After doing three juice cleanses in the past year, I’ve learned a few things that will help newbies adjust and excel with their first juice cleanse. They are not an easy undertaking, however, the pay off is so rewarding as long as you remember these:
1. You will be cranky. Very cranky.
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In fact, the longer it has been since the last cleanse you did, the crankier you will be. It must be the build up of toxins or something.
2. Wait as long as you can in the morning to start the first juice.
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This makes it possible to continually sip on juices throughout the day rather than finishing one in 10 minutes and then having to wait two hours until you can have the next one.
3. Avoid being social when you’re on a cleanse.
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You’ll probably be cranky, hangry and envious of anyone around you eating, so spare them and yourself and be alone.
4. Don’t chug it (even if it’s gross).
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This plays into number two because you’ll end up having time between juices and thus more time for being mad and hungry. If you can’t help it, fill the empty time with water, and lots of it.
5. Don’t do another cleanse shortly after.
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Chances are you’re already pretty cleansed of toxins/waste after the first so it won’t be as affective to do another one within the same month. Although, it is easier and more enjoyable to do them a few times per year because you’ll be less cranky.
6. Homemade cleanses are a lot more work than just buying them.
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I can guarantee that at your weakest moment when you’re practically dialing the number for Pizza Hut you won’t want to go and juice 12 vegetables. They are expensive, though, so start saving now.
7. Eating a vegetable once a day will satisfy your need to chew (which is VERY strong).
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During the cleanse this won’t make a huge difference on your anger/hunger but it will really feel good to chew. Soon enough, you’ll be looking forward to that cucumber or piece of broccoli.
8. Know your “why” for doing the cleanse to help motivate you throughout it.
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Without this, you’ll be wandering through life (well, for 3 days) not knowing why you put yourself through all that.
9. Know what is happening to your body during this time.
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Do some research before the cleanse so you can be prepared for it. There are certain things to do before and after that will help ease the transition to and from food.
10. Use it as a reset button for making a change in your life.
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If you’ve been putting off eating healthier, working out more than once a month, being a happier/more grateful human being, etc this could really help. You surprisingly won’t want to just glob up your freshly cleansed body with a giant bowl of fettucini Alfredo.
11. Inspire others to be healthier through a cleanse or just in general.
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The best part about doing a cleanse is afterwards when you feel like a million bucks, your stomach has never been flatter and your confidence is through the roof.
If you’re mentally prepared to cleanse yourself now, there are hundreds to choose from, but here are a few I like. Share your experience with people who want the same and soon we will all be ravenous for broccoli instead of cheese fries.
If you want to know what happened when I did 2 juice cleanses in less than 2 weeks, click here.