Cleanses, detoxes, juice fasts… they’re all popular, but NOT all effective nor fully safe.
Here are 5 key elements I believe are missing from typical juice/smoothie “detoxes” and why Balance with Mariana’s detox programs are a (much) better option.
A juice/smoothie detox doesn’t provide the liver with the essential nutrients it needs to support optimal detoxification (for Phase 1 and 2 detoxes), which is important since the liver is your primary detoxifying organ.
A juice detox doesn’t provide the fiber needed to “cleanse” the intestines, bind toxins, and promote their elimination.
A juice detox is just that: juices and no real food that can leave you feeling hungry and moody. There is no real food or eating plan that eliminates problem foods and replaces them with nutritious whole foods (which you can continue eating after my detox).
Juice detoxes are usually high in sugar (even if they are natural fruit sugars) and do NOT contain enough protein or healthy fats, which can raise blood sugar levels and cause a "crash."
The results of a juice detox are not sustainable; the weight lost is often regained once food is reintroduced. And you don't learn which foods you may be sensitive to and should avoid/minimize in the future, as you will with my detox.
In comparison, my detox programs include 3 nutrient-dense meals (plus an optional snack) every day, so you won't feel dizzy or hungry due to a lack of food or nutrients. We prioritize FIBER, polyphenols, protein and healty fats in each meal, for balanced blood sugar and to support proper detoxification.
It's not about starving yourself or having to stop eating with your family or friends. Plus, my detox programs are flexible: you can still go about your daily life with just a little preparation and organization!
Balance with Mariana's detox programs provide a comprehensive eating plan (for 7 or 10 days) that eliminate most of the foods people are sensitive or allergic to, plus heavy/inflammatory foods in general, and include a wide variety of nutritious whole foods.
Balance with Mariana's programs contain a healthy dose of fiber to cleanse the gut and aid in elimination, and foods/herbs (and supplements including digestive enzymes and antimicrobial herbs are also recommended) to eliminate bad bacteria in the gut and support the growth of more healthy bacteria.
While it's fantastic to enjoy green juices to boost nutrients in a healthy way, when it comes to an effective detox with lasting benefits, there's no comparison!
What is this detox? What's it all about?
My 7-day and 10-day detox programs helps to reduce inflammation in your body, break the cycle of food cravings, and restore the nutrition your body needs to thrive. You'll follow a simple, whole-food eating plan that can improve energy, digestion, sleep, mood, skin, focus, and productivity.
The effects of this program can be both profound and immediate. You’ll notice the difference in just a few days, and if you follow my coaching suggestions for post-detox, you will continue to experience benefits by cotinuing with the healthy habits (especially those most relevant for you, which we can discuss), even if its just 80-90%.
Why do a detox like this?
By "detoxifying" from harmful foods and dietary patterns that cause inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, and other health problems, you allow your body to recover and function at its best.
How it works:
Preparation Phase: 3+ days of preparation for your kitchen, body, and mind. I always suggest you take some time the weekend before starting your detox to read through the guides, cook some recipes, start minimizing processed foods and sugar, etc.
Detox Phase: 10 days to eliminate sugar, unhealthy fats, common food sensitivities, and toxic chemicals from your diet. (I also have a shorter 7 day plan more focused on hormonal balance which is great for people that want a shorter program; I usually run this 7 day program in April every year as a “spring reset”).
Post-Detox Phase: A few days to learn how to reintroduce foods so you know which ones make your body feel better (and which ones don't). These days are key; make sure you don’t rush back to your old habits! Use my support to help you :).
While doing a detox can be challenging, it's temporary and passes quickly! More importantly, it creates lasting benefits as you break free from food addiction and discover how amazing you can feel in your body and mind when you nourish yourself with healthy, real, and nutritious foods.
Remember what it feels like to feel good?
You can get back there. And it only takes a few days to notice that huge positive shift. After that, maintaining your healthy habits long term becomes so much easier (especially with the support of a coach!).