Like every year, Lent began on Ash Wednesday. In the time leading up to Easter, namely 40 long days, many (believers or non-believers) torment themselves. I used to think that it was torture and that you could never do it voluntarily, but apparently it is. I'm telling you today and here about my 3-day juice cleanse:
Like many people here, I'm a student and have had a really stressful semester (I think that's what they all say, but it's really true). Lately I've often thought about a juice or detoxification treatment. Mainly because I wanted to know what it's like, whether you feel fitter and fresher, as everyone says, whether I can really keep it up and whether you can really get to know your body better.
There are already ready-made juice cleanses to buy that are delivered to your home ready to go. It definitely sounds convenient, but it's also expensive fun. Providers for this include, for example:
- Kale & Me
- LIVEWHEATGRASS
- pressable
- UpGreatLife
- FrankJuice
However, I decided to make the juices myself. Especially as a student you have to pay a little attention to the money and I thought, if I make the juices myself, at least I know what's in them. (Of course I'm not assuming any of the providers that it doesn't contain what it says on the tin.)
Since I like drinking homemade juices anyway, I already have a juicer at home. So if you're planning on making your own juices anyway, it's a good investment here. Personally, I am a fan of Philipps juicers, but there are also many other good suppliers. A little savings tip: Take a look at Ebay classifieds. Many people sell their juicer because it is too big, isn't easy to clean, or they simply don't use it. I also have a smoothie maker at home because I was given it as a gift when I moved out.
Juicer:
Smoothie maker:
The framework is in place, but I knew that I couldn't just randomly juice and smooth vegetables and fruit. So for Christmas I bought the book Juice: Detoxify, Relax and Gain Strength - 100 Juice and Smoothie Recipes by Rosemary Ferguson , which describes various juices and their preparation and explains their effect on the body. And now the best part: In the back of the book, instructions for 1, 2 or 3 day juice cleanses are described and also include a shopping list. So I broke away. Not that easy, because the shopping list included not only well-known vegetables and fruits but also AFA algae powder, maca powder, chlorella powder and aloe vera juice. So there was a detour to Bio Company, where I got (almost) all the ingredients. If there weren't any, I asked for a replacement product or the individual ingredients were explained in the book and a replacement was usually suggested. In total I spent around €60 on shopping for 3 days. However, part of it should be seen as an investment, as the powders can be used for longer than this period. When I arrived home with half the fruit and vegetable section, I prepared the six juices for the next day every evening before I went to bed. It happened sometimes more sometimes less quickly, but still not stressful or sweaty. Just like cooking, just juicing or smoothing.
The implementation
I have to say that the first day was pretty easy for me. It wasn't until the afternoon that I noticed a slight feeling of hunger. But since the afternoon juice was a smoothie and a bit “heavier”, this went away straight away. I noticed that my body was on sugar and caffeine withdrawal, but it wasn't all that bad. I went to bed early and was very excited for the next day. According to the book mentioned above, you should feel tired in the morning on the second day, which wasn't the case for me at all. I felt fit and started the day optimistically. As recommended, I rested a lot, read a book, watched a few series on Netflix and just dozed off. Towards the afternoon the headache I had been told would set in, which I would have until the end of the treatment. Overall, I felt more weak and I didn't want to get up from the couch anymore. I now clearly noticed that something was happening in my body. On day 3 this feeling didn't go away, but it got better hour by hour. I was eagerly looking forward to something to eat and kept thinking about spaetzle, schnitzel and cheese rolls. The juices sometimes tasted more and sometimes less good. Of course, I always looked forward to the fruit juices instead of the vegetable juices. Every now and then I felt like I was in a jungle camp, but I kept telling myself “what can’t you do for your health” and that helped.
Conclusion:
If you want to get your body back on track and get a feeling for your body and food in general again, I think the “quick” detoxification treatment is a great option. I felt lighter and fitter after the three days. Somehow I managed to be more conscious about food and my body. But of course it is important that you stick to the plan for these three days and not sin. Speaking of sinning... you shouldn't actually smoke these days... unfortunately my stamina wasn't that great. (Now it is out!)
Since I mentioned the costs at the very beginning: it takes more time to make the juices yourself, no question. And maybe you'll end up with the same thing, I don't know for sure. But I think everyone should listen to their feelings and do what they feel like doing. If I want to treat myself, I might also try out the ready-made juice cleanses.
Here’s to a healthy and fresh 2017!
Saskia tested a juice cleanse for three days and shows you how easy it is.
