Cleanse -- Fruits and Veggies Only??

JENROMERO
JENROMERO Posts: 26 Member
edited October 7 in Introduce Yourself
Okay, so like most of us (I hope), I definitely over indulged over the holidays. I think a cleanse or some sort of detox would be helpful. I want to get rid of this groggy full feeling and jumpstart my diet...again. I'm not going to lie, I'm sure I would not survive a juice cleanse or one of those liquid cleanses that the celebrities do for big $$. I looked online and saw a "cleanse" that was explained as more for "beginners". It's a weekend or 2-day thing and you basically only eat fresh fruits (except bananas), raw veggies and only homemade veggie soup -- and herbal teas. Anyone give it a try? Does it work? Any feedback at all? Sounds do-able.

Replies

  • Mindful_Trent
    Mindful_Trent Posts: 3,954 Member
    My only thought is that a "cleanse" like that is completely unnecessary... and it doesn't provide you with the protein and healthy fats that your body needs. It won't hurt you if you only do it for a few days, but why do it if it's not necessary?

    Your body is fully capable of cleansing itself - that's what the liver and kidneys are for. If you want to "reset" - then just drink lots of water and eat very cleanly - avoid as many processed foods as possible. Eat lots of veggies - but no reason to avoid healthy protein/fats.
  • H_Factor
    H_Factor Posts: 1,722 Member
    between April and May last year, I did a 3+ week natural cleanse (it was supposed to be 4 weeks, but that last week was cut short). Anyway, during the first 2 weeks, I ate only veggies and drank only water....as many veggies as I wanted and I aimed for a gallon of water a day (sometimes 5 liters/day). The first day, I felt hungry more often...so I just ate veggies more often. After the first two days, my body adjusted. By the end of two weeks, I didn't even feel like I needed to eat all 5 "meals" a day. During weeks 3 and 4, I added 8 ounces of skinless chicken breast a day (along with whatever veggies I wanted to eat). By the end of the cleanse, I felt more energized and just plain healthier. At the end of the cleanse, I transitioned into healthy, mostly natural food eating...drinking mostly water...and have felt great most days since then. Outside of a few occasions, i haven't had any caffeine since the cleanse...but don't need any. Unless I don't get 6 hours (or more) of sleep, I have all the energy I need throughout the day.

    As far as the veggie part, I ate them all sorts of ways....stir fry once or twice a day...raw veggies either separately or in salads...cookied as well. I spent some time getting my mind wrapped around the idea of I CAN do the cleanse and I DID it.
  • JENROMERO
    JENROMERO Posts: 26 Member
    Thanks for the replies. Maybe I'll try a modified version of this -- really just training my palate and my will power to reach for those fresh fruits and veggies instead of starches for snacks or even sides to meals. I think if I can substitute what I am craving now for fruit and veggies that will be a good cleanse for my bad habits. I doubt I could do 4 weeks -- or even 3+, but maybe if I add some egg whites, chicken and fish in the mix it would be much more do able -- and healthier for me. Good luck to you both!! :)
  • jeckyb
    jeckyb Posts: 60
    i think you're so right,a detox/cleanse is a great idea,after all the rubbish we eat and drink durin the holidays. it would also get your body ready to start your healthier diet again. i think i might steal your detox idea :tongue:
  • AnarchoGen
    AnarchoGen Posts: 400 Member
    I did a 60 day cleanse over the holidays, it was rough, but I managed. I survived without protein or fats. I lost a little muscle but I'm not worried because it takes little effort for me to get it back. I kept working out but with a low intensity and lost a lot of body fat. If you're not too worried about building muscle, go for it. When you've completed it, make sure to get some live & active cultures - through a supplement or plain yogurt. You might only need to do a cleanse for 3 days to start. I think a 3-4 week cleanse would be unnecessary unless you think you have a food allergy. That's what I've learned about myself.. Now I follow a gluten free, vegan diet for the most part with the exception of the eggs I get from my happy hens that I raise in my backyard..

    Shakeology has a 3 day cleanse but it is pricey at $55 - you get all your proteins, carbs, etc that you need in the shake. It works really good and keeps you full.

    If you find it too hard to follow a raw diet you can get a jug of Bragg's Raw Apple Cider vinegar & there's a cleansing recipe on there. You can still make healthy choices and drink this first thing in the morning, and maybe 1 more time before dinner. Start eating clean food (foods with no preservatives or additives).

    There is also The Master Cleanser, which is 10 days and is very controversial to some. If done correctly you will be successful. Many have done it, I'm pretty sure thousands of people have nothing but good things to say about it, but there are those who say a lot of bad things too. You have to get both sides of the story and see which type of cleanse is best for you. Good luck :)
  • AnarchoGen
    AnarchoGen Posts: 400 Member
    *protein/fats, with the exception of whatever you get from fruits/vegetables. If you're anemic make sure you include bananas and avocados daily.
  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    Go to the bathroom. It's all natural, and usually safe.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    Go to the bathroom. It's all natural, and usually safe.

    Follow this advice after ingesting some good fiber...
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,993 Member
    Cleanses are made to line the pockets of the seller. Completely unnecessary to do regardless of how bad you ate over the holidays.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • helloburger
    helloburger Posts: 243 Member
    Cleansing is a total waste of time. If you eat a healthy balanced diet that groggy feeling will go within the day!
  • nursenikki829
    nursenikki829 Posts: 432 Member
    Cleanse your body by detoxing from unhealthy foods. Eat only whole foods, lean proteins, fruits and veggies with some whole grains along with lots of water and green tea. Don't eat any processed foods, white flour of sugar. That is a healthy way to "cleanse" and detox your body from the holiday overindulgence. Good luck!:smile:
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