Nutrition

Written by Jennifer Miller

juice cleanses You’ve either tried them or know someone who has. They are just as trendy as this season’s fashion but in truth, they’ve been around forever. Many people use juice cleanses or similar detox diets for religious reasons, or to help boost spiritual or physical health. Juice cleanses typically run anywhere from 1 to 5 days. Typically, all solid foods are replaced with five to six 16 oz juices a day for maximum nutrients and caloric intake. Juicing, essentially, puts the healthy stuff in, while flushing the toxins out. It allows your digestive system a break and gives it a much needed reset while boosting your nutrition. So, who are juice cleanses for? Everyone really! The great thing about juice cleanses is that you can customize them to what YOUR body needs. You know your body better than anyone. Maybe you are just starting out and one meal a day is all you replace for a while or you’ve been juicing for some time and are ready to finally do a three day cleanse. Either way, you get to chart your own course.

Local Places for Juice Cleanses: The Wellness Bar (CDA, Hayden and Post Falls) Order online at niwellnessbar.com

Method Juice Spokane: Northside and Downtown Order online at methodjuicecafe.com Here are some helpful tips if you are new to juice cleansing: • Try starting with implementing one juice a day into your diet for a week or two. • Pre cleanse so you can ease into your first cleanse.

Start with an elimination diet and cut out all processed foods, white sugar, caffeine and alcohol for a couple days before you begin your cleanse. • Know that there are no rules. Do not feel like you need to starve yourself to reap the benefits. Eat one healthy and clean meal a day along with your juices if you feel the need.

While you are cleansing, it’s important to take care of yourself: • Limit intense cardiovascular exercise. Try a gentle yoga class, light stretching or a short walk instead. • Drink water. And when you think you’ve drank enough, go pour yourself another glass. Hydration is key! • Rest! Your body is resetting itself, which can be hard work. Give it the rest it deserves. • Emotions can run high during a cleanse. Meditate or take a detox bath to care for your mind too.

Most of all, remember that everyone is different. Your juice cleanse will not look like your neighbors. We recommend consulting with your doctor first especially if you have any medical issues or are undergoing any treatments. And do your research to make sure you get the best cleanse for YOU!