There are a few things that are very important to consider before you begin your cleanse. If you don’t prepare properly you will feel hungrier and have more detox symptoms such as headaches, bloating, irritability and nausea which occur if a digestive system is not first properly prepared to transition from a dense diet to the light cleanse.
It’s like driving at full speed on the highway and then slamming on the brakes instead of slowing down gradually… this is much too jarring for your system but if instead you slowly tap on the brakes allowing for more time to gently slow down this transition is much smoother with far less discomfort.
So remember – the focus is on gradually transitioning from denser foods that require more digestion to lighter foods that will exit your system quicker. You wouldn’t run a marathon without preparing first so out of respect for your body gently carry yourself into this experience by training the digestive system to slowly transition into your cleanse.
Best way to stay clear of detox discomfort is to avoid extremes and your body will be thanking you!!!
What can you do to prepare?
DITCH THE CAFFEINE
Wean off caffeine slowly and gradually a week before your cleanse to avoid caffeine withdrawal headaches.
CUT OUT SALT
The best way to reduce your sodium intake is to stop eating processed foods loaded with sodium and stop eating fast food. If you cut back on salt intake a week before your cleanse the salt free diet on the cleanse won’t be such a shock to your system .
SKIP THE SUGAR
Cut out all processed foods, refined sugars and artificial sweeteners a day at two before the cleanse. This way you will welcome the natural sweetness of the fruit included in your juices during the cleanse. (…are you still reading? Good! You’re ready to commit to this!)
GO MEATLESS AND CUT OUT DAIRY
Do this for a few days before your cleanse loading up instead on fruits and veggies to get your system used to what it will be consuming on your cleanse. Eliminate processed and difficult to digest items like meat and dairy and as many people are lactose intolerant meaning they can not digest the sugar in the dairy leading to constipation and gas.
EAT LIGHT THE DAY BEFORE
If you eat a dense meal the night before you begin your cleanse like meat or heavy starches like french fries your body will be in heavy digestion mode the following day ready to break down another dense meal so when it encounters the light, simple raw juice instead you may end up feeling nauseated, light headed and extremely hungry because your body has been in work mode for so long and those digestive juices are still turning but now they have nothing to break down.
REPEAT AFTER ME: I GOT THIS!
This might take some self-control and inner power. Say it loud – you got this!