Even the healthiest and most well intentioned of us can get derailed during the holiday season. Parties to attend, dinners to go to, celebrations, which include food and drink, are everywhere.
Now that we have made it to 2015 it’s time to reset and get back on track. One fantastic and easy way to do that is with a juice fast. Having had such fantastic results, I had a multitude of people asking me for directions. Here they are!
DIRECTIONS:
1. Upon waking
Drink (2) – 8oz glasses of water with lemon or lime added for extra detoxification.
2. Throughout the day: Drink (4) 12oz. glasses of juice
3. After each juice, drink 16oz. of water or more.
NOTES ON JUICE FASTS:
By “juice” I am referring to fresh juices made of vegetables and fruits with spices added in if you choose. (Turmeric and Ginger are two great choices). Please do not do a juice fast with store bought juices. They are not fresh and are often depleted of vitamins, minerals, and have additives as well as sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and even artificial sweeteners, which are all toxic. *Please, if at all possible, use organic non-gmo fruits and veggies.
When a juice reads “natural flavors” – it can be made from just about anything – including MSG and or artificial sweeteners. This will only serve to add in more toxins and defeat the purpose of the cleanse and sabotage your results!
It is easiest to make or buy all of the juices in the morning so you don’t have to run out to get anything. Having everything prepared helps to keep you motivated and quell the urge to cheat.
I have found that juicing yourself is not any less cost than having the fruits and veggies juiced for you. If you have a Whole Foods or Organic market with a juice bar it really can save time and mess to clean up with out additional cost.
The first day is always the hardest. We are used to the routine of eating breakfast, lunch, dinner and sometimes snacks. Keeping yourself busy seems to be key in success, at least for myself.
Juicing is an amazingly powerful way to clear and clean your body. This article lists very accurately the cleansing phases and what your body goes through as the cleanse progresses.
MY EXPERIENCE:
DAY 1
1 glass grapefruit juice
8 glasses of water
1 glass of carrot juice
½ bottle of grape kombucha
1 glass of beet, parsley, celery, and cilantro
By only 1:30pm I was already experiencing detoxification symptoms. My face was hot and flushed and I felt a bit teary eyed and a little dizzy. I slept for 11 hours that evening. As your body clears itself out, rest is needed.
DAY 2
1 glass grapefruit juice
8 glasses of water
2 glasses of carrot juice
1 glass beet, parsley, celery juice, horseradish
½ bottle grape kombucha
Added lemon and lime essential oils to water for extra detoxification power
I was still very teary eyed, sniffly, and blah feeling. Again I needed more sleep than usual. I clocked in 10 hours of pillow time.
DAY 3
1 glass grapefruit juice
8 glasses of water
2 glasses of carrot juice
1 glass beet, parsley, celery juice, horseradish
½ bottle grape kombucha
Added lemon and lime essential oils to water for extra detoxification power
On the third day of detoxification I will be honest. I felt awful. It’s like having a major head cold. My tongue was coated white and even a tongue scraper would not get it all off. Though I am glad I chose to do this for my health, it was difficult to go through. I will say though – I was not hungry at all during these first days. I missed food on a habitual and psychological level only.
DAY 4
1 glass fresh squeezed orange juice
2 glasses carrot juice
1 glass celery, cucumber, parsley, apple
Added lemon and lime essential oils to water for extra detoxification power
9 glasses of water
By day 4 I was feeling better than the previous day, but I was still experiencing some detox symptoms: slight headache & watery eyes.
I have had friends ask me “Why are you doing that if it’s making you feel bad?”
My answer is that feeling like this now and allowing my body to clean itself out on a cellular level will prevent sickness and disease.
To me, it is very worth the inconvenience.
DAY 5
1 glass carrot juice
1 glass celery, cucumber, parsley, broccoli, cilantro
2 glasses of beet, apple, carrot, celery, ginger
Added lemon and lime essential oils to water for extra detoxification power
9 glasses of water
BIG SALAD!!!!
By day 5 I was still experiencing some detox symptoms so I decided to continue the cleanse, modified. I am juicing during the day and at night eating a big organic salad.
From there I will merge into eating all organic again including as much raw food as possible.
For more on detox symptoms please read my article “Is your detox making you feel sick?”
RESULTS:
My skin looks clearer and has more of a glow
My hair is shinier
I lost -7lbs
-10.5” overall
I feel better with more energy
All food cravings have stopped
My appetite has decreased and I am still pretty satisfied to drink juice all day
You would never run your car endlessly without the maintenance of a good oil change once in a while, so why do that to your body? Our bodies are intended to be self cleaning (as is the argument I hear often). I agree, however, they were not designed to deal with an an endless array of toxins in our food, air and being put on our bodies in varying ways. The majority of us are on toxic overload….. It can lead to feeling run down, ill and ultimately disease or death.
I highly recommend juice fasting once in a while! Your body will thank you!
