Ever have those times where you feel sluggish, rundown, or overly exhausted? Ever wished there was a way to hit your reset button?
I recently took part in a three day juice cleanse to do just that. Follow me on my journey as I resist cheese and peanut butter cravings, juice every meal and give up my beloved coffee!!!
Day One
After getting over the initial shock that I would be facing the next 3 days without coffee, I woke up extra early this morning to prepare green tea with lemon and stevia before indulging in my first taste of the Master Cleanse Lemonade, mixing fresh squeezed lemon, organic grade B maple syrup, Cheyenne pepper and cold purified water together I was a little hesitant on the first sip but much to my surprise had found a new beverage to enjoy post cleanse!
Breakfast was filling, how often do you eat a whole cantaloupe? I highly recommend juicing one (rind and all). Lunch was surprising good juicing kale, celery, parsley, apple and lemon but shortly after the lack of coffee catches up and so does the massive headache.
Fortunately on this cleanse I can enjoy an abundance of tea which easies my mood and holds me over till snack. Juicing up some beets and carrots, while a little messy, delicious! Finishing the day with a juiced yam, apple, and pears I survived day one.
Day Two
I woke up feeling amazing! The morning went by in a blink of an eye as I taught two yoga classes came home and juiced up lunch. Then the 3pm peanut butter craving sets in……how delicious would all the celery and apples taste with the yummy organic peanut butter calling out to me from my kitchen cabinet?
Begrudgingly I juice up my beets and ran out the door to teach two more yoga classes. Fortunately by the time I got home my body was ready to crawl into bed so a juice was just fine by me. I don’t weigh myself but I did notice that I looked a little toner through the midsection then usual so my guess at this point in time I am down a pound or two. Day two comes to an end enjoying Yogi bedtime tea.
Day Three
“Home Stretch” is the first thing I saw to myself when I wake up. I must admit though my skin is GLOWING!! The day flys by and I find myself on a laundry and organizing kick. The biggest challenge is soon approaching though. I teach a hot (105* room) gluts and abs class then a Standup Paddle Board Yoga class back to back.
I get trough the classes fine but after burning a lot calories in two hours I look at my husbands steak like its the last piece of food on the earth, this coming from a pescatarian who hasn’t eaten a land animal in a year. Tonight was tough. I juice up my yams and drink my tea and imagine how glorious my first cup of coffee in three days will taste.
The Final Product
I had a few friends join me in this cleanse, I strongly recommend if you do something like this program do it with a support group, and everyone had great results. Some were in it to loose weight and some were just up for a challenge but one ended up loosing 10 lbs and used it as a kickstart to get himself back on track after putting his health on hold.
The first day was the hardest and wanting to quit seemed like the right thing to do. In yoga we have a practice that helps the body confront and handle the inner urges without outer show. This practice for me was sent into overdrive that first day.
But overall, I enjoyed the challenge and the discipline required and will continue to juice daily. Thanks to The Belly Fit Club who provided the support and recipes. I look forward to doing this again and plan to about four times a year.
Remember: Consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any special type of dieting.
About the Author
Heidi Templeton is a former competitive gymnast and Bay Area yoga instructor specializing in vinyasa, hot, and standup paddle board yoga. Heidi shares her zest for all things health and wellness at www.facebook.com/HeidiFit.