There are many opinions on the topic of juice cleanses but as an avid juicer I find it odd how people can ignore the direct benefits associated with juicing and cold pressed juice. Sure, you can’t guarantee the amount of weight loss to expect, which really shouldn’t be a primary reason to do one, or event the rate of detoxification each time, but the truth of the matter is there are several other proven benefits and I am living proof of the results.

Just to give you a little history as to how juicing got introduced into my life. After being diagnosed with a rare kidney ailment and subsequently fibromyalgia, I suffered for years in pain and my body became increasingly toxic from all the pain, sleep, and depression meds I was putting into my system. My Naturopathic Doctor started to make changes to my diet and soon after suggested that I try a 3 day cleanse. The results…astounding.  I had felt fatigued for as long as I could remember and by the morning of the last day my energy was through the roof. I was getting the best sleep I had gotten in months, skin irritations caused from stress started to clear up (and colour had started to return to my face), my bowel movements were more regular, not to mention a very considerable decrease in body and joint pain. Turns out, this thing called juicing also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory based on some of the concoctions included in the most programs. And just like that, I was a believer and have been religiously doing them quarterly ever since.

As you can imagine, I’ve tried just about every juice cleanse in Toronto and definitely have my opinions on each. Some I will do again happily, others I wouldn’t suggest to even my worst enemy. I decided to kick off 2015 by trying out Cedar Juice. I had tried some of their yummy juices at Equinox post workout so I was keen on giving it a go for 3 days. The entire process was a breeze from beginning to end. The website is super informative, which will be a relief to first time cleansers and clearly gives all the deets you need regarding delivery, cleanse benefits and even how to cleanse during the program. Immediately after placing my order I received an email from Cedar outlining helpful tops to help me get ready, the pre-cleanse regimen and what to do during the cleanse to get the most optimal cleansing. When my shipment arrived via FedEx to my doorstep, it was accompanied by  a little booked that provided extra advice such as; using a body brush on my skin prior to showering and having a sauna/steam room session to help with the detoxification process.

The cleanse includes 6 juices for each day and it’s recommended to drink as much water and non-caffeinated tea in between each.  Although they are all quite tasty, here are my favourites – Pineapple Head, Skip To The Beat and Cracked It:

To be completely honest, the juicing experience is different for each person. Some may find it extremely easy while others will find it unbearable. It can be difficult, as your body is used to chewing food. I have found that chewing my juice helps. I know it sounds weird but it actually tricks the body into thinking that you are eating plus it helps eliminate indigestion and bloating after drinking juice all day. Getting your body ready for the cleanse is almost more important than what you do during the cleanse. It is vital that you eliminate processed foods and sugars as much as possible and stick to a clean diet a few days to a week before to avoid the unwanted “die-off” effects; fatigue, migraine, flu like symptoms, which could potentially happen on days one and two if your body is highly toxic. Although unpleasant, this actually means that that the cleanse is working. If all is done right, this 1,100 calorie a day juice program will give you the kick start you need. Our bodies are very similar to cars. We can’t just keep putting gas inside, aka food, we must reset or change our oil every season if you will, every few months to keep our bodies performing.

My friends at Cedar Juice are giving my amazing readers who want to try out this program a discount code to help you get started.  When ordering use “SoSashaJuiceCleanse” to receive 15% off your entire order.  Head to CedarJuice.com for more information, offers, and to order your cleanse. If you have any specific questions regarding my juicing experience feel free to email me – info@sosasha.com or tweet me @sashaexeter