Easing Back Into Eating After a Cleanse
by April Pascarelli
Okay, you did it. You signed up for your very first juice cleanse…or your 3rd, or 5th, or 25th. Now it is time to make sure you have a game plan in place for when your cleanse is over.
If you are already in the midst of your cleanse and panicking that you are without a plan, don’t fret. You still have time to get yourself ready for reality. And no matter how many detox days you still have ahead of you, this is a friendly reminder to stay strong. You have invested in yourself. So stay diligent so that you can reap all benefits of your cleanse.
Now, let's talk food after the fast.
Be Prepared
Making changes that are outside of your comfort zone require proper preparation. It is a good idea to map out your first days after juicing before you beeline to the grocery store or schedule your curbside pickup. Go with recipes that sound light yet nourishing as a base to create your shopping list.
If you want to create healthy habits, keep wholesome foods on hand. If you are a junk food addict with a hankering for processed snacks and sugar, be sure those foods are out of sight (and preferably out of the house)! If you live with others who are not down for the food clean-out, kindly ask them to hide their snacks while you continue to work on your willpower. And in the meantime, stock up on fruits, veggies, healthy fats, whole grains, and plant-based protein (think nuts and beans). Try to avoid dairy, meat, and refined sugars for the first 5 days or so after your cleanse has finished. Over the next few weeks, gradually add back in animal protein if you choose to do so. But who knows, maybe this super cleanse state of mind will give you just the inspiration you need to continue forward with new healthy patterns.
Stick With Clean and Simple
When making your list, think of foods in their natural state. If you still are not sure, stick with Mother Nature. Trade your cleanse for some plant-based power as you make the transition back to solid food. Adding in too many complex or packaged foods from the start will offset the good changes you have cultivated within your gut and bloodstream. You have balanced out the good and bad bacteria within your microbiome, and reset the pH levels in your body, so adhering to clean and simple is best. Keeping organic cold-pressed juice in your daily diet is also a great way to reach optimal health and wellness. Of course, be sure to continue drinking plenty of water to flush the system and stay hydrated.
Start Slow
This can be tough after days of just juice and nut mylk. You are hungry. Really hungry! You are craving food and lots of it! So here is where easing in is super important. Begin eating smaller amounts and spacing out your mini-meals throughout the day. You have just done an incredible thing for your body, and you would be doing an incredible disservice if you slip into binge-mode now. Your digestive system has had an amazing opportunity to slow down, rest and reset. Start with soft solids such as smoothies and soups. As you add more to your daily diet, try baking, broiling, grilling, roasting, or steaming your food. And when visions of pizza, french fries, and comfort food come into mind, remind yourself that you truly are what you eat. By staying on this path of healthy eating, you will feel your best.
Go Organic As Often As Possible
After finishing your organic juice cleanse, you will want to stick with organic foods as often as possible. You have just spent quality time flushing your system of A LOT of toxins. Do yourself a favor and keep up the work if you can. Studies have shown that switching from conventional to organic foods shows a major reduction in toxin levels within the body - in as little as just one week! But, we get it…organic can add up. Consider making the dirty dozen a priority for your organic produce to start. Additionally, keep an eye out - between the big chain retailers and local health food stores, there are plenty of deals these days in the healthy food department.
Go Easy On Yourself
And lastly, cut yourself some slack. At the end of the day, we are human. We make mistakes. We are hard-wired in such a way that makes it difficult to resist temptation (especially when it is in the form of food). Should you happen to slip up along the way, be kind to your inner you. Pick yourself back up and reign in your willpower. And remind yourself that you will do better next time because your health is worth it.
To sum things up, no matter where you are with your health goals, you should be proud. You have taken on and tackled quite the challenge, and things will only get better from here. And regardless of where you are on your health journey, you should celebrate how far you have come. Congratulations are in order as you take the steps toward a healthier YOU! Stay motivated, stay determined and stay strong as you keep pushing ahead to live your best life.
We are always here to talk cleanses, of course. And nutrition! If you’re struggling with where to start after your juice cleanse, feel free to email us with any questions.