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.
Bobbie says
Thank you so much for your honesty! I appreciate it.
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty says
I hope you're not really beating yourself up too much - you tried, and I think that's more than I could do! And you are incredibly smart to have stopped once you started throwing up - oy! I am a horrible person to everyone around me when I'm essentially starving myself. I can't do that to the people I love. Which is convenient because a juice fast sounds utterly miserable. 😉 Every once in awhile I think maybe I should do something like that to kick-start my perpetual weight loss efforts but ... I don't know. Seems like our bodies know what they're doing more than we sometimes give them credit for.
Anyway, sounds like you had some great takeaways - eating more raw foods, for instance. Many many years ago I went to a raw food restaurant in San Diego and it was amazing, but that's about as close as I've come to intentionally eating raw. THAT, though - that I think I could do.
Kiersten says
I think I'm mostly beating myself up because of all the money I spent on it when I only got through a little more than a day. I am cheap! Wasting money is painful! Also, I'm insanely jealous that my husband felt so wonderful (and lost over 10 pounds!) and I spent the day half asleep on the couch. I can't recommend a juice fast, but maybe try a day of raw food and see how it goes. I don't have the equipment to do a lot of the more involved recipes, but salads are raw! And I made a zucchini pasta with raw pesto that was really tasty too. It's doable!
Kasey Shuler @ Well of Health says
I recently blogged about doing the Whole30 and quit at day 17 and felt pretty bad about it. But then again I didn't, because I felt so FREE after quitting! I'm glad you quit. How terrible would it be if you kept it up and made yourself so sick instead of feeding your body real food which it sounds like is what it needed? Anyways, just wanted to let you know that I admire you for quitting. Way to go 🙂
Kiersten says
I felt really free after quitting my cleanse too. 🙂 I'm glad I'm not the only quitter! When you blog about this stuff, it's kind of hard to admit when you fall short.
vegeTARAian says
Props for giving it a red hot go - juice for 3 days straight is a massive ask. I once did a juicy weekend and missed all the chewable fun...
Kiersten says
Not being able to eat on the weekend is a sad, sad thing!
Natalie @ Once Upon a Cutting Board says
I don't think cleanses are are something everyone should strive to do or feel bad about for not finishing, and I definitely think they're better for some people than others. Good for you for giving it a try and recognizing that it wasn't right for you .. You eat so well already that your regular diet is something to be proud to go back to!
Kiersten says
Well, I do try to eat well, but lately I've been slipping up and eating a lot of those "healthy" convenience foods. And while whole wheat crackers might be better than a handful of Ritz, they're still not as good as nuts or fruit or veggies! The raw part of the cleanse really helped me see how much better I feel when I eat whole foods, so I'm glad I got that out of it!
Kristen says
Ah, glad it's not just me! (Though sorry you had to go through that!)
We eat very cleanly, and my Mum not so much so we did it together. I was so sick I only lasted a day, she sailed through it like it was nothing! And they were homemade juices so we were having exactly the same thing!
One a day seems to be my limit so I'll stick to that from now on
Kiersten says
That is so funny that we had the same experience! My husband makes quesadillas with marshmallow fluff and chocolate chips and he did 3 days, no problem. :/ I guess 1 day is my limit too, although I barely made it through that!
Carrie says
I've never tried any type of cleanse before because it sounds like a lot of work, Right now I'm at a point where I might try one if it would really jump start some weight loss and make me feel better. I have never heard that they can help with sinuses before...I am always congested. I feel like I *should* try something like this, I'm just afraid of starving and not having any energy.
I am intrigued about the sinus thing, though...!
Kiersten says
I have such awful sinus issues and I heard a few people say that it helped with those, so I was REALLY hoping I'd drink that first bottle of juice and TA-DA, clear sinuses! Nope. If you do decide to do a juice cleanse, for sure do one day first, just to make sure you can handle it. Or do a raw or whole foods cleanse instead. One of my readers mentioned having success with this one from Whole Living magazine: http://www.wholeliving.com/216880/2013-whole-living-action-plan
Carrie says
Ooooh, thanks, I will check it out!
Lisa @ Greek Vegetarian says
Vomitting is definitely my least favourite thing to do, in the world. It must have been awful for you. I can't see any reason whatsoever why you, or anyone else for that matter, should feel anything but relief that you stopped the cleanse when you did!
Kiersten says
It was definitely a big relief. 🙂 Although I won't stop kicking myself for the amount of money I wasted--ha!
Katie (The Muffin Myth) says
Amen, sister! I really don't get juice cleanses. I've never done one, and I don't intend to ever do one. In general, I don't really believe in juice - all of the calories, but none of the fiber of the fruits and vegetables they come from. That fiber is super good for us! Our systems need it! Eat fruit and veg, drink water. A raw food cleanse is a different story, because there is actual food involved. You can be well fed, nourished, and do excellent things for your body. And I'm with you on eating more. I always suggest that people focus on eating a bonkers amount of fruits and veg rather than trying to cut calories. If you fill your self up on veggies you'll cut calories without even thinking about it. Good for you for quitting this!
Kiersten says
I'm a big smoothie drinker because it leaves the fiber intact, but I liked the idea of a juice cleanse for the concentrated vitamins and nutrients in one bottle. I didn't buy the whole cleansing toxins aspect of it, but I did hope that all those concentrated nutrients would give me a little boost of energy, help me finally knock out my eczema, and all the other wonderful things people have happen on these cleanses. Sigh. Oh well, at least I discovered that I really like raw foods. So there's that!
Karola says
After "attempting" to do a clense for 3 days, I threw my last juice away on day 2 because I couldn't even LOOK at it, and the smell made me sick to my guts (although I didn't actually throw up, I certainly felt like it). Then I enjoyed a slice of pizza and it made me feel better than ever LOL. That's all from me dear. MODERATION IS THE KEY!!! Woo hoo! 😉
Kiersten says
Ha! I felt the same way when I had my falafel wrap--that's when I got my burst of energy, not when I was drinking the juices. 😀 I also couldn't stand the sight of the juice after being so sick. I couldn't even watch my husband drink his!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Sorry to hear that you even vomited....I believe in clean eating, balanced diets...just juice...definitely not the thing for me and my stomach. I am glad that you have made the right decision for yourself and your body.
Kiersten says
Yup, you mentioned last week having a sensitive stomach and not being able to do a juice fast--I guess I have the same issue! 🙂
Lea says
I totally agree with you. Raw food makes much more sense. Is it possible that the juice was bad? If it was you may have had a reaction because you eat so clean, while someone who eats more junk could handle it. Great post!
Kiersten says
Yeah, I kind of wondered that too--maybe it was food poisoning? I have no idea, but I do know that I don't want to look at a glass of juice for a long time. 😉
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ says
Your post is much more motivational than you think. Your body reacted this way and you had to listen to it. You must now realize that this is not a defeat at all. That cleanse program was not meeting your needs.
Kiersten says
Nope, it definitely wasn't!
Kate @ Two Take on Style says
Haha thank you for being so honest!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Poor thing! So sorry you got so sick. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the cleanse process though. Personally, I just don't think it could ever be for me. By making smart food choices day to day, cleansing doesn't seem like a necessity, but that's just my (very uneducated) opinion. Glad you gave it an honest shot, though. Maybe another program would be better for you!
Kiersten says
I don't know if I want to think about trying another cleanse anytime soon. Or even looking at another glass of juice. 😉
dishing up the dirt says
Kiersten, I think quitting is definitely under-rated. You go girl! Thanks for the honesty.
Kiersten says
Quitting is definitely under-rated! 🙂
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
At least you tried!!
Jessica c says
Funnily enough I started a 3 day juice fast myself Monday after doing a 2 week raw food cleanse. I will say that I made it through 2/3 of a day. Not sure if it was because the juices were disgusting or I just really needed to eat something that tasted good but I failed miserably at the cleanse. I definitely learned that I like some aspects of raw (think I will stick with my smoothies and salads during the day) but I have learned that I like at least having the choice of cooked food if I want it.
Kiersten says
We seem to have a very similar experience then. 🙂 I also liked a lot of the raw eating and will be switching to salads for lunch, but I'm not interested in going all out raw. Because cooked food is delicious! As for the juices, yes, I didn't care for the way most of them tasted either. I have a feeling if they were a wee bit fruitier/sweeter, I'd have an easier time. But I guess that would have defeated the purpose of the cleanse, right?
Jennifer H says
Hang in there! It probably just wasn't meant for you. You'll find what's right.
Lucero says
Sorry to hear you had such a hard time. Your experience sounds like when I try to take a multivitamin on an empty stomach. All the B vitamins make me feel like keeling over when they get into my bloodstream. This cleanse may just have been too strong for you. I've had that happen before plus if fasting throws your sugar balance out of whack and you drink a ton of juice it tends to have the effect you experienced (been there, not fun).
Kiersten says
I have the same issue with vitamins. In high school, I started taking a multi and I was sick every single morning. It took me a few weeks to realize it was the vitamins!
Stephanie @ henry happened says
Power to the quitters! I'm so not into suffering so I totally agree that you did the right thing. I think I'd rather hang on to the toxins than spend the morning hanging with the toilet.
Kiersten says
Yeah, didn't I just tell you how awesome quitting is? I need to take my own advice more often. 🙂
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
I totally agree that they are just not for everybody, and good for your husband that he had success on it but good for you for knowing when to quit! I think general clean eating is probably a lot better for anyone than having to purge toxins with some kind of cleanse once or twice a year. Up with food 😉
Kiersten says
Yes, up with food indeed! And down with vomiting!
Kathy says
Agh.... that sucks. I am sorry you felt so sick. I feel the same way about exercise. Everyone loves it and they feel good about themselves afterwards, not me! I hate exercising. I do it, but I hate it.
Kiersten says
Me too! I really have to make myself workout. I get so bored with it.
Mum's the word says
ooh I didn't know that the juice cleanse would cause puking. I always thought it came out as poo.
I'm with you for canning this, listening to your body is the best advise for anything we embark on!
Kiersten says
Well, it will do that too. 😉 But mine I just threw up--it's definitely not supposed to do that though!
Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective says
So sorry your juice cleanse didn't go so well. It's hard to feel like you've failed yourself (even if you haven't.) It sounds like, though, that you make the right choice in listening to your body's cues, and that is always the way to go. Thanks for the honesty - we love you even more for it! Hope you have a better week! 🙂
Kiersten says
Thank you, Sommer! I did kind of feel like I failed myself, but once I ate and felt a million times better, I realized I made the right decision. 🙂