Recently I asked you, my readers to submit questions about juicing so that I could better help you in your juicing journey. I received many great questions -thank you- and I’ve compiled them into the top 10 most asked questions.
Juice Cleansing FAQ
Q. Do I leave the peel on my fruits and veggies when juicing? And what about the seeds?
A. Generally, if you buy organic produce you can leave the peel intact. Non-organic foods should be peeled or at least washed thoroughly. You can make your own vegetable wash with this recipe. Citrus fruits should be peeled because the rind tastes bitter and may contain pesticides, but you can leave the white pith. Many seeds can be left in the fruit and put through the juicer. Hard “pit” seeds such as peach, plum, and cherry must be removed first. Apple seeds do contain a small amount of a cyanide compound, which the body can easily detox in small amounts. Juice machines do break open the seeds which can release the compound. If this is a concern for you, then you can core the apple before juicing.
Q. Can I make a pitcher of juice and store it for the day?
A. The vitamins and nutrients in juice can oxidize or decrease over time so it is ideal to drink the juice right away. The presence of light and oxygen speed up this process, but you can slow it down by keeping the juice in the refrigerator. Be sure to use an airtight container (preferably opaque or dark in color) that is not much larger than the amount of juice and store it for up to 24 hours.
Q. How many days do I have to drink the juices?
A. If you are attempting a juice cleanse (juice fast) and have never done so before you may want to try a 1-day cleanse. It’s a quick way to get your body used to the schedule of fasting. The most common cleanses last 3, 5, or 7 days. This is plenty of time for your body to eliminate standard toxins built up in the body. You can do these short cleanses periodically throughout the year. If you would like to attempt a longer cleanse, please enlist the help of a health professional to monitor your health and progress for safety reasons.
Q. Do I drink the juice all day or can I eat something such as raw foods when I get hungry?
A. The reason for not eating during a juice cleanse is so that the colon does not use energy to digest new foods entering the body, but instead removes the built up foods and toxins that have not previously been absorbed by the body. The reason for drinking juice is to give the body nutrients without digestible material. There are some modified versions of the juice cleanse which allow minimal amounts of food, but this would be considered more of a maintenance diet and not a true fast.
Q. Can I use a blender?
A. A blender is different from a juicer. Blenders do not remove the fiber from the juice, therefore your body is digesting food. The point of a juice cleanse is to relieve the body from digesting for a few days. I recommend buying a juice machine, however you may blend your foods and strain them through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to manually remove the fiber.
Q. Can I use just one recipe for my entire cleanse or should I mix in different vegetables and fruits?
A. It is best to mix up the recipes for a couple of reasons. First you may get bored drinking the same juice all day for several days. Also your body requires a lot of different vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. By trying different veggies and fruits in your recipes you’ll be giving your body balanced nutrition.
Q. Is it possible to do the juice cleanse with a majority of fruits instead of veggies?
A. I recommend a vegetable based juice cleanse. Fruits can be great in limited quantities, but fruits speed up the detoxifying process and can make your cleanse symptoms (shakes, headaches) feel worse.
Q. How do you get enough liquid from the leafy vegetables?
A. Some of the leafy vegetable just don’t have that much juice in them. However the juice that is there is very powerful so don’t dismiss them altogether. To get the best yield out of the leafy greens try rolling them to compact the leaves or wrapping them around a cucumber or carrot. Making them “bulkier” may help to get more juice. If you are getting serious about juicing you may want to check out a masticating juicer. This type of juice machine “chews” the food at slower speed and may work better on the leafy vegetables. Check out my juice machine guide for more info.
Q. If I went on a juice cleanse, where would my protein come from?
A. Vegetables DO contain protein. For example spinach has about 1g of protein per cup and broccoli has about 2g per cup. Typically as a society we consume too many proteins and we’re conditioned to believe that we will not survive with less. You will. But if you are concerned about proteins you can add a powdered spirulina/wheatgrass type supplement to your juice.
Q. How much weight will I lose on a five day juice fast?
A. You may lose some weight during a juice fast. The amount will vary per person but the average is about one pound per day on a five day fast. Much of this is simply retained water and built up food matter in the colon. To maintain the weight loss it is important to stick to a routine of healthy eating, exercise, and periodic cleansing.
Happy Juicing!
Great tips Carey. You have really done some awesome research and I am sure are helping many people juice happier and live a healthier lifestyle
I believe there’s enough protein in the veggies and that’s how I respond when others always say to me but what about your protein in a very concerned matter! I think you hit it on the head w/we’re conditioned to believe that we will not survive with less! So true!! Quick question though I’ve heard that you can eat nuts during the fast any kind and as many as you want – but after reading this I am second guessing that since you said the colon will be digesting it so it defeats the purpose, right???
That’s right, Jaimee. I wouldn’t suggest eating nuts during the cleanse.
I just started and is confused on how many times a day am i suppose to drink this. does it make for all day or just 1batch per meal? HELP
These recipes are for one meal
Drink 4 times per day or more if you need.
These are some very good FAQs.
Anyone know a good place to find a 3 or 4 basic recipes for a successful 7-15 day juicing fast?
Mauricio,
Have you gotten my 25 free juice recipes? You can sign up for them in the sidebar of the blog.
When purchasing a juice extractor, the best advice would be to decide which benefits and features you expect out of your machine. The type of juice you expect, from the fruits and vegetables you choose.
This site has some excellent information and should be bookmarked by anyone that comes here.
A juicer can be one of the best kitchen appliances you buy. Some juicer extractors are of such quality that they are passed down through the family.After looking through your site,i feel that you have shared some excellent information that will benefit any and all of your readers.
Carey: So, what is the usual digestive experience while on a juice fast? In other words, is our bathroom experiences like a colon cleanse before a colonoscopy
? I think that needs to be part of my mental preparation and not sure what to expect……sorry, if this is TMI (too much information), but I worry about that.
Julie,
Juicing certainly tastes much better than that nasty stuff you drink before a colonoscopy! Everyone’s experience will be different, but generally you may have some loose stools in the beginning. After juicing for a couple of days you movements may stop since there is no solid food entering your body. At this time some people choose to do enemas to help any material still in the colon move along.
How important is to workout while juice fasting, its my 14th day I lost 18lbs, it has kind of slowed down last 5 days, i was losing more before, I have constipation as well haven’t gone to toilet for almost week, and yeah I haven’t worked out at all not even walking / running, before I start fasting I used to workout 4-5 days a week, any suggestions please, should i start walking / running, also want to mention my 5th day i did colonic irrigation procedure and I think i have to do it again, it was great first time, cleans you out pretty good, I suggest doing it if you are haveing same problem as me.
Also This is Really Important question I have to ask, I have been juicing about 40oz a day, last 4 days I only have 4 – 8oz glasses of juice , is it enough if not why its not enough, and how much is better and why, please share with your thoughts.
Hi George,
I think 2 bottles (24oz) of juice would be a good amount to get your nutrition for the day. People who cleanse usually do 6 bottles for the entire day. So 2 would be the norm for someone who is just supplementing their diet with juice.
I am an avid runner and road biker with an occasional triathlon thrown in. Will this be enough protein and carbs to allow me to continue to exercise 4-5 times per week for 1-2 hours each day?
Thank you,
Stacy
Hi Stacy and Carey,
Stacy- How did it go with working out?
Carey & Stacy,
I am planning a 7-10 day cleanse while training for several races. I don’t want to stop my training for the entire cleanse, but I would cut back if needed. What are your thoughts on exercising, probably 50-60 min 5-6 days per week?
Thanks!!!
Tracey
If I am juicing every morning with the original Mean Green recipe, what is the approximate vegetable consumption equivalent? How close am I to getting a day’s worth of veggies (and what is the target # of vegetables per day… I am guessing 7-9 but not sure!)
I would like to start my fruit and vegetable fast tomorrow since I just found out I have a fatty liver. I think this will be a great way to loose some weight quickly and in essence help me reverse my fatty liver. As I was reading this section of your site, I was wondering if I go through this fruit and vegetable fast can I go without having an enema or is it strongly suggested that I have one? In addition, I’m also on some medication and I was wondering should I get off the medication now or just wait till I’m done with the prescription cycle.
In addition, I wanted to know what should I expect the first few days of fasting I have heard that some people experience stomach cramps. I always viewed this as a sign of your stomach shrinking at least that is what my gastroenterologist states so bearing through with it is reasonable I guess but when will the symptoms subside.
Starting my first juice fast tomorrow …. Gunning for 10 day, once I get there, I may try a 30 day cleanse.
Thanks for the recipes, I’m actually looking forward to this!
Is there a support group type website you could recommend?
Try http://jointhereboot.com for a support group.
where is that huge list of question/comments? I can’t locate them on here now…..ugh!
You might be looking for this page http://myjuicecleanse.com/juicer-recipes/mean-green-juice-recipes/
Hi Carey,
I am a strict vegetarian and very active individual. That being said, I do not need to lose any weight. I am very interested in doing a 20 day cleanse for nutritional purposes but I am afraid if I lose too much weight I will look sickly. I am 5’4 and 117lbs. Your thoughts?
Your advice is appreciated!
Thank you,
Michaela
Michaela,
I’m curious as to why you’ve chosen 20 days? How about a modified juice cleanse (juicing + 1 or 2 solid meals), raw food cleanse, or smoothie cleanse if you are going to cleanse for this long. Either of these would provide more calories and give you a slower detox process. It seems you may already be quite healthy.
How do I store my juice for the day durring work. I have made vegie juice the night before and by the next afternoon it is not possible to drink. Can’t take my juicer to work so what do I do?
Store the juice in an airtight container filled to the top so there is little to no air inside. Dark containers keep the light out. It needs to stay cool and dark, so refrigerate it. Make the juice in the morning before work if possible instead of the night before.
Hi! My Husband and I just started a juice cleanse today for the first time. My problem is I just can’t stomach the taste of the Mean Green juice (we are drinking the one Joe Cross does in his movie). Every drink I take I immediately have to chase it down with large gulps of water. I really want to do this, but if there any other green juice recipe that isn’t as strong that I might enjoy a little bit more???
There are four versions of the Mean Green here: http://myjuicecleanse.com/juicer-recipes/mean-green-juice-recipes/ Some people don’t like the kale. You may cut back on it or substitute with spinach or romaine lettuce. Hope that helps!
i just started the juice fasting today. I know it is recommended to juice and drink it right away but what can I do if I am not able to juice during lunch if I’m at school? If I prepare it before hand and unable to store it in a fridge would would you recommend that I do?
Thank you
Is it normal to feel nausea ?
Mike, yes, it’s normal. When my husband and I juiced for 3 days in a row, we both felt nausea. It’s just the rush of your body getting rid of all the toxins, and making way for a healthier system.
I know this is getting to you WAY late, but maybe this will help someone else with the same question.
I have a question, what do I eat after the cleansing is over? I understand that its healthy, but what can I add back in that doesn’t mess up the whole detoxing?
I had weight loss surgery about 6 years ago and have put on a few extra pounds. Is it safe for me to do a juice cleanse when I need to eat more protein than the normal person? My body does not absorb protien like it should after surgery.
Can you do the juice cleanse if you’re pregnant?
Juice cleansing while pregnant is not typically recommended. Please check with your doctor.
Hi, I was curious, does the amount of food difer for everyone. What I mean is, my husband in almost 300lbs and I am 150. We both would like to go on a veggie/juice fast but would I need to add as much to a drink as he would for every meal? Thanks
Your husband might need more ounces per drink in order to feel full, so he would probably drink more in a day than you. If you drink 4 drinks at 16 ounces, he may need to double that for instance. Just listen to the body to tell you what it needs.
Question: What vegetables should NOT be juiced? Someone told me that juicing a turnip almost killed a man by taking out his liver function. I can see where most can be juiced. But didn’t I even hear that juicing too much of beets can not be healthy? Where can I read more about this topic?
Question: What about the food combining issue? Not mixing fruits with vegetables, for instance. Usually when “eating” fruits, they get digested quicker than a vegetable, for instance, as fruits do not digest in the stomach, but in the intestine. So… juicing them together … should it matter? or not?
Turnips and beets contain oxalates which *may have an effect on formation kidney stones. They are also considered powerful liver cleansers http://myjuicecleanse.com/juicecleanse/raw-beets-for-health-and-detox/ and should be used in moderation.
Yes fruits and vegetables are digested at different rates and require different enzymes which may neutralize each other. I don’t know all the details of this “rule” of eating, however juices are quickly absorbed by the body, so fermentation may not be an issue. Many people cannot tolerate the taste of vegetable only juices, thus fruits are often suggested in recipes.
Does anyone know if taking vitamins and supplements during a juice cleanse/fast is advantageous or would it create confusion within my body by sending the wrong signals which could lead to overdosing.
After you cleanse for 10 days, what is the best way to ease into normal eating? What foods are best to introduce back in my diet?
I have been doing a great deal of research related to juicing, juice fasting, vegan diets. I eat a typical western diet full of processed foods and meats. I am not prepared to go on a juice fast yet, but I have read your article related to it and I am in prep mode. Today I decided to try one of the “Mean Green Juice” recipe. OMG, how does one get past the taste!?!
We always add carrots. Makes it yummy!
Here’s a good question, I’m tracking my food intake but as a heavy juicer since January, I’ve had a hard time figuring out how many calories are in a “juice meal”. I tend to make a 1500 mL pitcher in the morning and evening of carrots, beets, broc, apples, and celery. Am I taking in too many sugars?
Is this juice healthy for a 12 year old vegetarian ?
Hi, I’m planning to start ;my juice tomorrow, except i have a question can i drink water during the day?
How much do the ingredients cost for each batch? And how many servings does each batch yield. I really really wanna do this! I’m just so afraid my low income won’t work with me on it.
I am starting an 8 day juice fast tomorrow, I plan to use chia seeds along with it, is this ok?
Hi,
I’m on day 9 of a 10 day juice fast. I am doing a cleanse that consists mostly of vegetables, and I’ve been mixing up my juices to get a range of nutrients. While I feel great, I am a little concerned. I have been experiencing some skin discoloration. Small, dark spots have developed around my wrists and a couple of larger, dark blotchy spots on the back side of one of my hands. I also noticed a few dark spots showing up on my stomach. I’ve been doing searches online and can’t seem to find any information on this, or other people who have experienced it. Do you happen to know what may be going on here?
Thanks,
Chanelle
Chanelle, One of the pathways which the body uses to remove toxins is the skin. Believe it or not I have heard of old scars and old sunburns showing up in the detox process! If this is toxins trying to exit, I would recommend some light exercise such as walking or rebounding to encourage circulation and some sweating. Keep drinking plenty of water to replace the water loss through sweat and to help flush the body. Have you included any herbs in your juicing? I would suggest adding some parsley, cilantro, and ginger as these help with detoxing. Keep an eye on the skin for further changes. If it doesn’t clear you should visit a doctor just to be sure.
To those who’ve wondered about making a day’s worth ahead of time and taking the juice to work, I’ll share what I’ve done every time I’ve done a juice fast that works well for me. I make the amount for the entire day in the morning before work (approx 64-72 oz depending on how big or small the pieces of fruits/veggies are). Half of it goes into a tightly covered mason jar (plastic lid) and stored in the fridge until I get home from work. The other half I put into a large thermos with a couple of ice cubes. More often than not I still have a few small chunks of ice left by the time I’m ready to drink it at noon or 1pm. Just make sure to shake the thermos before drinking; sometimes it separates a little. But it tastes as good as when it was first made…if a bit colder.
i was wondering if it was ok to blend the juice from the juicer to make a smoothie?
Jackson,
Yes you can blend the juice from juicer to make a smoothie. It doesnt get fresher than that.
I just want to thank you for putting this information together. Saw the movie a few months ago and have been mulling over a change. Borrowed a Jack Lelane juicer from a friend and am now seriously thinking of trying a 30 day fast/cleanse. I appreciate very much the info you have compiled here as I need all the help I can get to prepare for this process! Thanks again : )
Chris
so do i just have the juice for my main meals breaky lunch and tea or can i have as much juice as i want ??
Have as much as you like
Firstly, this is a great site to get someone started such as myself. I am preparing mentally before my juicer is delivered. I have given up all alcohol (it’s been 4 days) and really a habit more than a need. Started drinking more water and I’ve always eaten fairly well at only 58 kilos.(don’t know what that is in pounds, sorry) My question is, can I drink an all fruit juice for lunch instead of the green juices as I think I’ll get bored too quickly and is that too much sugar in one hit?
hey guys i just have a couple of questions, i have just reached my 60th day of nothing but juicing. i feel great, i have lost 61 lbs. i was wondering how do i come off it, like what types of smoothies or drinks or food? thank you so much
paul
Paul,
You can start by making smoothies with the same ingredients that you juice. This will get some fiber into your system. Next you can start eating a piece or two of fruit during the day. Then a salad, etc until you are back onto whole foods. (keep juicing during all this). The transition may take several days. Your body will tell you what it is ready for.
Oh and congratulations!
I was wondering if anyone, while on a juice cleanse has made vegetable juice and heated it making it into a soup/broth? Will the heat take away some of the nutirients?
Great question Sam. When heating the juice, do so very slowly and preferably do not heat above 117˚F. This will retain all or most of the nutrients.