For those of you who don't know me--hey there! My husband and I started this juice cleanse at the end of October. I'll be updating this post in the near future with photos--I don't want to wait a moment more in getting this up for you guys--but the difference has been incredible to my husband and I. It is the perfect time of the year to start!
It all started when we curled up one night to watch a movie together and after searching for a minute, we decided to watch the documentary Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead on Netflix--best decision ever. If you haven't seen it, please watch it before starting this cleanse with me. It's the backbone of every idea and recipe from what you're about to read. Now for the results!
Physically
----------------
In total, I lost 8 lbs in the 7 days I did the cleanse, and another 3 lbs shed in the following week when I was back to eating "normal" (dairy, gluten, less veggies, etc). My hypothesis is that it altered my metabolism, because I've been eating "normal" over the last three weeks and my weight has continued to maintain itself. I am at a weight that I haven't had since junior high and dropped three pant sizes--something I never thought was possible, especially after having a baby. I have noticed a huge difference in my energy as well. My husband lost 15 lbs in the first 2 weeks and he's still going strong! Doing the cleanse has cut his long-lasting insulin in half, and he hardly has to take any short-lasting during the day. It's such a miracle.
The weight wasn't the reason I kicked into juice-mode, but it has been an amazing side effect. I started this because wanted to feel better and healthier inside; another benefit I enjoyed from the cleanse.
Emotionally
--------------------
While days 2 and 3 sent my body into emotional havoc (can someone say "hangry?"), I felt more stable than I ever have towards the end of the week. I didn't hit a point of noticeable energy after the toxins cleared until day 4, the clarity came on day 5, and wow was it ever clarity! I felt that I had the focus and stability to complete three times the amount of tasks than I did before the cleanse.
Another element of the cleanse that affected my emotional well-being was the control of my body and my health. I was confronted with a psychological struggle that I didn't expect when starting this cleanse. I was seriously sad about not snacking on nachos/tacos/cookies/etc whenever we started a movie. As my mind went through the withdrawal stage from sugars, starches and simple carbs, I had a major struggle within myself over how addicted I was to emotional eating. My body was receiving plenty of nutrients (and adequate calories) and yet, I was so emotionally tied to junk food. As I continued to stick to my smoothies, taking charge of my health began to have a healing effect on me. I learned that I didn't need the junk like my mind was trying to tell me I did, and that I had the strength within myself to take care of my body's true needs.
-----------------
**Disclaimer: though your body will feel like it for the first few days, this is not an extreme form of dieting because your body isn't being starved of nutrition--in fact, it's getting more nutrition than it ever does in a regular day. My husband and I have had amazing results doing this cleanse, but I am not a professional dietitian. Please participate in this cleanse at your own risk. If you have diabetes or any other illnesses, consult your doctor before you begin.**
These recipes can be rotated however you wish! They can be easily prepared in multiple servings before work and stored in the fridge. The hardest part of the cleanse is that you will have to take trips to the store more frequently for fresh food. Some prep will be required for peeling oranges, coring apples, etc. but never requires more than 5 minutes prep time. I have loved that about this cleanse.
DAY 1
-----------------
Breakfast--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 green apple
-1 scoop (20g) protein
(I use IdealLean, but a plant based protein is recommended and what my husband has been using)
Lunch--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 peach
-1 banana
-chunks of pineapple
-1 scoop (20g protein)
Dinner--serves 1
-1/2 coconut milk or 2 tbsp coconut flakes
-1 banana
-1/2 avacado
-1 cup almond milk
-dash of tumeric or cinnamon
-2 handfuls spinach
DAY 2
------------
Breakfast--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cup spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1/2 green apple
-chunks of pineapple
-6-8 strawberries
1-2 scoops (20-30g) protein
Lunch--serves 2
-2 cucumbers
-8 celery stalks
-4 apples
-16 leaves of kale with stalks
-juice of 1 lemon
-1 inch piece of ginger
Dinner--serves 1
-5 strawberries
-2 handfuls kale
-2 tbsp cacao nibs or 1 scoop chocolate protein
-dash of tumeric and cinnamon
-8 oz almond milk
DAY 3
---------------
Breakfast--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cups spinach/greens
-1 stalk celery
-1 1/2 green apple
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-chunks of pineapple
-1-2 large carrots
Lunch--serves 1
-1/2 cup almond milk
-1 cup spinach/greens
-1/2 avacado
-1 large banana
-1 scoop (20g) protein
Dinner--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cups spinach/greens
-10 strawberries
-pineapple chunks
-1 peach
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1/2 avacado
DAY 4
-----------
Breakfast--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cups spinach/greens
-1 green apple
-1 carrot
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-20-40g (1-2 scoops) protein powder
Lunch--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-1 pear
-1 banana
-2 leaves kale
-1 tsp honey
Dinner--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 green apple
-2 scoops (40g) protein
DAY 5
------------
Breakfast--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-1 scoop protein powder
-1/2 cup blueberries (frozen or thawed)
-1/3 avacado
-2 kale leaves
-1/2 tsp vanilla
Lunch--serves 1
-1 cup coconut water
-1 pear
-1/3 cucumber
-1 cup of spinach
-1/2 peeled lime
-1 tsp coconut oil
-1 handful of ice
Dinner--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cup spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1/2 green apple
-chunks of pineapple
-6-8 strawberries
1-2 scoops (20-30g) protein
DAY 6
-------------
Breakfast--serves 1
-3/4 cup raspberries
-1 cup spinach
-1 scoop protein powder
-1 cup almond or coconut milk
-3-5 ice cubes
Lunch
(I had court this day and ate a salad of spinach, tomatoes,
shredded carrots and mushrooms on the go)
Dinner--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 green apple
-1 scoop (20g) protein
DAY 7
-------------
Breakfast--serves 1
-12 cherries
-1/4 pineapple
-1/4 beet (beetroot)
-1 cup coconut water or almond milk
-1 handful of ice
1 tbsp chia seeds
-1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
Lunch--serves 2
-2 oranges
-1 tsp honey
-1 cup coconut milk
-1 large handful of ice
-1 tsp chia seeds
-1 tsp fresh ginger
-1/2 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp natural vanilla
-pinch of ground clove powder (optional)
-pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Dinner--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 green apple
-2 scoops (40g) protein
SUBSTITUTIONS
-----------------------
cherries -- raspberries, blueberries, strawberries
oranges -- apple, mandarin, tangelo
pineapple -- apple, pear
beet -- carrot, raspberries
chia seeds -- flaxseeds, hempseeds
almond milk -- hemp milk, coconut milk, coconut water, hazelnut milk, rice milk
honey -- stevia, maple syrup
APPROVED SNACKS
-----------------
These are meant for breastfeeding women and special health circumstances. Remember that eating any solids is "cheating" off of the cleanse because liquidating your meals is the main idea--but if you HAVE to snack, make sure to stick to veggies or fruits and stay away from dairy/starch/gluten. The other snacks are what I had in between smoothies to keep my caloric intake where it needs to be, as I'm exclusively nursing my baby. If you're nursing, please make sure you are having enough calories!
-----------------
Protein bars (must at least 18g each), nuts, eggs, multigrain toast with butter, Lara bar, Aussie Bite (Costco carries), salad, cuties/oranges, avacado, sliced bell peppers, carrots and hummus, an apple or banana, grapefruit, pomegranate, grapes, etc. A Bolthouse Farm "Daily Greens" smoothie is also approved, if you're caught in a pinch without your smoothie.
----------------
Feel free to leave any questions in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram, and I will answer as soon as possible. The most important thing to remember during those first few rough days is that it is all worth it! Doing this with my spouse has helped me stick to it. I would definitely recommend doing this with your significant other or other family member or friend. Good luck!!
Brittany
It all started when we curled up one night to watch a movie together and after searching for a minute, we decided to watch the documentary Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead on Netflix--best decision ever. If you haven't seen it, please watch it before starting this cleanse with me. It's the backbone of every idea and recipe from what you're about to read. Now for the results!
Physically
----------------
In total, I lost 8 lbs in the 7 days I did the cleanse, and another 3 lbs shed in the following week when I was back to eating "normal" (dairy, gluten, less veggies, etc). My hypothesis is that it altered my metabolism, because I've been eating "normal" over the last three weeks and my weight has continued to maintain itself. I am at a weight that I haven't had since junior high and dropped three pant sizes--something I never thought was possible, especially after having a baby. I have noticed a huge difference in my energy as well. My husband lost 15 lbs in the first 2 weeks and he's still going strong! Doing the cleanse has cut his long-lasting insulin in half, and he hardly has to take any short-lasting during the day. It's such a miracle.
The weight wasn't the reason I kicked into juice-mode, but it has been an amazing side effect. I started this because wanted to feel better and healthier inside; another benefit I enjoyed from the cleanse.
Emotionally
--------------------
While days 2 and 3 sent my body into emotional havoc (can someone say "hangry?"), I felt more stable than I ever have towards the end of the week. I didn't hit a point of noticeable energy after the toxins cleared until day 4, the clarity came on day 5, and wow was it ever clarity! I felt that I had the focus and stability to complete three times the amount of tasks than I did before the cleanse.
Another element of the cleanse that affected my emotional well-being was the control of my body and my health. I was confronted with a psychological struggle that I didn't expect when starting this cleanse. I was seriously sad about not snacking on nachos/tacos/cookies/etc whenever we started a movie. As my mind went through the withdrawal stage from sugars, starches and simple carbs, I had a major struggle within myself over how addicted I was to emotional eating. My body was receiving plenty of nutrients (and adequate calories) and yet, I was so emotionally tied to junk food. As I continued to stick to my smoothies, taking charge of my health began to have a healing effect on me. I learned that I didn't need the junk like my mind was trying to tell me I did, and that I had the strength within myself to take care of my body's true needs.
-----------------
**Disclaimer: though your body will feel like it for the first few days, this is not an extreme form of dieting because your body isn't being starved of nutrition--in fact, it's getting more nutrition than it ever does in a regular day. My husband and I have had amazing results doing this cleanse, but I am not a professional dietitian. Please participate in this cleanse at your own risk. If you have diabetes or any other illnesses, consult your doctor before you begin.**
These recipes can be rotated however you wish! They can be easily prepared in multiple servings before work and stored in the fridge. The hardest part of the cleanse is that you will have to take trips to the store more frequently for fresh food. Some prep will be required for peeling oranges, coring apples, etc. but never requires more than 5 minutes prep time. I have loved that about this cleanse.
DAY 1
-----------------
Breakfast--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 green apple
-1 scoop (20g) protein
(I use IdealLean, but a plant based protein is recommended and what my husband has been using)
Lunch--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 peach
-1 banana
-chunks of pineapple
-1 scoop (20g protein)
Dinner--serves 1
-1/2 coconut milk or 2 tbsp coconut flakes
-1 banana
-1/2 avacado
-1 cup almond milk
-dash of tumeric or cinnamon
-2 handfuls spinach
DAY 2
------------
Breakfast--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cup spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1/2 green apple
-chunks of pineapple
-6-8 strawberries
1-2 scoops (20-30g) protein
Lunch--serves 2
-2 cucumbers
-8 celery stalks
-4 apples
-16 leaves of kale with stalks
-juice of 1 lemon
-1 inch piece of ginger
Dinner--serves 1
-5 strawberries
-2 handfuls kale
-2 tbsp cacao nibs or 1 scoop chocolate protein
-dash of tumeric and cinnamon
-8 oz almond milk
DAY 3
---------------
Breakfast--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cups spinach/greens
-1 stalk celery
-1 1/2 green apple
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-chunks of pineapple
-1-2 large carrots
Lunch--serves 1
-1/2 cup almond milk
-1 cup spinach/greens
-1/2 avacado
-1 large banana
-1 scoop (20g) protein
Dinner--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cups spinach/greens
-10 strawberries
-pineapple chunks
-1 peach
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1/2 avacado
DAY 4
-----------
Breakfast--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cups spinach/greens
-1 green apple
-1 carrot
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-20-40g (1-2 scoops) protein powder
Lunch--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-1 pear
-1 banana
-2 leaves kale
-1 tsp honey
Dinner--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 green apple
-2 scoops (40g) protein
DAY 5
------------
Breakfast--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-1 scoop protein powder
-1/2 cup blueberries (frozen or thawed)
-1/3 avacado
-2 kale leaves
-1/2 tsp vanilla
Lunch--serves 1
-1 cup coconut water
-1 pear
-1/3 cucumber
-1 cup of spinach
-1/2 peeled lime
-1 tsp coconut oil
-1 handful of ice
Dinner--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 cup spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1/2 green apple
-chunks of pineapple
-6-8 strawberries
1-2 scoops (20-30g) protein
DAY 6
-------------
Breakfast--serves 1
-3/4 cup raspberries
-1 cup spinach
-1 scoop protein powder
-1 cup almond or coconut milk
-3-5 ice cubes
Lunch
(I had court this day and ate a salad of spinach, tomatoes,
shredded carrots and mushrooms on the go)
Dinner--serves 1
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 green apple
-1 scoop (20g) protein
DAY 7
-------------
Breakfast--serves 1
-12 cherries
-1/4 pineapple
-1/4 beet (beetroot)
-1 cup coconut water or almond milk
-1 handful of ice
1 tbsp chia seeds
-1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
Lunch--serves 2
-2 oranges
-1 tsp honey
-1 cup coconut milk
-1 large handful of ice
-1 tsp chia seeds
-1 tsp fresh ginger
-1/2 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp natural vanilla
-pinch of ground clove powder (optional)
-pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Dinner--serves 2
-1 cup almond milk
-2 handfuls spinach/greens
-1/2 cucumber
-1/2 avacado
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 green apple
-2 scoops (40g) protein
SUBSTITUTIONS
-----------------------
cherries -- raspberries, blueberries, strawberries
oranges -- apple, mandarin, tangelo
pineapple -- apple, pear
beet -- carrot, raspberries
chia seeds -- flaxseeds, hempseeds
almond milk -- hemp milk, coconut milk, coconut water, hazelnut milk, rice milk
honey -- stevia, maple syrup
APPROVED SNACKS
-----------------
These are meant for breastfeeding women and special health circumstances. Remember that eating any solids is "cheating" off of the cleanse because liquidating your meals is the main idea--but if you HAVE to snack, make sure to stick to veggies or fruits and stay away from dairy/starch/gluten. The other snacks are what I had in between smoothies to keep my caloric intake where it needs to be, as I'm exclusively nursing my baby. If you're nursing, please make sure you are having enough calories!
-----------------
Protein bars (must at least 18g each), nuts, eggs, multigrain toast with butter, Lara bar, Aussie Bite (Costco carries), salad, cuties/oranges, avacado, sliced bell peppers, carrots and hummus, an apple or banana, grapefruit, pomegranate, grapes, etc. A Bolthouse Farm "Daily Greens" smoothie is also approved, if you're caught in a pinch without your smoothie.
----------------
Feel free to leave any questions in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram, and I will answer as soon as possible. The most important thing to remember during those first few rough days is that it is all worth it! Doing this with my spouse has helped me stick to it. I would definitely recommend doing this with your significant other or other family member or friend. Good luck!!
Brittany
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