Must-Do or Taboo? Juice Cleanse

My third challenge for the “Must-Do or Taboo?” series was a challenge indeed! Juice cleansing--a detox period where one remains on a strict regimen of assigned juices and avoids solid foods completely--has had a recent spike in popularity, mostly due to rumors of rapid weight loss combined with appealing packaging and strategic Internet marketing. Because of this, many have deemed juice cleanses to be taboo, tossing them into the fad diets pile.

I LOVE food (solid food!), and who doesn’t, but I’m also interested in health awareness and what we put into our bodies, so I did some research of my own. While reading up on ingredients and the goals and outcomes of juice cleanses, I detected a rather clear distinction between these cleanses and fad diets (which I would never suggest). Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I would test the waters of this taboo and dip my toe into the cleanse world with a one-day juice cleanse!

For this challenge, I decided a cleanse that contained mostly greens was the way to go. Based on the background information the company provided for each level of cleanse, I went with the intermediate one. Although I’ve never tried juicing, I fit the profile, as I’ve been a vegetarian/pescatarian since seventh grade and avoid heavy dairy foods. I did three days of prep, which wasn’t too hard for me considering I was a little under the weather and hadn’t been eating much anyway. Fruits and veggies were key.

On the day of the cleanse, I was ready! Each juice was delicious, and I was able to drink my favorite herbal teas in-between. By the evening, I wasn’t hungry, but did miss the sensation of chewing. The final juice made me forget all about it — it was a delicious cashew vanilla juice that tasted as good as a milkshake! Before I make my final ruling, however, I must make a disclaimer that juice cleanses are not for the faint of heart! There are preparations both before and after the cleanse that are necessary for it to be effective. With that being said, juice cleanses are great to try if you're committed and in the condition to do so. I’m so glad I tried it, and officially rule it a personal must-do! I would absolutely try the three-day cleanse, but would not go further than that by attempting the five-day or seven-day cleanses.

In the larger scheme of things, it may not be for everyone, but there are juice brands that supply outside the scheduled cleanses that are excellent replacements for, say, coffee, milk or processed juices.

Cleansing was definitely an eye-opening experience. Besides making me appreciate food so much more, I felt a sense of clarity that is most likely similar to the clarity achieved while fasting. I felt completely in control of what was entering my body, rather than scarfing down nonsensical preservatives and additives. It was actually quite empowering, not only as a consumer but also as a woman, to use natural remedies to cleanse my system and aura. I got to choose my own route and be informed about each organic and earth-derived ingredient. The confidence I gained was something I’ll be holding on to.

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xoxo