if you were to cheat on a juice cleanse, what would be the least detrimental way to do it? This on one of the most common questions that runs through the mind while juice cleansing, especially if you eagerly opted for the 5-day or 10-day cleanse. The good news is that there is a way to bend the rules, and while it will not be as effective as the straight and narrow, it will not completely negate the efforts of cleansing. The cold, hard fact is that not everyone is cut out for a juice cleanse at first, and depending on your level of health and self-discipline, sometimes a little wiggle room is what it takes to make it to the finish line.
Here at The Chalkboard, we’re all about success, feeling good about your cleansing experience, and finding a fit for every lifestyle, so here are three ways to cheat, just a little, and still reap the rewards of a health-promoting juice cleanse.
Top 3 Ways to Cheat on a Juice Cleanse
The goal is to subsist on juice in order to promote the cleansing of the body, but if you need to cheat, take a pick from the list below, and then resume your cleanse as scheduled. The following are easy to digest, nutrient-dense foods that will still support the detoxification and healing process of a juice cleanse.
Vegetable or Bone Broth
Homemade broth is the most ideal food to cheat with while on a juice cleanse because it closely resembles the nature of juice. It is full of vitamins and minerals that support the function of the body, and it is extremely easy to digest. Therefore, the processes of detoxification and regeneration are still supported, but broth often satiates better than juice. Bone broth is also ideal for those who are anemic, as it provides the extra iron that is often missing while on a juice cleanse.
Green Smoothies
Green smoothies are the next level up from green juice as they provide a similar nutrient profile, and therefore can be a good cheat option. By the nature of being a smoothie, they do have fiber. Fiber prevents the body from being in a more rested, healing state, but it does have its own cleansing benefits. Fiber promotes normal bowel movements and the binding of toxins, therefore encouraging the expedited removal of toxins from the body.
Be sure to focus on green leafy vegetables, cleansing herbs such as cilantro, parsley and dandelion, and the detoxifying superfood, chlorella, when making your smoothie. Green smoothies are also a great option for those who suffer from blood sugar issues, but make sure not to add sweeteners and limit the amount of fruit used in order to maintain a low-glycemic index.
Vegetable Purees
Vegetable purees are the closest thing to solid food that can be used as a “cheat” while juice cleansing. Purees are still easy to process by the body, not greatly hindering the cleansing process, and they provide bioavailable nutrients for healing. Simply steam vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or celery root. Blend steamed vegetables and add a few tablespoons of filtered water or homemade broth to thin. Season with sea salt and fresh herbs. Do not use any dairy or soy – these are allergens and inhibit detox.
Vegetable purees are the best for satisfying hunger, but because of their density, they can quickly tax the digestive system on a cleanse. Therefore, make sure to only consume a small serving size.
