You were probably expecting a triumphant post today about how amazing my juice cleanse was, but here I am writing about quitting. Because I am a quitting quitter who quits.
I quit the juice cleanse.
Which, honestly, kind of killed me a little bit. That cleanse was a lot of money. And aside from that, quitting felt like admitting defeat. This was especially difficult for me when it seems like everyone else feels crazy amazing on a juice fast. Chris had the whole mental clarity, glowing aura of health thing going on and couldn't stop talking about how much energy he had, how great he felt, how he could wrestle a grizzly bear. And I just had an aura of "I spent the whole morning hunched over the toilet puking." (Because I did spend the whole morning hunched over the toilet puking.) At first, I wanted to soldier on. Then I thought: really? Am I really thinking about sticking with this? When it's making me physically ill?
So then I ate some saltines. And later, a falafel wrap. Because at that point, the thought of eating fruit or vegetables made me want to throw up even more.
I mean, I expected headaches. Hunger, I could deal with. But throwing up? Not so much. I am not a good thrower-upper. And juice that doesn't taste so good going down tastes even worse the second time around.
A lot of people say that when you get sick on a cleanse, it's your body releasing toxins. (I didn't really do the cleanse to release toxins--I'm not sure I believe that's a thing that happens, but I do believe that getting an insane amount of nutrients in juices for a few days can be beneficial.) But I eat pretty clean to begin with, so I really don't understand how my husband, who eats much more junk food than I do, could be feeling invincible, and I'd feel like jumping out of the window to end my misery. Especially after just coming off a 3-day raw cleanse that I felt fabulous on. I figured that, after a day and a half, I had given the 3-day juice cleanse a fair try, and since I felt progressively worse the whole time, it was time to throw in the towel. Something about those juices just did not agree with me--as soon as I'd start to feel a little bit better, I'd have another juice and feel terrible again.
I feel really disappointed. I was hoping for all those wonderful things people say happen to them during their juice cleanses--glowing skin, cleared sinuses, renewed energy. And instead I got crazy, ridiculously sick. Am I weak? Probably. But also, I think these cleanses just don't work for everyone. And they clearly don't work for me. There seems to be a lot of pressure that, once you've started a cleanse, you should stick with it and see it through; if you don't, it's some kind of moral failing. No, it's not! Listen to your body, always. I know that by posting this, I'm going to attract a lot of drive-by commenters telling me my body must be super toxic, that I didn't give this a fair chance, that I suck at life, and really, you can have at it; my experience is my experience and I stand by it.
So I'm sorry this post isn't super motivational. I guess I'm kind of being a bit of a downer today, huh? I'm not saying you shouldn't do a juice cleanse--my husband did well on it and so many other people have too. But know that it's not all sunshine and lollipops before you start, and maybe try a single day before you commit to three. Despite all this, I still got some positive takeaways from the whole raw food and juice cleanse thing:
- I really enjoyed raw food and I felt good eating it. I'm planning on eating more raw desserts, eating sprouted nuts and seeds as snacks, and skipping the frozen convenience lunches (even if they're low cal and/or healthy!) for fresh fruits and veggies. I have spent so long focusing on eating less, when what I really should be focusing on is eating more--eating more nutrient-dense foods, rather than eating less calories.
- I wondered if maybe, after doing this cleanse, I would want to make a dramatic change in my diet. I don't. A moderate approach is definitely the best for me, although, like I said, I will be replacing at least some of my weekend brownies and cupcakes with healthier raw desserts.
- Since I know everyone's wondering, I did lose 5 pounds. Of course, throwing up your food (or juice) will do that to you. I gained back a pound and a half when I started eating again.
Alexis @ Hummusapien says
I love reading realistic posts like this. It's so liberating to read a true, honest review of something...sometimes bloggers don't seem like real people! Always cooking perfect food and drinking green juice 24/7...ya right! I'm so glad you stopped once you felt sick; cleanses aren't for everyone. I've never done one before, but I would like to think that eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies everyday is cleanse enough for me 🙂 That cashew vanilla one DOES sound fantastic, though!
Kiersten says
The cashew milk was my favorite! I'm actually going to try to make it myself and if it turns out well, I'm posting the recipe here. 😀
Jennifer Holovack says
You suck at life. KIDDING!!!! lol...It made me giggle at the thought of somebody actually having enough balls to post something like that so i had to. But seriously i agree that they are not for everyone. I havent had the chance to try a juice fast yet but i have been wanting to and getting psyched up to do it, but i am pretty sure i will have similar results. My body is sensitive to everything. I can barely take a tylenol without feeling naseous. Point of this rant...i think youre awesome for trying 🙂
Kiersten says
When I got sick, I Googled to find other people who got sick from their cleanses because I wanted to see if this was a typical reaction. I couldn't find much, but I did find a post on another blog and it was full of comments from people saying things like, "Well, if you're vomiting, then your body is REALLY toxic and you need to stick with the cleanse because you clearly need it." So I was kind of bracing myself for that. 🙂 I'm sensitive to meds and about a billion other things too--maybe you should try doing one day of juice before you do a longer fast!
Jennifer Holovack says
Yeah, it's gonna be a WHILE before I can do any type of fasting or diet change...I'm currently pregnant and plan to breast feed so at least a year...who knows, by then i may no even want to try it 🙂
Kiersten says
Congratulations! 🙂 Yeah, I don't think a fast would be a good idea for a while!
Kris says
First it's ok and you tried! I haven't been able to complete a cleanse until I started using Kaeng Raeng. My husband and I did it twice and he cheated. I just finished my cleanse for 3 days last week and feel great. It has helped me to switch my diet to a vegan diet and the best thing is you don't starve. You can eat any raw fruit or veggie you want if you are hungry, which you probably won't be since it's very filling. You can choose to do a 3 day or 6 day cleanse for a beginner or veteran. The one thing I enjoyed was that now I can tell what foods are making me sick. Anything with gluten.... 🙁 I've been off of gluten for about a year but I do eat items that include gluten every once in a while but didn't catch the symptoms because of the poor eating habits I had, which are still 50% better then the SAD, but not the best. I ate a black bean veggie burger last night and was sick then read the labels that said it contained wheat gluten.
All this said to say, give yourself time and try a different cleanse. Don't give up!!!
Kiersten says
I just had someone email me about trying Kaeng Raeng. I'm glad to hear it worked so well for you! I don't know if I'm going to do another juice cleanse (although my husband would probably want to!), but I will probably do raw cleanses a few times a year. I think that's much more doable for me! 🙂
Jackie @ The Beeroness says
I'm with you! I did a juice cleanse once for 6 days and it was the worst ever, and I'm pretty sure it destroyed my metabolism for months. I felt awful and hungry and angry and I couldn't concentrate. I think some people's bodies respond well to it and other peoples don't. Now when I want to cleanse I just eat everything in the juice instead of drink it and I feel great. I think that raw produce is just better for my body than juiced produce.
Kiersten says
Oh please don't tell me this will destroy my metabolism--ha! That is the last thing I need.
marissa @ the boot says
remember when i told you that i was skeptical about cleanses? well, it's because my uncle (who is a health nut and super strong/fit/etc.) had your same experience! he was violently ill for days and has sworn off juice forever! there is no need to feel defeated at all, some things aren't for everyone! thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
Kiersten says
I'm glad I'm not the only one who had that experience! I spent so much time searching online for people who got sick from their juice cleanses (I wanted to know I wasn't alone!) and couldn't find very many. Well, other than the typical headaches and lethargy...
Jenny @ MyLittleMe says
At least you gave it a shot. I don't think I could do it.
Holly says
Hope you feel better soon. It sounds like you gave this cleanse a great effort but it just didn't work out. How miserable to be sick like that. Glad your husband feels well enough-- make sure he takes care of you!
Kiersten says
I definitely feel better now! It took a few hours to get back to normal, but once I started eating again, the nausea went away.
Ina Welker says
Thanks for being human! Extremes are usually not a good idea. Balance should be present in everything you do in life...unless you're into extreme sports ;)!
Kiersten says
Yup, no more extremes for me! 🙂
Dulcie @ two tarts says
I am sure the same thing would happen to me because just drinking a tall glass of juice makes me feel a bit ill. I really don't think these cleanses are healthy, and your body obviously agrees! Don't feel bad that it didn't work out.
Kiersten says
Yeah, the juice just sat in my stomach, sloshing around. It was so weird! And then I just felt sicker and sicker with every bottle. I've had fresh juice before, but usually in smaller glasses, so maybe the amount was just too much...
anna says
Juice cleanses like alot of other things can become the latest fad, I remember when everyone swore by the Atkins Diet! Just because skinny Gweneth Paltrow claims its amazing doesnt mean its whats best for you. Your body tells you when its right, youre not a quitter, just smart enough to know when somethings not working. Keep up the blog, its really good.
Kiersten says
Thank you! 🙂 And yes, I remember when everyone was all about the Atkins Diet too. Because there's nothing healthier than bacon fat, right?
Puja @ Indiaphile.info says
Oh no! I am so glad you quit. No diet, no matter how supposedly healthy should make you throw up. Glad you hear that you're back to eating solid foods and that you will be adding more raw foods to your diet. I think that's what I'll do too! 🙂
Kiersten says
Yes, solid foods are definitely my favorite foods! 😀
Celia says
I really think your body must be super toxic...
just joking!
I'm an avid juice faster for weight loss - currently on my longest fast to date for 60 days.
Had I ever experienced being sick and feeling the way you did I would most definitely stop right away. You did the right thing 🙂
From your post image it looks like you were buying in pre-made juices? I would maybe question the ingredients or combination off to see if they contain something that maybe doesn't agree with you?
Now excuse me while I take my unicorn for a walk across the rainbow 😉 Not!
Kiersten says
Yup, I bought my cleanse. I probably would have done better coming up with my own concoctions, made to suit my tastes, but buying that much produce and making juice 6 times a day seemed like so much work! I'm glad that juice fasting has worked for you (and it worked for my husband too--he lost over 10 pounds), but I don't know if I'm ready to try it again anytime soon. 😉
Aggie says
I tried exclusively juicing a couple years ago and it wasn't for me either. I enjoy it as a part of my diet, not really to drastically shock my system. It's good you listened to your body!
Kiersten says
Yup, this was definitely a shock to the system, that's for sure! I'd like to add juices to my regular diet, but definitely won't try a cleanse again.
Kristina says
you are so right, cleanses are clearly not for everyone. does that mean you are weak or a quitting quitter who quits, as you say? NO. (that second one made me giggle, but NO). well, yes you quit but it was the best thing for you - to go on would have been crazy silly. don't feel bad over it, and now you know if you want to do a "cleanse" you can do the raw food like you began with. XO
Kiersten says
I am going to be going to your blog for raw recipes now! 😀 I had a raw lunch yesterday (a giant salad and one of your brownie bites for dessert) and felt so great--no mid-afternoon slump like I usually get.
Sonnet says
Kiersten,
LOVE this post! Thanks for your willingness to be honest and vulnerable on the internet. (quite a big feat!) I've never attempted a juice cleanse and it's funny because I've actually had guilt about that, but my body has never felt the need to do it and so I've never pushed it. I love your message about listening to your body and trusting your gut. So important! 🙂
Kiersten says
Oh, definitely don't feel guilty about not doing a juice cleanse! You eat so well to begin with anyway. 🙂
Joy says
Thank you for your honesty. I think that fact that you "quit" and were still open and vulnerable enough to share your experience means way more than if you did the cleanse for the whole three days and experienced a huge transformation. Not that that would have been a bad thing, but I think the beauty of the blogging world is our ability to be honest with one another and share our true life experiences. And you're right, everyone's body is different. Everyone reacts differently to different diets and different foods. It's also fantastic that you listened to your body, that's something that most people need to learn how to do, tune in and listen to what they're body is telling them.
So to sum up, kudos to you! You're a winner in my book!
Kiersten says
There are definitely a lot of cleanse success stories out there, so I figured I'd share my cleanse failure to balance things out a little. 🙂 I think the raw food part was definitely more enlightening than the juice only!
Courtney @ The Fig Tree says
You are right. Juicing won't work for everyone. Just as with everything health-wise, you need to listen to your body and do what's best for yourself. I personally think downing a juice every day is a good plan, but I also think it's important to have proper fibre and protein throughout the day too. I think, as cliche as it sounds, moderation is key 🙂 Good on you for trying! *hugs* And thank you for sharing your experience. I have a feeling a lot of people can relate. We've all tried something that we hoped would make a positive difference only to find it was not right for us.
I just hope you feel lots better now! xo
Kiersten says
Yes, I am sticking with moderation from now on! 🙂
Michele says
I don't quite trust a cleanse that costs $60/day and comes in a bottle. I do trust juice made fresh from whole vegetables and fruits. I think these bottled cleanses are a rip off and a sham.
Kiersten says
I think they're convenient for people who don't have the time/equipment to juice themselves, but I don't think I'd go that route again.
Mary @ Fit and Fed says
A writer at our local alternative weekly, The Stranger, wrote an amusing article about how much she hated doing a juice fast, it's here: http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/over-the-strawberry-moon/Content?oid=16044590
Kiersten says
Thanks for the link! Yes, I can definitely relate. 🙂
gem says
At least you tried it! I would be afraid to start...
Ainse says
Funny, I just read an article about juicing here: http://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/is-juicing-effective/
Basically, your body is pretty good at ridding toxins for you. But there really is nothing like a good glass of fresh juice. 🙂
Kiersten says
Thanks for the link! I didn't do the cleanse to purge toxins, more to get a megadose of nutrients and other good things. But that didn't go so well either. 🙂
Elizabeth says
Oh I love your honesty. It is refreshing. Thank you for posting about this. I am thinking about doing a "cleanse" but it would be going vegan for two or three weeks. I think your writing is refreshing and honest. Thanks for making this post!
Kiersten says
I think going vegan is definitely doable as a cleanse! Much more realistic than juice only. 🙂 Good luck with it!
Morgan says
I've never done a juice cleanse, and I'm highly suspicious of them honestly.
1. Does not sound fun. (See your post.) 2. Why throw out all the good fiber and texture that nature put in those fruits & veg? 3. I do not even like smoothies. It's like I'm a broken health-food lover. Juice is like smoothies-lite.
So anyway, I support you, thanks for posting reality!
Kiersten says
See, I LOVE smoothies, even smoothies made with veggies. So I thought this would be easy. But somehow all those kale smoothies, I can stomach, but kale juice? No, I could not do that. And the fiber thing is why I don't juice regularly!
heather @ heatheromade says
hope you feel well. i'm not sure i'll ever do a juice cleanse but i have found it as a good supplement for getting vitamins. i juice at night for my something sweet.
cheers to your honesty & for the love of chewing food. i'm with you!
Kiersten says
I will probably start adding more fresh juice to my diet too--just no more cleanses. 🙂
Meghan @JaMonkey says
Oh gosh. I'm sorry you got so ill. I hope you are feeling better now.