What is a juice cleanse?

During a juice cleanse an individual chooses to substitute solid foods with nutritious vegetable and fruit juices, usually as part of a detox or elimination diet, or as a way to add more nutrients into their diet. At The Pittsburgh Juice Company, a Juice Program consists of six 16 oz bottles of raw, organic cold-pressed juices and blended drinks per day. We also recommend drinking plenty of pure water during your cleanse to keep hydrated and to help your body flush out toxins.

The general recommendation is to cleanse for at least three days if you are looking to detox. It's perfectly natural to be nervous before beginning your first juice cleanse. The idea of consuming liquids exclusively for days at a time usually contradicts the dietary recommendations we've lived with our entire lives.

First of all, know that your body is getting all of the nourishment it requires through a PJC Juice Program. For most people the hardest things to adjust to is having an empty stomach. Instead of moving through the digestive track, where your body works to break down protein and dietary fiber to release amino acids and create energy, fresh juice delivers these nutrients and enzymes directly to your blood stream. This gives your digestive system a break so that your body can utilize its energy in other ways. A juice cleanse is a great way to expel pollutants and toxins that have built up within the body.

Try not to put yourself under too much pressure during your first juice cleanse.  Remember, if you become excessively hungry you can always munch on something raw and unprocessed without compromising the benefits of the cleanse. After two to five days of a juice cleanse many people report increased energy and focus. Your body will begin to crave this energized feeling that comes along with a healthy, raw diet instead of the processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats you've eliminated from your system.

Think of a Juice Cleanse as a kick start toward a more sustainable healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet.