Green Lemonade

To do a successful cleanse, and to avoid a hugely uncomfortable juicing experience you need commitment people.

Skip meat, dairy, alcohol, candy and refined foods

Meat, dairy, alcohol, candy and your carb obsession should ideally be reduced and slowly replaced with lighter fare moving into a juice fast. Think leafy greens, raw and steamed veggies, and fruit. Get creative with those leafy greens and vegetables. Salsas are also a wonderful way to add flavor, texture and satisfaction to salads and roasted veggies. Diced vegetables, corn, avocado, herbs, and a flavorful dressing (extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and sea salt makes a fabulous dressing) are great options for lunch or dinner moving into a juice fast.

Don’t forget about citrus zest and citrus juices from limes, lemons and oranges to top off your salads. They are terrific, and totally under appreciated for the flavor enhancement they bring to salads. Be generous with your zesting, it’s amazing how it enhances the flavor of what you are eating.

“Clean” and light eating is the focus here over dense, processed foods.

You get the idea.

Sample Menu: What to eat to prepare for a juice fast

Breakfast: Enjoy a large Classic Green Smoothie. Make 16 oz – 32 oz to enjoy throughout the morning. I’ve attached the recipe here. If you have access to a fresh pressed vegetable juice like this Classic Sagaponack Carrot and Celery Juice that is also perfect. If you aren’t interested in making your own fresh pressed vegetable juice or if you would just like a little structure consider juices from The Blueprint Cleanse. Cleanse programs from Organic Avenue and the Cooler Cleanse are also delicious. These three juice companies in New York City are loved by veteran juicers and first time juicers alike. All companies ship their juices nationally.

Lunch: Try one of these 3 Easy Raw Salad Recipes. Fresh veggies and leafy greens are naturally cleansing and rejuvenating foods. They act like little scrub brushes removing gunk and waste from your bod that may be blocking you from reaching feel-good bliss. Learn more here.

Snack (if needed): 1 small Coconut Water (Zico brand is a nice one). Obviously you may also have access to a fresh young thai coconut, and if you do that juice is even better!

Dinner: Another large leafy green salad, similar to lunch. Enjoy with a plate of your favorite sautted veggie stir fry or roasted tray of veggies. Roasted veggie wraps and these sea salt parsnip fries are two favorites of mine!