The above slide show is a glimpse at what I've been enjoying drinking for the past 7 days. I made the decision to embark on a 2.5 week mini-cleanse, just as an effort to knock out a few cobwebs (and unwanted pounds) from my system leading into the autumn season and to be feeling my best for my birthday next week. I generally do this type of cleanse a couple of times a year now.
So instead of a "juice feast" this time, I decided to make my time on liquids a bit more doable and forgiving for my lifestyle. On Monday, September 14th, I started this fluid detox which consists of fresh fruit & vegetable juices, smoothies, smart cocktails, blended soups and broths. I've been sharing my photos on Facebook this past week and have received a number of questions that I wanted to answer here for the benefits of all of my inquisitive, health conscious readers.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU GET HUNGRY?
One of the cool things about doing a juice feast is that I don't allow myself to get hungry. On most days I take in anywhere from 3-4 liters of fresh juice/smoothies and I also keep plenty of pure water flowing in. I PROMISE you that when you are adequately hydrated and taking in this quantity of nutrient dense liquid, you won't be hungry. It is advisable to drink a quart/liter of juice about every 3- 4 hours.
WHERE ARE THE RECIPES?
If you go to my Facebook album and click on the photo, you'll find the ingredients listed under the picture.
WHAT'S THE BUDGET ON SOMETHING LIKE THIS....LOOKS EXPENSIVE?
I have found that I spend an average of $15 per day when I am on the juice train, so depending on your food budget, that may be expensive for you. I view it as a matter of priority and I usually plan to do something like this when I know I have the funds available to commit to doing this type of cleanse. I can honestly tell you that the investment in your health FAR OUT WEIGHS the cost. I have paid a lot more money for insignificant things in my past, and I never felt this good.
ARE YOU GOING TO SHARE HOW IT'S GOING....I MEAN, HOW ARE YOU FEELING, DO YOU NOTICE ANYTHING?
I always feel my very best when I do nutrient dense, easy to assimilate liquids. In 7 days, I've dropped 5 pounds (YIPPEE!) and my energy levels are noticeably improved. I actually feel motivated to get out and move my body and look forward to going on my daily walks. I did experience an outbreak of acne-like stuff on my cheek and chin within the first 3 days, which was a form of detox, no doubt. I had a very mild head ache mid-week last week, but other than that, no adverse symptoms. REMEMBER tho....I've been eating a very high raw diet for years now, so if you choose to do this you could have more pronounced symptoms.
I SEE YOU'VE USED WHEATGRASS AND WHEATGRASS POWDERS. I'M OFF GLUTEN CONTAINING PRODUCTS LIKE WHEAT, SO WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST IN IT'S PLACE?
Wheat grass powder or wheat grass juice rarely offends those with gluten/wheat sensitivities. Most people are allergic to the processed grain and the gluten....but the young, tender blades of grass are basically in the same category as other leafy greens....and oh so nutritious! But you might want to try a tiny bit of it to see how you react first.
I DON'T LIKE CLEANING MY JUICER 5 TIMES A DAY. CAN YOU JUICE A LARGE QUANTITY AND STORE IT? WHAT IS THE "SHELF LIFE" FOR FRESH JUICE?
The general rule of thumb in storing juice is to fill a mason/kerr jar to the top, seal and store in the frig up to 24 hours. As fresh juice ages, it slowly decreases in nutritional value, so drinking it fresh is always preferable. Juicers such as the Green Star helps the juice to oxidize less rapidly, but I still think it TASTES the best if drank within a few hours of making. If you work all day, I recommend juicing for your day in the morning and then juicing your final "meal" when you arrive home in the evenings. I don't encourage freezing your juice......but that's just me.
ARE YOU USING A JUICER OR A BLENDER AND WHAT BRANDS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
I use both my Omega Juicer and my VitaMix daily. I also have a manual citrus juicer that I use frequently. This type of liquid cleanse can be done with just a blender, preferably high powered, and a nut milk bag used to strain liquids into juice. I love the versatility of working with different gadgets to get my drinks and it really helps in the clean up part of the equation.
If you have any more questions, please post them in the comment section below. I'll do another juice report in a few days. I really enjoy your questions!
If you are interested in doing a more intensive cleanse, I want to recommend a One-On-One Coached Juice Feast by my mentor, David Rainoshek, which he will be starting on my birthday, October 2nd running through November 1st. For more information, please visit his website.
