over the years i have struggled with body image, and honestly, still do. it’s a struggle but as i get older i have learned if i keep treating myself and my body like crap, it’s going to look and feel like crap! starving oneself is not the answer, it affects mental and physical health and can be damaging for years to come. getting to enjoy the foods i love is important and i typically am turned off by anything with the word ‘diet’ in it, because diets are constrictive and don’t allow your body to fully adjust – IMO. plus, who really wants to live without carbs???? balance is key and as long as i continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle with those kale salads, green juices and cayenne pepper and ginger hot shots, i can still have my fries and order desert before dinner.
so, how do i keep my balance and healthy ways? here’s how it starts: juice cleanse. it may sound rough but don’t knock it til you try it! it’s not for everyone, but i do recommend giving it a shot.
after a long vacation or even a week of junk (friends in town, wedding festivities, nats baseball games – i do love a good baseball stadium hotdog, not sorry about it either), my body aches for nutrients and all the goodness that lies in a juice cleanse. i typically choose juice from the raw because it’s cold pressed and delicious. they’re a family owned business in brooklyn, ny and use the best ingredients. plus, it arrives in 48 hours or less, on my door step and ready for the next morning. AND juice from the raw is having an amazing summer sale right now – get on it and get juicing! i promise you won’t be disappointed. also, another great perk, after your first cleanse you get even bigger and better discounts.
their pineapple mint is my absolute favorite, although all of their juices are delicious. i haven’t tasted one i haven’t loved. also, if you’re a big cold brew, coffee lover, you will love the cashew milk cold brew! oh so good. plus, it gives you an extra boost in the am with protein.
i will admit i cheat a bit during the cleanse (sometimes), especially if it’s been over a month since my last. my body just can’t handle the detox side effects and i won’t suffer through the day if i feel i need protein or a little something something to get me through. i don’t go for the fries, but i do eat a healthy salad with raw veggies and some protein. i know this isn’t recommended, but you have to do what’s best for your body. don’t starve yourself or deprive yourself of nutrients if your body is telling you it needs MORE!
so, although i cheat during the cleanse, i will say if you’re doing your first juice cleanse ever, you should stick to the instructions. find one that works best for you and your body. when done correctly, the benefits your body receives (from the inside out) is unbelievable! i’m talking clearer skin, gut maintenance, and more energy. i know some people experience a lack of energy – chalk that up to serious detox systems – but for some reason i always feel more energized.
during the first day of the cleanse is always the worst to get through- whether it be detox systems or cravings for carbs (guilty). but once i get past day one, it gets easier. my body starts to readjust and starts craving the good stuff. i wake up craving a sweet greens juice instead of a cup of coffee – which is BIG because it’s rare i go a day without several cups of coffee.
after the few months in europe, i knew i was going to desperately need a juice cleanse (or two). i haven’t finished this one quite yet and have already ordered another for maintenance. i love the way i feel after a cleanse. my body is energized, my metabolism gets a boost and i just, honestly, feel better. like i said, it’s balance. i would be lying if i said i didn’t want to order fries at lunch now after writing this post. this balance works for me, and a good juice cleanse puts me back on track and craving the greens my body craves!
have you tried any juice cleanses? i’m curious to know what you’ve tried!