Had a big weekend? Why not make today a Green Juice only day? Your digestive system is on go most of the time and would probably welcome a holiday! Why not give it a much-needed rest and let your body detox for 24 hours? If that concept fills you with dread, start gently by replacing one meal with a green juice – once a week.
Fasting is an ancient ritual (Buddha, Jesus, Gandhi, Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci were fasters) and, done right, can have great health benefits. Removing toxins (and by toxins I mean processed foods, sweets, cakes, coffee, alcohol et al) present in our bodies by the process of flushing out our system by liquids only, we prepare for greater absorption of nutrients from the foods we consume thereafter. An added benefit of a juice fast is that junk food simply does not appeal as much – it feels plain wrong!
Whether your motive is weight loss, clearer skin, more energy or a boost to your immune system, juicing can benefit us all. Personally, as a happy juicer for well over a year, I notice tremendous change in energy levels when I juice and when I don’t. During the summer I go off piste and indulge in food, drinks and not enough exercise thus returning back home sluggish and lacking in energy. Fast forward a few weeks of daily juicing and my energy is back in full force – as is my good mood. That mind and body affect each other is of course no news – however when you feel big change quick, it does highlight how not looking after your physical self greatly affect your state of mind too. In addition, colds and flu do not seem to bite when your filling yourself with an abundance of vegetables – so start to prep now before the winter season’s outbreak of bugs get you. Here is a 1 Day Juice Fast inspired by Kris Carr from her book Crazy, sexy diet.
1 Day Juice Fast
Fasting Day:
Upon waking, drink a cup of warm water with a slice of lemon. This helps the body to detoxify and eliminate waste.
Breakfast: 2 large glasses, more if you like, of Green Juice. (Green Juice = Cucumber, celery, kale, ginger root, apple, romaine lettuce).
Morning snack: 2 (or more) large glasses of Green Juice, Herbal tea (no caffeine or decaf) and plenty of water.
Lunch: 2 (or more) large glasses of Green Juice.
Afternoon snack: 2 large glasses of Green Juice, Herbal tea (no caffeine or decaf) and plenty of water.
Dinner: 2 (or more) large glasses of Green Juice.
Bedtime snack: Herbal tea (no caffeine or decaf) and plenty of water.
Note: If it is all too much and you just feel starving – make a nourishing vegetable soup and blend it well. Just keep it liquid 🙂
Following Day:
Go gentle the day after. Start with the warm lemon water as per yesterday and follow with either another juice or some fresh fruit. Perhaps a light salad for lunch and some home-made soup for dinner. And by the way, this is not the day for a greasy bacon butty and homemade meat stew. Just sayin’…
What you can expect?
As toxins are leaving your body, light headaches, tiredness and maybe also feelings of sadness can pop up – this is normal and a sign you are letting go of junk. Rest, sleep and don’t fret. Tomorrow you’re back in the game again and you’ve done yourself a big favour. Much luck! X
