(my breakfast)
It is HERE!!! Day 15 could not have come at a better time, because I think that my house smells like a jungle. 
If you just joining–15 Days ago, I went on a Juice Reboot.
I was encouraged after watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. I have been in battle with my body. I suffered from tons of different “illnesses” within myself and was ready for a fresh start.
Here is what my 15 days consisted of:
- Juicing ONLY (no solid foods) for 9 days. (I did change this to a lite dinner everyday because the cost was high for me) You can juice the entire 15 days, if your budget allows
- I was juicing 18 pounds of produce per day.
- I would drink (2) 8 oz cups of juice for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (a total of 48 oz per day)
- Losing about 2 lbs per day
- Went to the grocery store every 3 days to stock up on more produce (spending about $30 per trip–I bought mostly organic)
- Lost cravings. This is amazing for me. I had NO cravings for the things that I did before. Soda, Coffee, sugar..(some of my vices) were completely gone
Day 1-3:
I missed solid food. The first 3 days were very hard for me–I LOVE food (hence, why I married a chef ) but after the first day, I noticed results. I was sleeping better. The night of Day 1 I went to bed at 10pm (I am a night owl and stay up to 3 am most nights) and I fell asleep not hungry.
Day 4-8:
I noticed that I was full after drinking the first 1.5 glass of juice. The point of juicing is to replace your meals with freshly squeezed produce and to drink until you are full each meal. After day 8, I was drinking less and had more energy than Day 3.
Day 9-15
I added a meal into my diet after Day 9, because it grew expensive for me. I noticed that I started craving Juice and decided to continue drinking 2 cups before dinner.
My Recipe:
I drank this recipe for majority of my Cleanse (give or take the ingredients that you have on hand)
6 Kale Leaves
1 Cucumber
4 Celery Stalks
2 Green Apples
1/2 Lemon
1 piece of ginger
you can also do this:
1/2 pear
1/2 green apple
handful spinach
handful parsley
2 celery stalks
1/2 cucumber
small piece ginger
slice of papaya
I HIGHLY Suggest Kale everyday. I noticed after drinking the recipes that called for Kale, I felt energized. Almost like a natural high–I felt great. You can check out more recipes HERE if you choose.
Juicers:
After much research, I noticed that to get the most juice out of one sitting, your juicer must allow for it. If you are decided on a Juicer here are some differences:
Centrifugal juicers: are more commonplace, and in general, more affordable. This is ideal if you don’t care if you have left overs in your juicer (mainly pulp or leafy remains) Examples: Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juice Extractor
Masticating juicers: Because of the slower crushing and squeezing action, masticating juicers can process leafy greens and wheatgrass, and the juice that they produce will last much longer than juice made in a centrifugal juicer, which should be consumed right away as it starts losing nutrients nearly immediately. Example: Omega BMJ330 Commercial 350-Watt Stainless-Steel Pulp-Ejection Juicer
This is the one I have. I wish I would have done more research as I would love one that produces more juice. Now that I have decided that I will incorporate more juicing into my daily routine, I am considering buying a better Juicer. I’d love to produce at least 3 large cups per meal.
I have completely changed my eating habits! I crave juice now, which I’m excited about because I want to keep the energy that I have now. To keep any weight that I lost from coming back, I will be heading into a new diet plan. I’m not sure what yet, but will keep you updated when I decide!
My Name is Josie and I live in sunny Southern California and I am a stay at home mom to three beautiful boys. We all know that living in California is a task of it's own and saving in California IS possible! I started this blog mainly to share all the awesome deals out there and show others how to save in any area of life. Even though you may make the commitment to be frugal and pinch your pennies doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice!
way to go! so you said you lost about 2lbs per day that was 30lbs in 15 days?! Not bad
give or take. As of right now, its’ 20 lbs
Eating the actually veggies and fruits would be better for you than juicing, because you’re lacking the fiber when you juice. But if you’re going to continue to juice, then save the pulp, fiber and left over byproducts! Cook it into your meals, it will add fiber that will keep you feeling full and help you lose even more weight.
That said, I don’t believe in doing a fasting juice diet like this. Too many studies have shown that it has an adverse effect on blood sugar, and that fasting for more than 3 days begins to deplete your body of minerals and nutrients that a multi-vitamin can only do so much to restore. I’d be curious if you did the fasting under a doctor’s supervision, which is usually recommended for fasting that long? But I DO definitely love juicing! I have a Jack Lalane Juicer, which is a lot like yours, I love mine because the pulp comes out really dry so its easy to use it in recipes. For a more nutritious juice/”shake” add whey protein powder, and add oatmeal after juicing.
Removing processed foods from your diet, adding complex carbohydrates, and fiber is an amazingly good diet to follow (so far I’ve lost 40 lbs doing that, have more to go though). I’ve read good things about the paleo diet, and will be looking into it myself to further get my body in a more natural diet. The paleo diet mimics the diets of our hunter-gatherer ancestors (lean meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and nuts). The only thing I don’t like about the diet is the limiting/exluding of grains and legumes.
In the end the only diet you’re going to succeed at is the diet that is a lifestyle change, rather than something you just do for a short amount of time. Good luck with whatever diet you go with, I’m glad the juicing seemed to do you some good!
I did consult my doctor who I have been visiting regularly. I added vitamins to my diet as per my doctor–Who was behind me 100%. I have dealt with many issues over the course of 3 years and after a check up two days ago, he suggested that I continue adding the Juicing to my diet. Also, as a mother who has dealt with depression, Insomnia, overeating, weight gain and “bloggers butt”
, I feel better than ever over the course of three years!
I agree with lots of things you said Christine. I also have mixed feelings about juicing, as I do know that all the wasted pulp is actually super healthy. I’m on day 7th of my cleanse which I do under my homeopathic doctor’s eye about twice a year (21 days total), and what I do is eating tons of fresh, raw veggies and fruits (plus a few supplements). What I do often is to throw bunch of veggies into my VitaMix, and blend it into a green, raw soup (add a little bit of cayenne, celtic sea salt – to taste). This way I’m eating the whole vegetable/fruit. It tastes delicious and is so full of nutrients (no need to take any vitamins). And it’s a nice break from eating salads only. I know a few people who jumped on the “juice wagon” only to quit a few days later. I think a common mistake people make is to try to loose weight very quickly. And go back to their old, unhealthy way of eating. They gain all the lost weight back plus some more. Well, the “magic diet” doesn’t exist. I do see juicing or any other smart cleanse as a way to jumpstart healthy eating habits.
Also, I’m very happy to hear about your great results Josie! I do like that you point out how much better you feel and how much more energy you have. It does feel like you were focused on the right things (weigh loss is the “side” effect after all). Congratulations again, thank you for keeping us updated! And yes, kale rocks!
I’ve been inspired!! I got my juicer yesterday and plan to start Monday! I hope I can stick with it as you did Josie
i’m pulling out the juicer.
awesome.
p.s. kale is like teflon for the arteries — it keeps all of the bad stuff out of the blood flow and won’t let the bad stuff harden the arteries.
i’m so inspired!
great job! motivating!
Great Job!! I am going to start on Monday too!!! I just need to go out and buy a juicer now!!! Thanks for the inspiration……
OMG I am so doing this…you did awesome!!!!
Wow, what a testimony!
I have an Omega commercial juicer that someone gave us for a present but never use. Hmmm…maybe it’s time I pull out the darn heavy thing.
Way to go!
Also, I wanted to add that when our bodies are not fully nurtured as in nutrients, we tend to crave sugary foods. When we feed our bodies the proper amount of nutrients, usually, the cravings go away as our bodies our filled with all the good stuff.
I’m inspired!
Wow that is an Awesome storie Josie! Unbelievable that you have lost 20lb.I have tried lots of diets and have failed..My biggest thing was when i was eating “my diet food” the rest of my family was eating of course whatever they wanted….So how do you handle fixing the rest of your family dinner or whatever and you drink juice? Thats my biggest fall and I always give in! I love you and all your work that you do!
Which juicer are you thinking of upgrading to? id love to hear your thoughts on which one you think would be really good.
Have you tried going to spanish grocery stores “superior” is my favorite and has produce at a great price (ex: 3bags of carrots 99cents; celery bundles 99cents
I don’t think they have organic produce. And I remember Josie saying that she was using only organic veggies/fruits.
Okay, I’m going to have to try this. I may splurge on a Vitamix (which I just saw recommended by Thomas Keller) so I can try whole foods juicing – I’m hoping that’s less extraction, more juice. I know I saw one the last time I was at Costco . . .
I also have a vitamix and it is worth it!!! I used to make my own baby food cereal and the thing would grind brown rice into fine powder not to mention all of the other uses.
Ooo, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my VitaMix! One of the best investments ever! I use it a few times a day. Highly recommended if you are a healthy eater.
I also LOVE my Vitamix I got at Costco! Even my teenagers use it after their track meets and workouts
Very easy to use and clean!
What are some of your favorite recipes for the vitamix? I have one and rarely use it.
20lbs! Awesome!!
Great job Josie!! I was waiting for your update on your cleanse and I’m happy to see your results. I just received my juicer today and I’m drinking my first juice as I write =).
awesome Josie- great job and I am so happy to hear about your results. My son periodically does these and loses tons of weight [altho of course he is a rail to begin with!] For the health benefits sounds like something to seriously consider! I am happy for you Josie- thank you for sharing all of this great info!
OMG- I am soooo inspired by your results! Hooray for you! Great results! I- too am a coffee drinker (more like a coffee-holic lol). I so need this right now. Where did you buy your kale at? Did you keep a journal?
Congrats Josie! Losing 20 pounds is quite an accomplishment.
Congratulations Josie. My friend Letty and I started 5 days and feel great. Yes there is days when we feel hungry but water and juice helps. For dinner instead of making the juice I would eat all the veggies and make it into a salad added lemon a sea salt for taste. It did not taste great but keep me full and energized. We would love to see pictures…
Way to go Josie
Can you do these same recipes for juice in a blender so as not to lose anything like in a juicer?
My Husband and I start tomorrow! Woot Woot~
Question – how long does the juice last once you have made it? Can it make it the night before and keep it in a sealed bottle in the fridge overnight, and then have my husband take it with him for work the next morning, or do I need to make it fresh in the morning?
THANKS!
Did you drink all day long? Or would you juice and try and drink it all right away. I’d love to try this but I picture myself gradually drinking it all day long, but I’m sure that’s not the right way to go about it.
I’m not really sure how I should incorporate this into my diet while at work. Since I cant really bring the juicer to work.
OMG Josie, how exciting! What an accomplishment! I need to loose 40 lbs by May 22 as I will be turning 40 (I could use to loose 50lbs really)
About 7 yrs ago I was diagnosed with Lupus. I was put into a treatment and it only got worse. I went to see Dr. Mercola in Chicago. He put me on a crazy diet, no wheat, no gluten, no grains, no sugars. My lupus/arthritis symptoms dissapeared in 4 wks. I did the program for 6 months only because it was expensive. (he recommends 1 yr). I am proud to say that about 2 yrs ago my Dr. did a lupus panel testing on me and he DID NOT find any lupus in my system. Yay!
I want to get a juicer but I don’t think I can afford anything over $50!
Have you hear of The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren, Dr Oz, Dr Hyman and Dr Amen. I think is quite doable.
I actually make broth from my veggies and then I sip the juice throughout the day. I get all my vitamins and minerals that way.
BTW Josie I am a Chef as well and I know how hard it is to stop eating when you have good food at home!! I am not braggin’ here but OMG I can cook anything the right way and eat lots of it! Is a curse!!! hahahaha.
You are such an inspiration. Thank you!!!
Hi Josie,
What extra vitamins are you taking? Or are you just taking a multivitamin. I already take that, and I’m lucky to have no health issues, other than an extra 40lbs I’m lugging around.
So excited, borrowed my neighbor’s Jack LaLanne juicer, and went produce shopping this morning. Now I know kale is that stuff I’ve been using as garnish all these years under appetizers at family gatherings.
I am taking Vitamin D, C and a mulitivitamin. Kale is now my favorite veggie!
Thanks! We just made the two recipes you listed, making double batches of both. I had a sip of each, and I had low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised at the taste. Can’t wait to see the effects of Kale! Going to make one with strawberries as a treat for tomorrow’s dinner. It’s gonna take a lot of will power to feed the kiddies dinner tomorrow night, and not eat! I hope to be filled up with juice! My husband is psyched too. We’re going to take it one day at a time. Thank you again, for your time, and for being an inspiration.
Thanks for the motivation. I just made the first recipe and it is almost spicy, did I put too much ginger?
Yes! Only a small piece of Ginger
Thank you! Also, I work, how long would the juice be good for if I made it in the morning? Or do you think it might be better to just eat a small plan salad at work and juice in the morning and when I get home?
From what I’ve read–you should drink right away as it takes away the nutrients when you let it sit too long
I love the movie Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead! It inspired me to do a juice cleanse, too. I def recommend everyone see it if they haven’t already!! If anyone is interested in some killer juice recipes, I love The 3-Day Cleanse book by the founders of BluePrint cleanse. The book has AMAZING jucie and raw food recipes plus it also talks all about the benefits of juicing, food combining, how your digestive system works – basically eveyrthing anyone would ever need to know about how to detox. BluePrint also offers cleanse programs and hey deliver everything to your door – I hope to try this out next time with some friends (they offer group discounts). Happy juicing everyone!
Congrat Josie,
I also saw the movie and have been inspired to juice. After much research, I have purchased the Omega VRT-350 HD vertical masticating juicer, which you can store any left over juice for upto 72 hours due to the low RPMS of the machine there is no oxidation to the juice. It is pricy, but your health is so priceless. I ordered it from BB&B and used the 20% coupon, which helped a lot and can’t wait for it to be delivered. Keep us posted on your positive lifestyle change.