The Juice Plan

For the past year or two I have been wanting to complete at least 30 days of purely juicing.  I have studied up on it and have seen many people have incredible results doing it.  I would love to lose a few pounds, but mostly I just want to feel good.  I want to quit aching and I want to have more energy to do the things I want.

I would say that I'm about the average size for a woman.  I might be a few pounds overweight, but I'm pretty active and enjoy playing basketball, running and lifting weights.  I've been an athlete nearly my entire life and would say that playing sports has helped me to stay in shape.  The problem is, I can never seem to get rid of the extra bulge and the extra pounds that weigh me down and make me feel tired, achy and at times depressed.

A few months ago my friend suggested I watch the documentary, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead."  It was incredible.  I suggest the everyone see it.  The bottom line is that juicing can seriously heal your body, inside and out, and provide you with increased energy, self-esteem, clearer skin and a healthier glow.  When I finished watching it I was determined to juice for 30 days, but it never happened, and I continued to feel like crap.

Then a couple of weeks ago I happened to watch the movie again, this time with my sister-in-law. I  decided then and there that I was going to make it happen.  I want the results and I know it will happen if I just create a plan and stick to it.  I will post about my journey and also take photos each day and write in a journal each day to write down my feelings, good and bad, about what is going on throughout my journey.

So here is my juice plan:

Phase 1: The Preparation Phase - Four Weeks Long

I have already started this phase and will finish it in a few days.  This phase is basically get out and exercise as much as possible and try to eat healthy.  There is no right or wrong.  You can eat what you want, but the focus is to prepare your mind for juicing and to just become aware of what you are eating.  I used this phase to make sure I exercised a bit each day and to start drinking one or two green smoothies a day.  It's been a great way to prepare myself mentally and physically for my juicing phase.

Phase 2: The Juice Feast - 30 to 60 Days

During this phase you only drink juice.  This is juice that you make using fresh vegetables and fruits.  None of the store bought, sugar filled, packed with preservatives juice!!!  The key is to get a good blender/juicer and only drink juice made mostly with green veggies and a small amount of fruit.  The first few days are going to be rough, but I promise it will be worth it and once you've made it past the first week you'll feel so good!!!  A small amount of exercise each day is great, but no need to push yourself during this phase.  I would say mainly focus on weight lifting to make your muscles strong and a small amount of cardio, but honestly, don't overdo it and don't obsess over feeling like you have to work out all the time.

Phase 3: The One Meal Phase - 30 Days

During this phase continue to drink juice, but allow yourself one meal a day.  Remember, you just cleansed your system of all the crap you've put into it throughout your life, so make that one meal healthy.  No junk food, no fried food, no dessert, nothing that destroys what you've just spent 30 to 60 days achieving.  Enjoy that one meal and continue to enjoy the juice!  Add in some cardio to your daily routine and be sure that you are weightlifting. Tone those muscles and you'll see the pounds continue to fall as you lift weights.

Phase 4:  Maintain and Enjoy! - Forever

When you make it to phase 4 you will look back at your journey and think, "Wow! I did it and I feel great!"  You'll look in the mirror and see that your body has achieved it's natural form and you'll be lean and strong.   Make exercise a part of your daily routine.  Be sure that your exercise is fun and that you enjoy it.  Go walking, lift weights, play basketball, go hiking, go swimming, do anything that involves being active and breaking a sweat.  You're going to LOVE the healthy and happy version of YOU!

I am starting my JUICE FEAST on Monday!! (October 15) I am so ready to start!!!  Anyone want to join me???

Here's the trailer for the video that has inspired me!