The Juice Plan

This is a plan that I have putting together and I am putting it to the test.  I began on September 17, 2012.  I am almost finished with Phase 1 and will begin Phase 2 - The Juice Feast - on October 15. 
Here's the 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!