Green Lemonade

A whole body cleanse – not as scary as it sounds….

I’m willing to bet that the moment someone mentions the word “cleanse” or “detox” you’re hiding under your bed covers within five minutes to escape the conversation.

This July at Green Lemonade I’m going to introduce you to a diet-free way of living that is rejuvenating while at the same time approachable and realistic. There is something for everyone here in this program.

Here are 10 things you should know about healthy, natural whole body cleansing through raw foods, fresh pressed juices and smoothies.

Whole Body Cleansing: 10 Things You Should Know

1. Whole body cleansing begins with vegetables, leafy greens + fruit. At the heart of a whole body cleanse are a basket of fresh, uncooked, natural vegetables, leafy greens and fruit. But this is by no means the ONLY thing you eat.




2. Natural whole body cleansing operates along a spectrum… There is something for everyone. On the more progressive end of this detox spectrum are days filled with fresh pressed juices and smoothies. However a gentle whole body cleanse can also include lightly steamed or roasted foods to balance out the detoxification work inspired by raw foods and fresh juices.




3. …You are encouraged to travel along this cleansing spectrum and enjoy it. As you move through a month or a year, you are encouraged to travel along this cleansing spectrum. Not even the most inspired or dedicated of you can or should live entirely on fresh pressed juices alone (with the exception of specific medical conditions, of course). But sometimes it’s certainly nice to have a day or even a morning of juicing now and then. You might surprise yourself and start to feel really good on a morning of juices and smoothies until lunch. (It took me some time to get here, but I feel so wonderful now living this way). Perhaps you also want to form new habits? A day or a few days on juice and raw foods may be just the thing you need. On the other hand, in the winter time, your body may be craving more warming foods like squash and roasted vegetables – and contrary to what you might think there is a place for these foods in a cleansing and rejuvenating lifestyle as well.




4. Whole body cleansing is about listening to your body. It’s important to listen to your body and do what’s right for YOU. Not one thing works for everyone. This month at Green Lemonade I’ll introduce you to a few ideas to figure out what to eat to help you feel your best. (In the meantime, remember small, gradual steps are best.)




5. No expensive herbal supplement powders or “detox” products need to be involved in a whole body cleanse. A good probiotic is nice however to enjoy every day (even when you’re not on a cleanse). A multivitamin may also be considered. But harsh laxatives should be avoided (there seem to be a lot of them in the market right now).




6. A healthy whole body cleanse is affordable and easily accessible. A restorative and rejuvenating lifestyle can be maintained simply with access to a grocery store. A farmer’s market is also a fun option to include. You don’t need to spend tons of money on expensive superfoods.




7. As with all good things, enjoy meat, dairy and even coffee in moderation when doing a gradual whole body cleanse. Meat lover? Dairy fanatic? Coffee goddess? Vegan? Vegetarian? Gluten-free needs? There is something for everyone along the whole body cleansing spectrum – but as with all good things in life, moderation is key. So yes, small quality portions of dairy, meat and even coffee can be included just think of these items more as compliments to your day rather than your main focus.




8. There is no calorie counting in a whole body cleansing lifestyle. Counting calories with raw foods and juice is not the same as the calories you count on a traditional diet of boxed cereals and other processed foods. Nothing is wasted here or stored as fat. Instead of calorie oriented thinking, introduce yourself to the concept of a Buddha bowl. A Buddha bowl is roughly the size of your cupped hands and provides a nutrient rich portion of food , and also allows more of your body’s energy to be spent on healing and repair work (vs digestion all the time). Food combining can also be helpful with portion control. Ideally you also want to try and keep your snacking levels down as well.




9. It’s about going organic when you can in a whole body cleanse program. Pesticides and sprays on your fruits and veggies can get in the way of you feeling and looking your best.




10. Exercise is a powerful compliment to this feel good, look good, diet-free, cleansing lifestyle.

Stay tuned for more on cleansing this month of July. I’ve also got some great, easy recipe ideas you’re going to love.

In the meantime, I hope everyone is gearing up for a wonderful holiday weekend! – Noelle

Learn More

1. Should You Do A Cleanse?
2. 7 Ways To Rejuvenate Your Body Naturally
3. Eat More Real Foods, Feel Better
4. Today’s Raw Food Diet – 6 Things You Should Know
5. The Benefits of Green Smoothies and Juices for Breakfast
6. Juice Fasting 101
7. Prepare For A 3 Day Juice Fast – Juice Until Dinner
8. First Time Faster? Try The Blueprint Cleanse