Two weeks ago, I finally decided it was time to try a 3 day cleanse. We’re slowly (but surely) sliding out of winter and swim suit season is right around the corner. And here’s the thing – I love food. I love to cook, I love trying new restaurants and it’s hard to stay in check while bundled up in layers. I had considered a cleanse of some sort before, so when I kept hearing an advertisement for a bone broth and smoothie program through our local Get Fit Grill, I decided to go for it.
What it was
The 3 day cleanse consisted of three smoothies a day with two “snacks” of bone broth. Here’s how each day went:
- Breakfast: Orange Smoothie
- Snack: Bone Broth
- Lunch: Berry Smoothie
- Snack: Bone Broth
- Dinner: Green Smoothie
I had a couple reasons for purchasing the cleanse through Get Fit Grill rather than creating one on my own. First, I knew if I spent the money, I would follow through. Second, each smoothie & bone broth came packaged individually with serving sizes already set. To-go cups were also included, making it easy to take along to work. Convenience is everything and I’m actually taking their method and recreating it at home for lunch & dinner smoothies – so much easier!
Why I did it
As mentioned above, I had considered a cleanse before and seriously needed a break from heavy food after the long winter. But I want to stress that it wasn’t really about losing weight. Even though a cleanse can definitely aid with weight loss, this was more about resetting my body to jump-start a healthier season. For me, when I’m allowing myself to make really unhealthy choices, it can be quiet habit forming. The more pasta I eat, the more I crave it – same with sugar, same with chocolate. Going into the 3 day cleanse, I was hoping day 4 would bring less cravings and better habits and allow me to start fresh.
The hardest part
Straight up – the bone broth. This could absolutely be a personal taste/mental issue, but I’m telling you, I could not do it. The smoothies were filling and delicious, but that bone broth. Ugh. It didn’t taste horrible but there was something about drinking it straight that didn’t settle well. I tried. I really did. And I got about half of the servings down. Bone broth was an essential part of this cleanse – providing protein and keeping a full stomach. So since I wasn’t able to finish the recommended portion, I substituted a boiled egg once a day. I figured that was best case scenario and it kept me full and provided the protein I needed.
As for cravings, I was surprised how little I had. After I got through the first half day and changed my mentality, I really didn’t crave much. I couldn’t wait to actually have a meal, but I didn’t drool at every slice of bread or piece of chocolate I saw – which is the exact opposite of what I imagined. My best guess was that my body was getting all the nutrients it needed, so I no longer felt the urge to splurge. And actually, that feeling has remained true since. Once I realized that little amount of “food” actually satisfied me, my portions improved drastically.
You should do it because
The results really are amazing. I felt great – refreshed and full of energy. It really was the best beginning to a healthier year (everything in moderation) and I’m looking forward to incorporating similar smoothies as meals throughout the week. If you’re anywhere close to looking for a healthy reset or just need a bump in the right direction after a winter binge – try out a cleanse. I was lucky to stumble on a local option, but there are so many variations out there. The best thing you can do is research before diving in. Determine your overall goal for a cleanse and go from there. Three days seemed to be the minimum amount of time, but if you’re really committed, go for 5 or 7! I seriously considered continuing after day 3.
I’m so glad I finally tried – and successfully completed! – the 3 day cleanse. Even in that short amount of time, I learned a lot about my body and how to control cravings. I would definitely do it all over again.
xoxo. B
