The second night of a juice cleanse is usually the part I struggle with. I get quite hungry in the evening and often have trouble sleeping, partly through hunger but also from being super-alert.
The ‘juicy high’ begins to kick in just at the point where you’re wondering if you should just give in, get up, and go and raid the fridge or snack cupboard. So here is some advice:
- Don’t do it! It will pass.
- Listen to an audiobook or some relaxing music until you drop off.
- Have some valerian or chamomile tea. I also like Clipper’s Snore and Peace.
- Lavender drops in a bath, on your pillowcase or a hanky work well.
- I also find Rescue Remedy Night-Time Drops helpful for turning off the buzzing thoughts long enough to fall asleep.
- Rest is important when doing a juice cleanse, so if absolutely necessary, have a little something (as Winnie the Pooh was often inclined to do!), but make that little something count.
- Don’t be tempted to eat mindlessly. You will be proud of yourself for seeing it through and will feel amazing next day.
- Don’t reach for your partner’s leftover pizza or that slice of carrot cake you selflessly made for your children’s tea. No, really, don’t. You’ll thank me for this. Promise.
- Instead, try half a ripe avocado with some black pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Or a small, ripe banana. Or half of one of the Juice Master’s Juice Bars.*
- And don’t give yourself a hard time for ‘giving in!’ Instead, give yourself a pat on the back for choosing a healthy option and sticking to your goal.
This time, although I had trouble getting to sleep – I had a lot on my mind – I did manage to eventually and didn’t have to get up in the night to assuage those demonic temptations.
I think I may have cracked this juicing lark!
I got up, congratulated myself, and looked forward to the first main juice of the day: Sweet ‘n’ Smooth Blend.
Hang on. Parsnip?! No way! Jason, how could you?!
(Regular readers will already know of my complete antipathy towards this genuinely nutrient-filled vegetable, but if you are bemused then please read my post ‘Pears But No More Parsnips’)*.
My husband knows better and thankfully had replaced it with sweet potato. And very nice it was too.
Phew, that was close!
Ps Although I don’t normally weigh myself during a cleanse, and am not looking to lose a significant amount – just the extra couple of Christmas pounds – for those interested in knowing these things: I have so far lost 2lbs. If it starts going beyond 5, I will begin adding more extras to my juices, or have an extra one each day.
Onwards and upwards – or downwards, or something! You know what I mean!
*https://pearsnotparsnips.com/2015/11/06/pears-but-no-more-parsnips/
Disclaimer: As always, if you are thinking of doing a juice cleanse, please be sure to check with your doctor first. These posts are my personal experiences with juicing.
Copyright: Chris McGowan
pearsnotparsnipsdotcom 