Everything You Need to Know About Cleansing

If you're feeling less than anxious to throw on that bikini and head to the beach and anything like my friends you've definitely toyed with the idea of doing a cleanse. Sure, healthy dieting and exercising are an absolute must, but sometimes you just need a little jump-start.  Since juicing and cleansing seem to be the new “black” this year, I turned to Nutritionist Heather Bauer, and Founder of Bestowed.com to get 411 on cleansing (the true benefits) and most honest tips for beginners.

What type of cleanses would you recommend for a first time "cleanser?"

If you're nervous about trying a cleanse I would recommend trying Organic Avenue. This cleanse gives you 3 - 4 juices throughout the day and then an actual meal for dinner - this way you are not going cold turkey. But if you're ready to go full force, the BluePrintCleanse is a great option. It's very easy to find (sold in Whole Foods) and they are sold separately so you can customize it according to which you like best.

What are the benefits of doing a cleanse?

Cleansing gets rid of all the unhealthy cravings that people have by eliminating caffeine, salt, white refined processed sugars etc. You lose a lot of water weight with a cleanse which makes people feel good and want to continue to eat healthy. It’s a great jump start to a healthier lifestyle.

Who are the right candidates for cleanses?

First and foremost, always check with your doctor first. Generally, a good candidate is someone who is busy and doesn't have time to cook and prepare lots of food. It's someone who feels unhealthy because they haven't been eating properly and is looking for a jump start to lose a good amount of weight.

 What are the common side effects?  Will I feel tired, hungry...?

All of the above. Modify the cleanse if it feels too aggressive. Try it on a weekend so it doesn't affect your current lifestyle. If you're an avid coffee drinker, incorporate a cup of green tea so it's not as difficult of a transition. 

What's are some key ingredients in cleanses and how do they help?

Lettuce, celery, cucumber, kale, parsley, green apple, spinach, cashews, agave nectar and cinnamon are some common ingredients found in a lot of cleanses. These foods contain important vitamins, minerals, nutrients, anti-oxidants, flavanoids, and enzymes that will gently rid your body of impurities, regain an alkaline balance and normalize digestion and metabolism.

How often can you do a cleanse?

This is where people go wrong because they do them too frequently. I wouldn't recommend doing a cleanse more than 2-3 times a year because you wont get optimal results.

Is there anything else I can do to achieve optimal results?

Don't overdo cleanses! Use the cleanse as a segue into healthier eating and an overall healthier lifestyle. Once you're done cleansing, concentrate on eating LESS caffeine, salt and white refined processed sugar and MORE lean proteins, fruits and veggies and healthy grains!

I Attempted A Fiber Cleanse with Usana Reset

I've been toying with the idea of doing a cleanse again (I've tried Organic Avenue in the past), but can't bring myself to commit.  I think it's partially because of all of the industry events I'm attending with great dinners and wine and partially because my boyfriend and friends wouldn't allow me to miss out on my social life that pretty much revolves around eating and drinking.

Last week I received a fiber cleanse in the mail by Usana called Reset.  I starred at it.  The word "reset" was starring back at me.  The claim: "Lose five pounds in five days." Hmmm... I with the way I've been indulging lately and the holidays coming up, it's tempting.  I'm a vegetarian – no meat or fish and work out regularly.  I'm in pretty good shape, but like any girl would change a thousand things if I could.

So I started this five day cleanse.  It consists of three shakes and two snack bars per day, along with an am and pm pack of pills that I'm deathly afraid of plus eating lots of fruits and veggies.  I can do this.

Well after two days I gave up.  It wasn't this cleanse that I couldn't do, but I had the same side effects as any cleanse of feeling weak and tired and having occasional headaches that I couldn't put up with.  I'm in need of constant energy and after two days of cleansing I was drained.  I guess if you're going to commit to a cleanse you need to be prepared to lay low for the time.  I can never lay low!

Cleanse Right

I've done two cleanses in my life. One five day from Organic Avenue where I was able to eat raw food and the other was from Whole Foods that was two weeks, where I had to take about eleven huge pills everyday (let's just say I didn't last the full two weeks). With so many different types of cleanses I was curious to find out the benefits of the different types.

Thinking about trying a cleanse?  I got the scoop from celeb nutritionist, Paula Simpson, on the most appropriate ways to cleanse and what you should expect while you're toughing it out.

"Quick fix cleanses tend to be more harsh on the system and do very little in neutralizing toxins by products and supporting the key eliminative pathways including the skin, liver, kidneys, digestion and lungs," remarked Simpson.

Ideally cleanses should be about ten days long, but if you're doing an eliminative diet or detox program it should last anywhere from two weeks to one month.  These are best if done about three to four times per year. Throughout the first few days of a cleanse you may feel tired, have mild headaches and gastric disturbances.

"Watch out for outrageous claims in weight loss and programs not recommended by credible health professionals," Simpson warned.  Programs should be antioxidant rich with natural ingredients and not too restrictive on eating.  When working with her clients, Simpson encourages both a nutrition and supplement program that work to promote the healthy functioning of the digestive system, liver and support healthy immunity.

A good one to try recommended by Simpson: Glisodin Skin Nutrients Advanced Detoxification Program, because it's very easy to incorporate into your daily routine as it's only two drinks per day for 15 days.