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.
DessertForTwo says
Kiersten! Do not feel so badly!
Juices make me sick, too! The acidity tears up my stomach and I can't do it. I can't eat raw apples or bananas on an empty stomach. I have spent many times curled up in a ball underneath my desk at work, waiting for the feeling to pass.
I feel amazing and glowing when I eat enough (vegetarian) protein and drink lots of water.
Thanks for your honesty 🙂
Kiersten says
I have a sensitive stomach too, so I wonder if maybe this was the issue. My stomach just did NOT like those juices.
Andrea Grandson says
Hi Kiersten, I am a Nutritional Therapist and I too have given up juice fasting for similar reasons. I am now fructose intolerant, not sure if was always lurking, but it's now super present, especially when I eat apples. I love your blog, I often work with vegans who think they eat healthily...hmm, I need to point them to your site to show them how it's really done!
Kiersten says
Thanks for your comment (and for the kind words about my blog)! That's interesting--I've never heard of fructose intolerance before. Maybe it could have been something like that that caused me to get so sick.
CJ says
The same thing happens to me--my stomach has a really tough time, especially with fruit. I've tried cleansing a few times and I just get super sick and bloated and generally feel awful. And you know what--I eat a healthy, mostly vegan diet and that's enough. I'll save the stomach pains and other malaise for when I absolutely, positively, must have something fried:)
Kiersten says
Yeah, I felt so bloated too--I guess it was all that juice just sitting in my stomach! I think this just isn't for everyone.
Kim of Mo'Betta says
Well, obviously your body was telling you 'no way'! Always good to listen to it. I started a diet this week, and it involves eating very "clean" (The Fast Metabolism Diet), but what I really want is chips and beer and chocolate! I like to eat dirty 🙂
Kiersten says
Okay, I had never heard of that diet until a week ago and since then I've had about 5 people tell me they're on it. Crazy! Good luck with it--it's got to be easier than juice only, right?!
Jad @ New South Food Co says
The problem is that you eat too much bacon, burgers and fast food. You should really eat more veggies.
Kiersten says
HA HA HA. I read the comment before I read who it was from and I was ready to get all indignant. 🙂
Jad @ New South Food Co. says
That's awesome!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I think it's great that you listened to your body. Everyone has a different experience with so many cleanses out there. I'm with you about eating nutritious foods. You go girl. Definitely NOT a downer post in my opinion 😀
Kiersten says
Thank you, Kiran. 🙂
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
You did so much better than I ever would have done! I don't even know if I could have made it through the raw food phase. I want to say maybe if you juiced the foods yourself so you had more variety and could feel the ingredients before you "ate" them that it'd be better but maybe not. I'd kill for that mental clarity and energy though. I need to find the ultimate energy diet and go with that - hopefully with actually food, of course!
Kiersten says
Yeah, I don't know what it was. All I know is that I am not attempting it again, whether I buy the juices or make my own. 😉
Leah says
I had read some other blogger's horror story about juice cleanses, so I worried about you when you started. I'm glad you're feeling better now!
Kiersten says
I wish I had read some of those posts--ha! All I had read was how amazing they are. 😛
Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today says
But you tried, this is important. Not everything is for everyone, don't worry about it. And a big thing is to admit it 🙂
Kiersten says
Yup, I tried it and now I know it's not for me!
sarah @ two tarts says
Thank you for your honesty!! I think everyone's body is different and things that make some people feel great make others feel awful. Dulcie can't drink juice either, it makes her feel sick too!
Kiersten says
Definitely. I so wanted clear skin and mental clarity, but it just wasn't meant to be. 🙂
Alissa N says
I am so glad you shared your experience, and were so honest about it. It just makes sense that if you don't feel good you should listen to your body and stop. So glad you did, you are so not weak, and I really hope you are feeling better now!
Kiersten says
I'm feeling MUCH better now, thank you. I just needed to put down the juices and pick up a fork. 🙂
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
Aw, that is tough and I would have quit also. No way. Puking is not a sign of wellness. sorry. I'm glad you listened to your body and didn't keep it up.
Kiersten says
No, it definitely isn't! 🙂
HilLesha @To the Motherhood says
Don't feel so bad! What may work for some, may not work for others. I'm not sure if I could do a juice cleanse either. I get really sick and weak if I don't eat anything. 🙁
Kiersten says
I worried about that because I tend to get headaches and dizziness when I haven't eaten, but that ended up being the least of my problems!
Courtney says
I hate that you spent all that money on something that made you sick. =/
I don't think I'll be jumping on the juice train. I love green smoothies, and don't see myself deviating from them.
Kiersten says
I love green smoothies too! And I feel amazing when I drink them. It's kind of funny that the same ingredients I put in those smoothies would make me feel sick in juice form.
Courtney says
The critiques I've read about juicing are that juicing removes the fiber content from the fruits and veggies. When juicing, you're pretty much stuck with all the sugar from the contents, but no fiber to stop the sudden spike in your blood sugar. It could have been the constant spiking and crashing that caused your symptoms.
Kiersten says
I had heard that too, which is why I went with juices that were primarily vegetable-based. I was hoping that would mitigate the blood sugar stuff, but I'm guessing not!
Katie says
My SIL keeps encouraging me to do a juice cleanse and I just can't bring myself to do it. Thanks for your perspective!
Kiersten says
Yeah, I can't say I'd recommend it. 😉
Nici Bhatti says
Hello,
I never did a Juice Cleanse but have you ever tried the Master Cleanse? I did it for 10 days and it was amaizing 🙂 and will do it defenitely again. Just make sure you read the whole book before starting. It's pretty interesting!
Kiersten says
No, I've never done the Master Cleanse. I don't know if I could get through that one! Although I do like lemon water with a little cayenne in it. 🙂
dianna @ oyveyaday says
I have wanted to do a juice cleanse for a while... but now I am scared. :}
I looked up the juice you were using, and it is extremely pricey - I don't think I will be trying it anytime soon.
Sorry you had such a bad experience.
Kiersten says
Yeah, it costs a lot, but they do put a ton of fresh produce in each bottle. I think it's maybe 2 pounds? There was no way I was going to buy that much produce and make juices for both me and my husband 6 times a day for 3 days. 😉
Daria says
Well, I Haven't been here, like forever. Today I began my 3-day raw food clenase and I see it:) |As for now I feel great. I think that I wouldn't be able to through juice cleanse - I am sure I would feel hungry all the time and I hate feeling hungry. It makes me totally miserable;)
Kiersten says
Good luck with the raw food cleanse! I hope it goes well for you. I loved doing mine. 🙂
Jessi Bruton says
I just stumbled upon your site, and this post is so endearing.
SO MANY veggie resources seem so over the top / preachy / intimidating (I mean, honestly, I'd love to tend to grow my own veggies AND meditate AND cleanse AND everything else... but when do these people have time to vacuum?). The line, "I am a quitting quitter who quits," first made me giggle (probably because it sounds like something Liz Lemon would say) and then made me realize you're a real person!
I look forward to reading your blog and taste-testing your recipes!
Kiersten says
Thank you for your comment! I've been a vegetarian for many, many years and I feel the same way sometimes. (Although I do grow my own veggies. Or at least try to.) I'm so not interested in haranguing people about vegetarianism or telling people they're slowly killing themselves because the kumquats they just bought aren't organic. Does anyone ever change their mind about something because they've been browbeaten into it? I don't think so!
Sandie says
I just stumbled on your post through TrapIt. You're plenty right to follow your intuition and listen to your body.
I was on the raw food diet for a full year and got sick to the point that I had trouble getting pregnant and my ileocecal valve was no longer flushing toxins out of my body but sending them back into my blood. I am so grateful it's a naturopath who helped me see clear.
Don't sweat the hype other people have about a certain way of eating. If you're happy with what you gotand it works for you, keep at it, no regret and no apologizing. 🙂
Kiersten says
Wow, that is scary! I'm glad you figured out what was going on. This whole experience definitely reaffirmed my belief that moderation is best.
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
I'm so glad you posted this. To be honest, this is why I've never jumped on the juice cleanse bandwagon. I don't see it being such a pleasant experience for me either. That's why I'd like to start juicing once in a while, but nothing like 3 days of straight juice. And even still, I like my green smoothies, not so sure I could do green juice. And I'm fine with that. I'm pretty sure no one's going to say the healthy food you do eat isn't healthy enough! That's the kind of thing I catch myself saying to myself, but be realistic, you already eat plenty of healthy nutritious foods, the occasional not so good for you treat isn't a bad thing.
Also, I love that you mentioned raw desserts. I am obsessed lately and slowly trying to make some of my own that are a little more exciting than just larabars, but so far it's been slow going because I find we can't eat them as fast as regular desserts. Which is a good thing too 🙂
Kiersten says
I figured I'd like green juices because I love green smoothies so much, so I was surprised that I didn't. I still want to start juicing more, but I'm not sure it's going to be with greens and veggies.
I'm still going strong with the raw desserts and snacks. 🙂 I find that I'm just as happy with chia seed pudding as I am with actual pudding!
Lindsey says
I had the exact same experience as you on my 3 day juice cleanse. I quit around 7pm on day one. This morning I felt so nauseated an hour after my first juice I thought I was going to throw up but was able not to. Then I developed a splitting headache and drank green tea to try and help, which did not. After I started to feel slightly less awful I tried the second juice and felt sick all over again. I would rather not eat than drink the juices and later today I had a serious migraine with nausea and sweating. I finally decided to stop the madness. I also felt pressured into "sticking with it" and that it was mere willpower instead of physical illness. I will not be trying anymore juice cleanses and will stick with healthy eating instead! Thanks for your blog it helped alleviate my guilt after quitting my cleanse today!
Kiersten says
I'm glad my post could make you feel less guilty! I know exactly what you mean--I felt so guilty about quitting my cleanse too. But you shouldn't feel bad about doing what's right for your body.
Dena says
I juice everyday, it's how I cleared up my kidney stone problem so I thought I would try a 3 day juice fast. I couldn't hang. My stomach didn't hurt but I felt like I was going to throw up that night and all day the next day. I am going back to just one in the morning.
Kiersten says
Moderation works best for me too. 🙂 Hope you feel better!
Gigi says
I am so glad to see this post, I wish I had seen it sooner. I am a quitting quitter too! I just tried a 3 day juice cleanse and spent the first night throwing up. I also thought I should 'soldier on' and picked up my juice for day 2 this morning,thinking today would be better. After half a glass I was nauseous again. I am vegetarian and generally eat healthy, but after getting off track for several weeks I thought this might reset my brain and body. I am also a biologist and don't buy into the 'release of toxins' everyone touts as a juice cleanse miracle. Our digestive organs are designed to rid our bodies of toxins, and they do the job just fine unless they are damaged or we abuse them too much. Throwing up is way for your body to get rid of potentially harmful pathogens - it is not a normal aspect of any healthy diet! I should have listened to my instincts and not spent the money on the juice cleanse. The most frustrating part is that I did this through a local juice bar and they make the juice fresh each day. I prepaid for 3 days, and when I went in to cancel my day 3 they would not refund my money - even though the juice is supposed to be made fresh each morning, so they had not prepared anything yet. From now on I will stick with whole fresh vegetables and leave the juicing for others.
Kiersten says
I can't believe the juice bar wouldn't give you a refund--wow! Like you, I didn't believe in the releasing toxins thing, I just wanted something to help me reset my eating habits and after seeing how good other people felt after cleansing, I thought it would work for me too. Clearly it did not. I hope you're feeling better now!
Kristina says
I am so glad that I found this blog post! I started my 3 day juice cleanse today. I started off fine, I felt a little light headed and shaky, but nothing too serious. Then after my 4th juice (which was the lemon, grapefruit, cayenne pepper concoction) I started to feel really really sick. I laid down and took a nap, and woke up still feeling awful. I opened and smelled the next juice and started gagging, and then skipped to the last juice and took a sip, and I still felt like I was about to throw up. My boyfriend said I should just eat if I feel that sick. But I felt like a juice cleanse failure, like I just don't have enough will power. But I sucked it up, and ate tomato soup and a small piece of bread. I still felt sick afterwards, and ended up throwing up anyway. Needless to say, I am not going to continue the juice cleanse, I am pretty sure my body is telling me to stop. After reading this blog post, and the other comments it has solidified that decision. So thank you to all who shared their experiences!
Kiersten says
You are so not a failure! After posting this, I've heard from so many people who have gone through the same thing. I think these cleanses just don't work for some people. And it's not a matter of willpower--when something makes you that sick (and I was SO SO sick), it's definitely a sign that you need to stop. I hope you feel better soon!
Julie says
I'm so glad I found this post. I'm on day 3 of my juice cleanse and I feel so sick, basically like I have the stomach flu. I've been trying to research all morning to see if this was normal and every website says juice cleanses are a miracle cure and everyone felt great! Now I don't feel so odd for feeling sick. Although what I paid for the juices, I kind of just want to finish it.
Kiersten says
Yeah, I felt the same way--it absolutely pained me to waste that money. But I will also eat food I don't like at a restaurant in order to not waste money. And read a book I don't like because I feel like I have to finish. I guess what I'm saying is, sometimes you have to know when to quit! The money is spent whether you drink the juices or not, right? 🙂 I hope you feel better soon!
Amanda says
I am on day 1. I had 3 juices prior to 2 o'clock when I had to lay down. I was so dizzy and light headed but I assumed it was just a headache coming on. I woke up an hour later with a massive migraine and vertigo like i had never experienced before. If I was not alone with my 4 kids, I probably would have just slept it off but the kids need dinner so after taking another hour to get out of bed and make my way to the kitchen, I was sick to my stomach. Four time, on the kitchen floor. It was *THAT* uncontrollable and couldn't stop. I am so weak and even just looking at this screen is making me nauseas. Pretty sure, I am not continuing. Glad to read I am not the only one!
Kiersten says
Vertigo is THE WORST feeling. I'm guessing it must have been brought on by low blood sugar? I hope you're feeling better now!