I tend to do a cleanse once or twice a year. This is the first time it's a full-on juice cleanse, with no solid foods for 3 days. My friend and I are in this cleanse together. I made it 66 hours total, pretty close to the 72 hours I had committed. I've been keeping myself going on store-bought raw juices, coconut water, herbal tea, and a small amount of probiotics.

When I re-read that last sentence, I realized just how crazy this cleanse may be. Even though I'm an avid meat eater, there is something I love about eliminating everything but raw veggie and fruit juice for a few days. The challenge of making the smoothies taste good enough to satisfy my desire to eat keeps me going.

I make smoothies regularly, but they always have almond or rice milk in them. I'm using coconut water for the cleanse smoothies. As long as there is some avocado mixed in the texture is similar to the ones I usually make. Nice to know that I can eliminate the milk from the smoothie and not miss the flavor, but cut down on the calories.

The way I see it, if I can get in the habit of making one or two smoothies a day that are primarily veggies and good stuff, I can eat all the other stuff I love without worrying about getting all my nutrients in.

I do have to say that so far I feel great and very calm. That might just be because I'm a little crazy from not eating, but I think it has to do with giving my system a rest. Your body uses up a lot of energy trying to digest meats, grains and processed sugars. Eating this way always gives me perspective on how much and how often I eat or snack. It's a kickstart to remembering portion control and being more aware of my eating habits.

Not to worry, the mouthwatering meats, gluten and dairy free treats and all the other wonderful dishes I love to make will be back shortly. I'm sure to have a new appreciation for them!

Raw Beet, Avocado, Basil, Peach, Nectarine, Ginger, Cucumber, Celery Juice

Ingredients

1/2 avocado, skin removed, cut into chunks
1 small nectarine, pit removed, sliced
1 small peach, pit removed, sliced
1 beet, skin removed, sliced
2 stalks celery, cut into pieces
1 small cucumber, sliced
4 basil leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 tsp freshly ground ginger
1 cup coconut water
Ice cubes

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a blender or drink mixer with a good blade.
Pulse on high until everything is chopped up.
If you want the juice to be thinner, add more coconut or regular water to the mix.

Raw Spinach, Carrot, Beet, Avocado, Peach, Strawberry and Banana Juice

Ingredients

1/2 avocado, skin removed, cut into chunks
15 to 20 spinach leaves (a small handful)
1 beet, skin removed, sliced
2 carrots, skin removed, cut into rounds
1 small peach, pit removed, sliced
1 banana, sliced
2 strawberries, hulled, sliced
lime juice (about 1/4 of a lime)
1 cup coconut water
Ice cubes

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a blender or drink mixer with a good blade.
Pulse on high until everything is chopped up.
If you want the juice to be thinner, add more coconut or regular water to the mix.

Enjoy!