The Beginning of a new season has us thinking about all the ways we can refocus, refresh and renew – for us, that’s an obvious invitation to jump into a juice cleanse. While we love the stripped-down and grounded feeling we get from juicing for a few days, we find that many people still opt to avoid the experience, fearful of a juice cleanse myth or two they’ve heard somewhere down the line. 

We get it – going on a juice cleanse can be an intimidating experience, but we’re here to help you get started, 100% stress-free: we’re sharing the details of an exciting fall offer from Pressed Juicery and breaking down five common word-of-mouth juice cleanse myths with Dr. Lisa Davis of Pressed Juicery’s Medical Board. Whether you’re a first timer or a veteran, scroll down for all the juicy details — here’s the truth on these five common juice myths…

“I will go insane if I do not chew.”

We chew to start processing our food so that it’s easier to digest. Chewing breaks down the natural fibers in fruits, herbs and vegetables so that our bodies can more readily get at the good stuff — all the energy, vitamins and minerals packed into those plant cells.

Chewing is fun. No wonder we like the particular crunch of water chestnuts or the unique mouth-feel of our favorite pretzel. There’s a reason why we chew gum (which has little or no nutrition).

But when you open up a bottle of freshly made fruit and vegetable juice, you’re treating your body to a lovely rush of nutrients, already unpacked and ready to go to work, infusing your body with vitamins and minerals.

Juices are efficient too, since one bottle can contain a whole bowl full of greens and other produce. Munching through that much plant life could take a while.

“I will be starving the whole time.”

Just because you’re enjoying juices doesn’t mean you’re going to be left feeling like you could eat a panini the size of your kid’s sleeping bag.

Seriously: The fact is, juices provide the benefit of eating whole fruits and vegetables, which everyone knows are good for you. If you’re substituting juices for a meal or two and you’re worried about feeling too hungry, adding some protein to your meal plan will help you feel fuller longer.

The fact is, taking a brief break from your normal diet can give you the gift of mindfulness: focusing your attention on what you eat and how much.

“I will turn orange. Or green. Or some other color.”

The rich, vibrant colors of fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices are your signal that they are teeming with antioxidants, vitamins and all kinds of good stuff your body is hungry for. One of these is beta-carotene, which, if consumed in enormous amounts over time, can give the skin a certain golden glow.

But as part of a healthy nutrition plan, fresh juices will not change your appearance. Except maybe the healthier skin, hair and smile that comes from getting the fruits and veggies your body loves.

“I’ll be stuck in the bathroom all day.”

When people with less-than-ideal eating habits (like a diet heavy on convenience-store pizza and drive-thru) start eating or drinking the good stuff that comes from fruit and vegetables, they may experience some mild digestive changes.

Your body, grateful that you are replenishing it with vitamins, minerals, fiber and natural sugars from plant-based items, may express itself with a little growl or gurgle of happiness, and some people may find that their normal routine involves less, well… strain.

“People will think I am a hippy.”

Doctors, nutritionists, athletes, school teachers, retirees — all kinds of people are drinking nutritious fruit and vegetable juices these days, not just people dressed in tie-dye.

No one will expect you to be able to perfect a downward facing dog, wear patchouli or be an expert at hacky sack – but don’t be surprised if sipping your delicious natural juice beverage leaves you feeling rather groovy.