It’s hard to believe that it had been almost 6 months since my last cleanse.
Time flies when you’re eating plenty of sugary snacks and decadent treats.
As a desserts blogger and cookbook author, I am around sweets, desserts, treats, carbs, dough, chocolate, and everything fatty, rich, indulgent and decadent every single day.
I have at least 10 different kinds of unbaked frozen cookie dough, just waiting to be baked at a moment’s notice. My refrigerator is a holding tank for overnight dough that’s rising, and I have blondies, bars, brownies on the counter. I have a half dozen different flavors of peanut butter in cupboard. It goes on and on.
Do I eat everything I make? Yes, I do. Not in entirety, of course. Who could sit down to a pan of bars, a dozen cookies and a jar of peanut butter, daily.
I have a bite or two, or a piece or two, and what my family doesn’t want or need, off it goes to another home. Friends, neighbors, people at my daughter’s school, and even homeless people in my urban neighborhood are all recipients of my recipe testing.
But even using my bite-or-two approach, I still go through phases where I eat more sugar, junk, and overall crap than I need to or want to. I start feeling very blah overall. Moody, not sleeping well, my body doesn’t feel as clean, pure, and well-oiled as it should.
Enter the Purify Cleanse from Urban Remedy. I did this juice cleanse as a way to press the reset button, remind myself that I don’t need to have cookies every day, and be more mindful about taking those extra few bites of brownies that I really didn’t want, but were just there.
Although the Purify Cleanse is considered to be the next step up from the first cleanse I did, the Signature Cleanse, I found this cleanse to be easier and I enjoyed it more.
Reasons it seemed easier include simply liking the juices more. While I do like lemon to a point, lots of cleanses are really heavy-handed with it because it’s a great natural detoxer, but I get lemoned out, easily. The juices in the Purify cleanse seemed less lemon-centric, a big win.
The taste of juices prepared in this way are much, much different than the OJ you’d buy in a plastic gallon-sized container from the grocery store. They’re an acquired taste, and I knew what to expect, overall.
Juice 5, Beam, was the only one that threw me for a loop, and not in a bad way; just a wow, so unique way. Normally carrot-based juices are sweeter, but this one was almost savory. It also includes yams, burduck, and dandelion. It was almost like a cold soup. I wanted to put it in a bowl and crush some crackers over the top.
My favorite juice was a tie between Support, made with apple, fennel, cucumber, mint, ginger, and lemon. The apple-cucumber flavor was most pronounced, with a punch of ginger. I love these flavors, loved this juice, and could have lived off it alone.
The other favorite was the last juice of the day, Nourish. Anyone I’ve ever talked to who’s juiced on any kind of program, tends to love the last juice of the day. It’s the fattiest, creamiest, richest, sweetest, and with any luck, will fill you up and help you sleep like a baby.
Cashews, cinnamon, cardamom, plenty of vanilla, and nutmeg. Creamy, blissful, perfection.
I think this cleanse was also easier because the weather was warm, I naturally eat lighter anyway, and chugging cold juice for 3 days in the summer isn’t as jarring compared to the winter. I felt cold for most of the 3 days when I juiced in the winter (I feel cold most of the winter, regardless), but when it’s 90F out, it’s hard to stay cold. Juicing is easier for me when the weather is on my side.
Plus, I knew what to expect more and that I’d feel a gamut of emotions while doing it. Everything from I can do this, I am a rock star and I feel amazing, to 20 minutes later thinking I am nuts and am absolutely going to have to eat, and may gnaw off my arm shortly.
I went in giving myself permission to eat if I needed to, but I didn’t eat anything for the 3 days. I really wasn’t that hungry. I mean to a point yes, but it was manageable.
I drank about 4 ounces of coffee each day. Since my first first cleanse., I have largely weaned myself off coffee and can go for days without it, but when I am stressed or going through a challenging time, I just love a cup of coffee. The warmth, the boost, the caffeine, it’s my thing. So, I had a tiny amount each day. It helped me stay on track.
My husband did this cleanse with me and he had a harder time with this one than with the first during front half, but by the second half, he was doing well. He was more hungry and weak the first half than he was on the first cleanse.
We both felt a little tired, headachey, dizzy, light-headed during parts, but it’s temporary and short-lived and 5 minutes later can be doing great.
I went on a couple power walks during the cleanse and had plenty of energy to do so.
Neither of us lost any weight; we didn’t plan to. Mathematically, it would seem hard. You’re still ingesting calories and it’s only 3 days. My opinion is that you’d have to juice for many, many days to lose real weight and not just water weight. To create a caloric deficit large enough to shed real weight would only happen over time.
The most important things I gained were a resetting of the bad habits that can creep up, and a reminder to eat more fruits, vegetables, and real food, and less sweets. It gave my body a chance to rest and detox from sugar, sweets, and treats while giving me increased mental and emotional clarity.
I cannot say enough great things about cleansing in general, and Urban Remedy is great, highly recommended, and truly a top-shelf company.
Every day we got motivational emails telling us what to expect that day and to basically stay strong, you’re doing great, and in the moment, that’s so appreciated. The juices taste great, and the people that work there if you have questions are helpful and supportive.
I loved this cleanse, and how I felt afterward, and my husband did, too. To the point that he said he wants to do it 4 times a year, once a quarter. I agree and am totally on board and ready for the next one.
Have you ever done a juice cleanse or juice fast? Any interest?
What do you do when you feel like you need to press the reset button? What helps you get back or stay on track?
This post was written to share our experiences on the cleanse. In no way am I am expert on juicing, and this is not intended as medical advice. I am not telling you to juice or not to juice and am unable to answer detailed medical questions about if I think juicing would be a good idea for you. Do your own homework and research.
Loving this! I’m absolutely doing this. I loved my experience with Urban Remedy the first time! :) This cleanse looks yum.
I actually loved this cleanse more, Monique! First of all, it was just easier for me, for all the reasons I laid out. And then the juices themselves seemed more enjoyable – less just ‘green’ and/or lemony, with much more character and depth of flavors. You will LOVE this one!
Wow, these flavors sound awesome! Almost makes me want to break out my juicer! My friend is starting to juice daily and is loving it. I should send her this link to give her some flavor ideas.
And dandelion….I just got my littler dropper bottle and WOW. It has made a WORLD of a difference. I am officially a convert.
As we have discussed, this was a miracle for me and came at an excellent time. Really helped me!
And my dand extract. So annoyed with Amazon. I need to get Prime. I’ve been waiting a good…3-4 weeks now for that!!! ugh
I’ve never attempted a juice cleanse before, but it makes so much sense. Of course, your photo is beautiful and very enticing, so of course I’m going to think of Urban Remedy as I plan for when I should begin the cleanse.
Thanks for this post!
I love their program and thanks for the compliments on my post!
More power to the people who can go days without eating food! I could never do it, but if I did, this seems like a good brand with delicious flavors. Great job, Averie!
I have never tried a juice cleanse before. It definitely sounds interesting! Happy Friday, Averie!
I just did a juice fast a few months ago, and my husband and I are planning to do another one soon – we have a great juicer, so we make our own. It can be hard, but you do tend to feel pretty good – lighter somehow, and your body feels cleaner and moves easier. I think this fast we will do mostly juice and then a big salad (all veggies) for one meal, just because you can REALLY get sick of juice after a few days, and it’s nice to chew something!
Hmmm… a cleanse sounds very intriguing! Especially in our line of work haha. Happy weekend, friend :)
I did own a juicer (sadly I broke it) and made what sounds very similar juices to some of these described. However, I never just had juice. Usually used the juice as a substitute for breakfast. I have heard mixed reviews on ‘cleanses’ so am a little hesitant to try.
Clean eating and drinking a lot of water usually helps me reset.
Juicers break so easily! Many cannot seem to really handle the load that juicing puts on them! Clean eating and water, yes to that!
I go through the same thing, even though I’m pretty good at just having a little, when I make a bunch of recipes in one day I feel so overloaded and weary by the end of the day. Yesterday I had cheese stuffed soft pretzels, creme brulee, cookies, and cheese dip. Ugh. so today I’m just eating fruit, vegetables and coffee. And, let’s be honest, probably some wine later ;)
I’ve never done a cleanse but it actually sounds nice!
Every single blogger who I know who’s written a book or even just blogs, there are points when you’re just grateful to NOT have all that food around. Your day yesterday – sounds delicious for a minute, but then, the reality of someone who’s been there, done that – set in, and I know one pays the price the next day. At least I do! Good call on your day today and what your approach is :)
Really interesting to read about your cleanse! I have never done one and am not sure I ever would, but I see the appeal. When I need to reset I just try to eat healthy, which I’ve been doing more of lately. Sometimes all the sweets just don’t sound good. Now that’s something I never thought I’d say before I started blogging!
I’ve never done a juice fast. I get mixed reviews about them. Some experts saying that it’s not good for you. Most the nutrients are lost when the fruits and veggies are juiced.
But I’d still like to try it some day. I’m wondering if I would feel the dizziness too When I tried to cut most carbs awhile back I was too exhausted to make it through the day so I had to add some back in.
Thanks for all the info about it. It helps to be more informed before starting.
Juicing experts would vehemently disagree that most nutrients are lost when fruits/veg are juiced; on the contrary, they would say that the most essential nutrients are preserved which is why juicing is such a powerful healing tool: you are just getting the most essential components! I am not an expert on it but do agree with that aspect of it all.
I do really want to try a juice cleanse and have not yet. They just seem so $$$ (or atleast the ones I want to try). However, I think they are great to really renew and refresh you.
Ohhh I’ve been dying to try a juice cleanse but I’m nervous! You make it sound so easy!
It’s very do-able and if you want to try it, go for it!
I have given this some thought and might give it a try in a few weeks. I need to do some pre-planning so the delivery will work out right. I’ll have the house to myself for a few days with some time off work, so I think mentally it will be a little easier. I won’t have to cook and can busy myself with my hobbies and projects. I have also tossed around the idea of making them myself, but for that much juice, I’d just rather purchase a ready to go program and use the time to do whatever I want. And no.6 does look delicious!
For your first time, I highly rec going with a turnkey program. This one is awesome, there are a few others that get decent reviews. But trying to do it all yourself AND just physically warehousing that much produce to juice, and then not knowing, well did I add enough xyz, should it be like this, you just don’t need the hassle. Plus, you will be a little tired, fatigued, and the last thing you will want to be doing is actually juicing the juice…or standing in the kitchen. Just get out of it :) Either have your hubs GONE so you’re not tempted to eat/cook for him, or have him home, but under strict orders to be your total rock and sounding board when the going gets tough and that he’s on his own for his own meals! :)
I am so eager to try Urban Remedy! I’m a Suja fan as you know, but after your description of Beam, I’m intrigued. Support sounds a lot like Fiji – my favorite Suja variety. I’ve never seen Urban Remedy over here on the East coast, but now I’ll check for it. Am dying for a nice cleanse as I finish up this cookbook Averie. I’m sure you can imagine. I just feel so rundown, ache-y, and stressed. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
I have never tried Suja but I will say I love love Urban Remedy. The beam juice – very NOT what I was expecting with a juice. It was like a dinner/soup/juice in one. Very filling, too. Which was nice b/c at that hour, that’s dinnertime, and need something with some heft to do the trick! And yes, post cookbook shoots, all you want to do is juice! Girl if I could afford it, I swear I’d juice even more. I really love how I feel!
so many great flavours… i want to try all of them