohol. Add in more fresh vegetables, fruits, and water. Keep it light for a few days after the cleanse. You don’t want to shock your system and you want to get the most bang for your juicing adventure. I picked up healthy bites at Ginger Juice and I popped into Pit & Peel, as well. I kept the good stuff in my fridge and pantry, too. Get my list to healthy restaurants to Richmond.
- Stay stress-free. This is a big deal for your body! As we all know now, the mind and body are connected. If you’ve got other stressful things going on, either postpone your cleanse or make room for mental wellness. Otherwise, make sure you are calm and collected throughout the cleanse so your body can fully benefit from the effort.
- Same goes for workouts. Don’t plan crazy workouts during a juice cleanse. Stay active walking and with lighter workouts, but take a breather from your heavy duty sweat sessons. Your body is already going through a lot, you don’t want to stretch yourself too thin.
What it was Like
- I did it! First and foremost that was a gratifying feeling of accomplishing the juice fast. I was surrounded by alcohol, snacks, and even traveled the day of my cleanse. I stayed on target and my friends and family supported me. That was a good feeling to know I put my health first and succeeded.
- It was delicious. Like, really truly delicious. I would have never been able to make my own juices or soups like this. I definitely recommend diversifying your juice options, whether you’re doing it for a day or a few days. Working with a company like Ginger Juice made that possible.
- I was never hungry. I had 4 juices, 2 soups, and a tumeric wellness shot. Each one was different than the last and satisfied any cravings I would normally have–especially the savory ones. Adding savory soups really helped me feel satisfied.
Watch my Vlog About the Exprience
Thank you!!
A special thank you to MK and Ginger Juice! I can’t wait to come back ASAP for some everyday food and for my next cleanse–maybe a two or three-day endeavor next time!
