Organic Avenue Juice Cleanse

Juicing seems to be the latest craze in NYC these days. There are so many different cleanses and stores and variations but I have found that Organic Avenue is most definitely my favorite. There happens to be a store a few blocks from my office so I started off having a juice every so often to help jump start my day. I finally decided to take the plunge when I saw a great deal for the 3 day LOVE* Deep Cleanse on Rue La La. I ordered my cleanse for after the holidays since December was filled with lots of eating and drinking and I wanted to start January off feeling healthy.

I was not sure what to expect from the cleanse or how it would work but Organic Avenue sent me an email beforehand with tips to prepare. For example, they recommend only eating fruits and veggies the day before the cleanse and not having any caffeine. I definitely think this made a difference since it prepared my body for the 3 day cleanse. In addition to the email with preparation tips, I received an email each night letting me know what my juices would be the next day and schedule to follow.

The first morning I picked up my 6 juices and 1 booster shot which came in a cooler with an ice pack. I was able to ask any questions and each juice was numbered in the correct order. Here is an example of my first day:

* Love Deep 1 (approx 8/9am) 1 Aloe: Aloe Vera
FYI: Aloe vera juice is known to help to detoxify the body and cleanse the colon. The detoxification properties of the juice also work to detoxify the blood stream. It is also said that aloe vera juice could benefit a person with intestinal or stomach problems
* Love Deep 2 (approx 10/11am) 1 Coconut Water:
FYI: Coconut water contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that have been known to help: Keep the body cool and at the proper temperature, Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage, Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells, Naturally replenish your body's fluids after exercising, Raise your metabolism, Promote weight loss, Boost your immune system, Detoxify and fight viruses, Cleanse your digestive tract, Control diabetes, Aid your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS, Balance your PH and reduce risk of cancer, Treat kidney and urethral stones, and Boost poor circulation.- (Read More)
* Love Deep 3 (approx 11/12pm) 1 Pear Juice:
FYI: Pears are often recommended as a hypo-allergenic fruit that is high in fiber but less likely to produce adverse reactions. Pear juice is safe to be introduced to infants as they are mild, yet healthful. (Read More)
* Love Deep 4 (approx 1/2pm) 1 Turmeric Tonic
* Love Deep 5 (approx 3/4pm) 1 Carrot Juice:
FYI: Many people consider drinking carrot juice one of the healthiest lifestyle choices possible. Carrot juice is known for beta carotene which gives the body Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin E and many minerals. The health benefits of drinking carrot juice are thought to be good prenatal health, eyesight, bones and teeth, liver and nails, skin and hair as well as helping in cancer prevention. - (Read More)
* Love Deep 6 (approx 5/6pm) 1 Mellow Love:
FYI: Parsley is a particularly good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for healthy blood clotting and, recently, a study showed that one form of vitamin K may help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Parsley is also a good source of vitamins A and C which have strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. (Read More)
* Love Deep 7 (approx 7/8pm) 1 Cashew Hemp Mylk

Each day had the same schedule but the juices varied. The hardest part for me was the morning since it always consists of the booster shot and coconut water. The first real juice is not consumed until 11am/12pm. My favorite juices were the Ginger Lemonade, the Pear Juice, the Green LOVE*, and the Turmeric Tonic. 

Turmeric Tonic

So here are some questions that I was constantly asked throughout the cleanse and that I had before I went through the process:

1. Are you hungry?

I got asked this question at least 10 times a day and it drove me CRAZY. I was not hungry for the cleanse but I did miss the taste of food. The first night I could not finish my Cashew Hemp Mylk since I was so full. Since the juices are packed with nutrients they keep you full much longer than a bowl of pasta. The smell of food was definitely tough during the day but I never physically felt as if I was not giving myself enough fuel.

2. Are you tired?

Nope! That question got asked towards the afternoon each day. I did not feel tired at all. I made sure to go to bed a little bit earlier but I slept well the entire cleanse and did not feel lethargic at all. If anything I felt more energized.

3. Is it hard?

Yes!! Transitioning from food to juice for 3 days is definitely a challenge. For me it was more mental than anything else but you feel so accomplished at the end. A colleague of mine who has done many juice cleanses kept reminding me that I was cleansing the toxins out of my body and to keep that in mind when you smelled pizza!

4. Did you lose weight?

Although that was not my goal, yes. I did not weigh myself before and after but my clothes were looser towards the middle/end of the cleanse.

5. Were you glad you did it?

Yes, definitely. I felt energized and felt like I had done spring cleaning for my body. Did it make me crave sweets less? Nope, not for this sweet tooth but I definitely am more aware of what I am eating and how it affects me. I have decreased my intake of caffeine and also tried to limit the amount of refined sugar I consume.

If you are thinking about doing a juice cleanse I definitely recommend it, especially the Organic Avenue LOVE* cleanses. I don't see myself cleansing again soon but it was perfect for after the holidays and might be good to try again in the spring when warmer weather arrives. Feel free to email me with any questions you might have! If you aren't ready for a juice cleanse only, Organic Avenue offers a LOVE* easy cleanse that combines juice and food. I also recommend any of the Organic Avenue juices to get a healthy dose of greens or nutrients.