If you haven't seen the documentary or are thinking about starting a juice cleanse but not really sure if it's for you, I suggest watching Joe Cross's documentary Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. You can pick it up for free on Amazon Prime and I know it was on Netflix (not sure if it still is). Joe has inspired thousands of people across America to adopt juicing into their everyday routine and hundreds of other to begin juice fasts. Below is a summary from IMDB:
"100 pounds overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, Joe Cross is at the end of his rope and the end of his hope. In the mirror he saw a 310lb man whose gut was bigger than a beach ball and a path laid out before him that wouldn't end well- with one foot already in the grave, the other wasn't far behind. FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD is an inspiring film that chronicles Joe's personal mission to regain his health. With doctors and conventional medicines unable to help long-term, Joe turns to the only option left, the body's ability to heal itself. He trades in the junk food and hits the road with juicer and generator in tow, vowing only to drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice for the next 60 days. Across 3,000 miles Joe has one goal in mind: To get off his pills and achieve a balanced lifestyle. While talking to more than 500 Americans about food, health and longevity, it's at a truck stop in Arizona where Joe meets a truck driver who suffers from the same rare condition. Phil Staples is morbidly obese weighing in at 429 lbs; a cheeseburger away from a heart-attack. As Joe is recovering his health, Phil begins his own epic journey to get well. What emerges is nothing short of amazing - an inspiring tale of healing and human connection. Part road trip, part self-help manifesto, FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD defies the traditional documentary format to present an unconventional and uplifting story of two men from different worlds who each realize that the only person who can save them is themselves." -Jamin Mendelsohn
After watching the documentary, I immediately purchased a juicer from Amazon Prime, the Breville Compact, the same juicer Joe uses in the film and I am absolutely in love with it! It's a great size for someone who lives in a tiny apartment, but uses enough power to maximize the amount of juice you get. The design is so user friendly and really easy to clean; it's literally fool proof! Today is my second day of my 7-day cleanse and so far so good. Most blogs I have read state that the second and third days are the hardest to get through since your body is in full detox mode. Hopefully this comes sooner rather than later for me. I've tried different juices in the past, but have really just stuck to Joe's Mean Green, with a few modifications, but this fast I have made 3 juices total so far and love them all! I have listed them below.
Mean Green Juice (adapted from Joe Cross's Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead)
makes about 24-32oz
1/2 bunch fresh spinach
4 celery sticks
1 cucumber, peeled
2 granny smith apples, cored
1 lemon, peeled
generous nob of ginger, peeled (1-2 inches)
Grapefruit Sunshine Juice
makes about 24-32oz
2 juicing grapefruits, peeled
1 large mango or 2 smaller ones (can sub 2 cored granny smith apples)
2 lemons, peeled
2 packs of Stevia (optional)
Mojito Refresher Juice
makes about 16-24oz
1 cucumber, peeled
2 limes, peeled
1 granny smith apple, cored
handful of mint
handful of basil
I will continue to update my blog once I discover new recipes. I have some beets and carrots in my fridge right now, but I'm a bit hesitant to use them (last time I made carrot juice I was gagging). I think I will disguise the sweet or earthly flavors with some citrus fruits since I seem to prefer citrus juices.
One thing that I'm a little weary of is exercise during the cleanse. Almost everything I have read suggests you continue your gym routine. I was a bit nervous yesterday morning when I went for my morning cardio, but was pleasantly surprised when I had the best workout of my life. When I'm not juicing, I usually eat some granola or a chia smoothie pre-workout and Greek yogurt post-workout, so I know I'm getting the proper nutrients to sustain a workout. Yesterday I made the Grapefruit Juice knowing that I would be loaded up with carbs and energy for the entire workout and I was shocked I wasn't even hungry afterwards. Tonight I will hit the gym again for my strength workout after I get my B-12 injection. Hopefully I will have enough energy to fit in another great workout!
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