Let's Talk About Juice Cleanses
Preparing for the Good, the Bad, and the Hangry
If you’re considering going on a juice cleanse, that’s wonderful news! You’re probably experiencing feelings of excitement and nervousness, or maybe both! But your feelings are normal and valid. It shows that you’re taking the first step toward leading a healthier lifestyle and giving your body the break it needs, and I’m sure all of our bodies could use a break sometimes from all the junk we tend to love to eat. The real question is, are you really ready for a juice cleanse and all that comes with it?
You have to remember that juice cleanses aren’t just some fad or trend you do just to post pictures of on your social media. It’s a real action you take towards establishing healthier eating habits and resetting your body. So, before you embark on a juice cleanse, it’s important to take a few things into consideration to prepare. And this is something you need to do whether you’re doing a 3-day cleanse or a 14-day cleanse.
If you want to do a cleanse but aren’t sure where to begin, follow these tips to properly prepare.
Determine Your Goals: What Do You Hope to Gain From the Cleanse?
Sure, juice cleanses help your body get rid of toxins, give your gut a little break, help you drop a couple of pounds, and just make you feel healthier overall. But let’s be real—most of us aren’t doing a juice cleanse for all the benefits. Maybe you just want to feel less bloated or fit into those jeans you love, and there’s no shame in that!
The trick to making a juice cleanse work is knowing why you’re doing it. Is it for a quick reset, to boost your energy, or to kickstart some healthier habits? Figuring that out first is super important. Trust me, I’ve done cleanses where I didn’t really have a “why,” and ended up hangry and dreaming about burgers, in which I eventually quit the cleanse early. So, set some clear goals before you start sipping, and you’ll be able to reach the goals you set for yourself.
Be Sure You’re Choosing the Right Juice Cleanse
Not all juices are created equal! There are a ton of options out there, but if you want to get the most out of your cleanse, you need to go for the good stuff. I’m talking about high-quality, organic, cold-pressed juices made from fresh fruits and veggies (juices without any of that weird chemical junk). Think of it like this: you wouldn’t put cheap gas in a sports car, so why do that to your body? Lesson learned: quality matters!
Take Time to Prepare Your Body
A juice cleanse isn’t something you just jump into. If you go straight from pizza and soda to nothing but juice, your stomach’s going to say, “Hey, what’s happening?” I’ve made that mistake before and ended up with some serious stomach aches and way too many trips to the bathroom (yes, I went there). To avoid all that, you have to ease into it. Start by cutting back on junk food, caffeine, and heavy meals a few days before. Swap out some of your usual snacks for fruits and veggies and drink more water. That way, your body won’t freak out when you switch to just juice.
Change Your Mindset
What a lot of people forget to think about is that juice cleanses are just as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Between hunger pains, headaches, and missing actual food, your mind is definitely going to be tested—I’ve found myself staring at my fridge like it personally betrayed me.
To get through a juice cleanse without losing your mind, you have to start working on your mental game before you start. A few days (or even weeks) ahead, try things like journaling, meditating, or just finding ways to relax your mind and distract it from thinking about food. Writing down your goals and how you’re feeling can help keep you focused when those cravings start convincing you that a cheeseburger is the answer to all of life’s problems.
Remember, your version of “mindfulness” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. If sitting in a quiet room isn’t your thing, go for a walk, listen to music, or even do a light workout to keep your mind off your stomach. It’s all about finding what helps you stay on track without feeling miserable.
Get Rid of All Junk Food in Your Home
It's a lot harder to stick to a juice cleanse when your pantry looks like a snack aisle. If you really want to avoid giving in to cravings, the first step is to get rid of the junk food. Take some time to clean out your fridge and cabinets. Toss out the candy, chips, soda, and even the coffee (I know, that one hurts). If it’s not there, you can’t eat it, right? Plus, one of the main reasons to do a juice cleanse is to kick off healthier habits, so you might as well start now.
Listen to Your Body and Be Prepared to See Physical Changes in Your Body
You might be surprised to learn what actually happens to your body during a juice cleanse—because it’s not all glowing skin and rainbows. As you start changing what you eat and drink, your body’s definitely going to notice. You might feel tired, a little cranky, or even like you’ve been hit by a juice truck. But don’t freak out—that’s all part of the process.
The good news? Your body’s pretty good at telling you what it needs. If you’re thirsty, drink more water. If you’re tired, take a nap or go to bed earlier. It’s like your body’s way of sending you little text messages, and all you have to do is listen.
If you’re thinking about doing a juice cleanse, just remember—it’s all about being prepared and listening to your body. Start slow, set your goals, and don’t freak out if things get a little tough at first. The most important part is to focus on building healthier habits that stick around even after the cleanse is over. And hey, if you slip up a bit, no worries—at the end of the day, it’s all about progress, not perfection.
More Health News
Thinking About Going Vegan? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Going All In. Learn More
Never Use Your Gym Membership? Going Hybrid Could Be Your Answer. Learn More
Break Up Your Exercise Into Short Bursts Instead of Sweating It Out For an Hour. Learn More