Why do I need a cleanse?

To achieve optimal wellness you need to cleanse your body actively. 

A barrage of toxins comes at you non-stop from pollutants, processed foods and additives, stress, prescription drugs, insufficient exercise, sedentary occupations, and other sources. The human body struggles to stand up to this onslaught even with the major organs of elimination—the liver, skin, intestinal tract, and kidneys—all on line and at work.  

During the cleanse, you will clear overloads of toxicity, and give your body a brief rest from digestion. On average, the human body expends 50-70% of its daily energy ration on digesting food. While cleansing and juice fasting you give your body a bit of R&R, a brief furlough from this non-stop labor so your system can devote a greater share of energy to detoxification, healing, and repair.

What kinds of recipes are in the program?  

Our 14-day meal plan contains delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and drinks.  

All of the recipes are:  

● plant-based - vegan, (dairy-free, egg-free) ● gluten-free ● grain-free ● nutrient-dense and easily digestible ● low in natural sugar ● alkaline-forming ● low-starch (with vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds for balanced nutrition) ● flavorful and fun  

The recipes enable a gentle detox process, and support a safe transition into and out of juice fasting. You will start with cooked and raw foods; then move into all raw foods; then just juices; then break the fast with raw foods; and then return to clean cooked foods. The foods we have chosen are nutrient-dense cleansing foods that support detoxification. 

Will I experience detox symptoms?  

Each person’s cleanse is unique, and even an individual’s cleanses over time will vary, due to many factors in overall physical and mental health—emotions, stress, and toxicity levels. At any time during the cleanse, you may experience common detox symptoms such as headaches, body aches, or a huge variance in energy levels. Some participants feel strong and vibrant throughout the two weeks. Detox symptoms (as unwelcome as they can be) are a sign that your natural cleanse mechanisms are working, and that your body is systematically healing. If you do experience detox symptoms, resting and hydrating normally provides quick relief, and most symptoms generally disappear within 12 to 48 hours. 

Will I be hungry?

We don’t believe in deprivation, and don’t want anybody to be hungry. So, portions are intentionally designed for hearty appetites, and most people have leftovers that they share with family and friends. The only time that you may feel hungry is during the juice fast period of the cleanse on Days 8, 9, and 10. Make the broth and juice popsicles to snack on during those days, and also make herbal teas and drink water. However, most participants are surprised that they don’t feel hungry. If you have a large appetite and are concerned about hunger, consider doubling the juice recipes. (Tess does this.)

How much do the groceries cost and where can I find the ingredients?

We estimate that your grocery bill for the two weeks will be about $400 depending on what pantry items you already have on hand. All of the ingredients (mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and oils) can be found at mainstream grocery stores. 

How long will it take to make the food?

Participants report spending one to two hours per day to prepare the meals. Yes, this is a commitment, and you may not be used to spending this much time in the kitchen. Some people are surprised by this on the first couple of days, but then enjoy the food so much that they begin to cherish the process of cooking, and look forward to preparing fresh meals in their daily life. 

Will my kids eat the food?

Although the menu plan is designed for one person, the portions are very generous, and most people have leftover food. Many participants share the extra food with their partner or children and we have received countless reports of children (even picky eaters who struggle to eat vegetables) loving the food and asking for the smoothies, soups, salads, and desserts again. Most participants continue making the recipes after the program. 

Can I substitute ingredients for food allergies and dietary restrictions?

Yes, and we make suggestions in most recipes. If you can't find a seasonal ingredient or cannot eat it reach out to us in the community and we can suggest alternatives specifically tailored to your situation.

Do I have to be vegan?

The 14-day menu is vegan and gluten-free because plant-based foods support cleansing. So, for the two-week cleanse, we all eat a plant-based diet. 

However, the majority of our participants are omnivores looking to eat more vegetables and get inspiration and tools to incoporate more healthy habits into their lives. 

We find that even the most vegetable-phobic people who are feeling anxious about being vegan for two weeks are surprised at how satisfied and satiated they feel, and how much they enjoy the food.