Juice cleanse programs as managed by the likes of Nékter Juice Bar and Juice Press are popular among many types of people from weight loss watchers to believers in detoxification. But what are these programs exactly, what do these require, and how can you begin and break it? These are just a few of the important questions that must be answered before you plunge into one yourself.
Type of Detox Diet
Every juice clean is actually a type of detox diet wherein vegetable and fruit juices are consumed for a short period, typically just one to three days; 15-day cleanse programs are also available but these should be approached with caution, especially for beginners due to the demands involved. Depending on the program, a juice cleanse can also include smoothies as well as vegan meals and snacks for certain people. These include people who are new to juice cleanse programs, or who require more physical energy, or who want a moderate-level experience while still getting most of the health benefits.
According to its advocates, a juice cleanse program supports the body’s detox process by clearing the diet of unwanted substances. These include refined flour, processed foods, sugar, and caffeine, which can decrease energy production and increase the risk of chronic degenerative diseases, among other unhealthy effects. The cleansing process can also jumpstart your body’s adoption of healthy lifestyle habits including diet, exercise and stress management.
Keep in mind that every juice cleanse program involves the consumption of juices and smoothies made from raw fruits and vegetables. This is because the phytochemicals, antioxidants and nutrients in these natural foods are best preserved in their raw form. Most, if not all, of these natural foods are subjected to the cold press method; the introduction of heat can degrade the quantity and quality of the nutrients.
Done Appropriately for Best Results
You may be tempted to immediately jump into a juice cleanse program (i.e., without preparation) but don’t do it! You should prepare your body for its demands especially when it’s your first time to detox. A few tips in this regard:
- Decrease your consumption of refine sugar and flour, coffee and caffeine-infused products, dairy products like milk and cheese, wheat, and alcohol as well as nicotine (i.e., cigarettes and cigars). Doing so will decrease the possibility of cravings, headaches, and other withdrawal symptoms.
- Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as fluids, preferably just water. You’re essentially preparing your body for the influx of beneficial nutrients during the juice cleanse period.
Be sure to train your mind, too, for the coming days ahead. Don’t worry, however, as the demands of a juice cleanse aren’t as severe as depicted by others. You will get your daily share of nutrients for normal body functions during the juice cleanse period, even satisfy your sugar cravings through the fruit juices.
After the juice cleanse has been completed, solid food will be reintroduced into your diet over several days. Be careful about eating your fill of the food you have missed in one day because then you’re negating the benefits of the juice cleanse. Your body may also rebel, so to speak, against the sudden reintroduction of food.
During the Juice Cleanse
In a 3-day juice cleanse, the typical period, you will likely be required to consume at least 32 ounces of juices and/or smoothies; at least half of it will be green vegetable juice. Don’t worry about preparing the juices and smoothies, not even the meals and snacks, because Nékter Juice Bar will prepare and deliver them to your doorstep.
The typical 3-day juice clean can involve the following schedule: (The actual schedule will vary depending on your chosen program)
- Drink lukewarm water with fresh lemon juice.
- Drink green vegetable juice at 8 a.m.
- Drink a smoothie or a cleanse food at 10:30 a.m.
- Drink fruit or vegetable juice once every two hours in the afternoon until 6 p.m.
- Drink a smoothie or cashew nut milk at 8 p.m.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to drink juices and smoothies at all times during the 3-day juice cleanse period. You can ask for vegan food to be included as your meals and snacks. You should also drink water, either at lukewarm or room temperature, between each juice or smoothie consumption for improved bowel movement.
Tip: Drink the juice and smoothie slowly instead of gulping them down. Drink the final juice or smoothie for the day at least three hours before your bedtime.
Drinking the recommended juices, smoothies and vegan meals isn’t the only aspect of a juice cleanse program. You must also be engaged in physical activity, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, to boost your blood circulation. You may also try massage therapy, skin brushing, and contrast showers for this purpose, too. You should also look at stress management techniques, such as muscle relaxation and meditation.