So You Wanna Start a Juice Fast...

Juicing is obviously huge right now and there are a lot of reasons why so many people have jumped on board the juice train (if you've been following me for awhile swap juice train with The Juice Bus ;) ) Juicing gives your body a much needed break from using energy to break down food and send that energy straight to you to use. I also have to say I absolutely loathe the word fast. In our house we  call it a juice cleanse but it is commonly referred to as a juice feast because, if you are fasting properly, you should never feel a hungry sensation. 

Here are some of the main reasons why I, personally, juice feast:

* To give my digestive system a break

* Allow the body to cleanse waste and toxins a greatly accelerated speed

* To learn that missing a meal isn't the worst thing in the world 

* To experience how energizing nourishing foods are - rather than filling foods

* To reestablish your gratitude for food

* Save money and time from prepping 

* To gain control over food, rather than food controlling you

* Weight-loss

Preparing to Prepare for Your Juice Cleanse

This may seem obvious but try some different juices before you decide to do a full cleanse. Whether you're cleansing for 3, 5, 7, 10, 30 , 60.... days it's good to have an idea of what type of juices you like. If you're dreading your next liquid meal than you're missing the point of a juice cleanse. 

Plan your cleanse when life is slow. There can be some negative side affects to juicing and if it was easy, everyone would do it. So it is best to not plan it when you have an important meeting or around the holidays. Also it is best to avoid working out, at least the first 3-7 days or until you feel up to it. 

One to Two Weeks Leading Up To Your Juice Cleanse

Cut out all animal products and bi-products. The is the number one most important step if you want to be successful in your juice fast. It will make your life a trillion (yes, a trillion) times easier if you are eating as closely as possible to a raw, vegan diet.

Become mentally prepared and inform family about your decision to fast. The more support you have the more likely you are to finish a fast. If you can even get someone to do it with you than that is even better! As long as your hubby isn't like mine "Hey honey, want some pizza?" "Hey babe, I know you love movie theater popcorn and pb m&m's, want to go see 22 Jump Street?" then you should be a-ok. 

The day before your cleanse

If you are buying your juice make sure it is all set up and ready for you in the morning so you can kick that morning craving right away. You need at least 62 oz of juice a day and 1 gallon of water. 

The same is if you are planning on making your own juice. Go grocery shopping, with a set list the day before you cleanse and make sure you buy everything you need for the full length of your cleanse. You don't want to go to the grocery store during a fast, too much temptation. Don't forget, always buy organic. Otherwise you are drinking pesticides and chemicals- gross!

Day 1-3+

Congrats! You have officially made the first step into a healthier lifestyle. The first couple of days there are a couple of things you can expect as to how you feel. You may experience all or none of these but more likely that not you will at least experience some of these in the first couple of days. 

Positive side effects:

* Weight-loss (around .5 lbs per day for females and 1 lb per day for males) ((Mine has always been more than this))

* More Energy

*Relieved Constipation

* Flat Stomach 

* Alertness to the world around you

* Heightened Senses

Negative side effects:

* Light Headedness

* Dizzy Feeling

*Hunger

*Nausea 

* Negative Feelings 

*"Fuzzy" Tongue or Teeth

If you are feeling the negative side effects listen to your body and add more juice to your diet or drink more water. 

If you find you are not using the bathroom regularly, or when you are that there is still solids after the first day you will want to do an enema or colonic. This is important in the detoxifying process. If you are not releasing those toxins that are being broken down then they are recirculating or getting covered by fat so that they don't make you sick. You can purchase an enema kit at Target, Walmart or Walgreens for around $12. If you have questions about different enema cleanse feel free to comment below and I'll get back to you. 

Day 4+

After the fourth day you should not be feeling any of the negative side effects and should be feeling more and more of the positive side effects. I have found that after the third day you really start to feel like a better version of yourself and very empowered. 

Don't worry, you can do it! If you have any questions leave them in the comments below :) 

This is just a very brief run down of a juice fast, if you would like more details please do not hesitate to ask. Also, be sure to check with a medical professional before starting any cleanse.