Whoa! Slow down mates! We know you’ve been dying to indulge in all those foods that seemed so deliciously tempting throughout your juice cleanse, but take it one step at a time.
Your entire body is super sensitive to solid foods right now, and done the wrong way, you can expect a plethora of repercussions! Your diet after a juice cleanse is just as vital as the cleanse itself!
Before you dive into a triple-stack cheeseburger, mac ‘n’ cheese, and tub loads of icecream, let’s continue your detox diet the right way!
Post-Cleanse Diet
It’s all about your attitude! If you survived a juice cleanse for the health benefits, weight loss, or just straight up bragging rights, the cleanse must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the detox period is over.
If you can wrap your mind around continuing to treat your metabolism, immune system, and cognitive functions the way they should be cared for, you’ll slowly turn back to solid foods in a delicate manner.
Throughout the cleanse, you’ve empowered your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system to efficiently get rid of toxins. Continuing this detox with the post-cleanse diet can maximize the benefits of the juice cleanse. So don’t see the post-diet as a way to catch up on all the calories you’ve boycotted, instead, see it as a chance to make some permanent, healthy changes to your new lifestyle!
Days 1-2 Post-Cleanse
Keeping it green and raw for the first 24-48 hours post-cleanse is the best approach to maximize your weight loss and overall well-being. Continue to incorporate cold-pressed juice but throw in some yummy and healthy treats.
- Steamed vegetables
- Smoothies
- Green, leafy salds
- Broth
- Nuts, seeds
Days 3-4 Post-Cleanse
After a couple days of nothing but greens, you might be dying for a little sugar.
You will be pleased to know that this is the stage where you can introduce organic sugar like fruit. Keeping moderation in perspective, you can also start introducing some light starch foods! Yay!
- Fruit, fruit bowls
- Fruit smoothies
- Variety of salads
- Meatless soups
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Sweet potatoes
- Squash
Days 4-7 Post-Cleanse
Do you smell something fishy going on? Fishermen, we’ve got some meshed-up news for you! By now you’ve almost got a full plate loaded with most of your dietary needs. However, if you’re a meat eater, you’ll be ecstatic to know you can now introduce high-protein foods. 
Keeping your dairy and meat intake focused on lean and light proteins will be less taxing on your body versus heavier proteins like cheese, milk, and fatty meats.
- Eggs
- Fish: salmon, tuna, tilapia, etc
- White meat: skinless chicken, turkey
- Red meat: lean cuts
No Food Limitations!
It’s now a free-for-all! Not! Seriously, we’re just kidding. Going back to a greasy, fast-food, and processed food diet will undo all of your hard work, and your cravings for junk will intensify. Even at this stage post-cleanse, you can experience physical discomfort if you turn back to your old ways. Everything you felt before hand that pushed you into a juice cleanse in the first place will be your old friend once again.
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Bloating, excessive gas
- Constipation
- Irritability, mood swings
- Poor focus, limited concentration
Instead of seeing your future diet as a limitation without certain foods, it’s more of an opportunity to expand your palette and discover the joys of flavor that spices and healthy food can offer. Keep with the greens, raw, whole grains, and lean meat diet!
1 Day Post-Cleanse Diet
If your patience and diligence has been strung to its limits and you just can’t endure a week more of slow transitioning, pay attention! We’ve thrown together a 1-day post cleanse diet with meal suggestions for the entire day. Shebang! Done and done – you’re welcome!
Breakfast
- Green juice smoothie
- Acai bowl: Acai, spinach, kale, banana, coconut milk
- Coconut water, avocado, and pear smoothie
Lunch
- Kale and bean soup: spices (bay, rosemary), garlic, onion, white beans, kale, vege broth, kale, Parmesan cheese.
- Zucchini and basil soup: zucchini, garlic, onion, basil, cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast.
- Spicy Thai Soup: spices, curry paste, bell peppers, zucchini, coconut milk.
Dinner
- Vegan tacos: Romaine leaves (for “taco” shell), tomatoes, cucumber, salsa, sprouts, jalapeno, coriander, cumin, lemon juice, salt.
- Quinoa salad bowl: cooked quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, garlic, parsley, mint leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt.
- Steamed fish and cleansing greens: white fish, corriander, kaffir lime, ginger, cabbage, brocolli.
Post-Cleanse Tips
-
Chew your food! Help your digestive system out by chewing your food slowly to minimize gas and bloating. You’ll also feel satiated faster eliminating the risk of overeating. - Stay hydrated! Keep drinking cold-pressed juices daily. Drink at least half your body’s weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, you’ll want to get at least 100 ounces of water in daily.
- Do not attempt a post-cleanse diet or a juice cleanse if you have diabetes or any other chronic condition without discussing with your doctor first!
- Children, teens and pregnant women should not participate in a juice cleanse or detox of any kind.
- Get cleared by a doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or medications before starting a juice cleanse or post-cleanse diet.
- Keep a food diary while reintroducing foods if you suspect allergies and sensitivities. It’s a great time to see how your body reacts, and you’ll have a record to present to an allergist or health practitioner.
Think Small
Eat small portions since you’ll be full and sated much quicker than before with less food than you used to gorge on. While your plate may be small, your palette can now think large!
Welcome to the new chapter of your life post cleanse!
