Any suggestions before I start the program?

• To ease into the program slowly, we strongly recommend cutting out certain foods and beverages one week before - including caffeine, sugar, alcohol, dairy, wheat, corn and processed foods – gradually cut down more every day so that by the end of the week you’ve stopped altogether or almost stopped. This will help clear your system of substances you may be addicted or sensitive to, freeing up your digestive energy for the goodness to come. Just doing this, might cause you to lose a few pounds before you even start the program.
• If caffeine withdrawal is getting you down, have two or three cups of green or black tea which contains some caffeine, but not as much as coffee.
• This may sound daunting, but we promise that there are many choices still available. We encourage you not to be tempted to binge before starting the program because although it’s human nature to be tempted to, it will actually overload your system and make the withdrawal from these foods that you may be “addicted” to, much harder.
• Please check out our dietary guidelines in the Cleanse resource section for a list of foods to avoid during the program.

Is there anything else I need to have for the program?

• A hand/stick blender is useful for pureeing soups directly in the pot its been cooking in. Buy yourself a couple of tennis balls for self massage – a wonderful way to release tightness in the body. Check the exercises in the Resource section for both Cleanse and Revive where you will find some photographs and instructions on how to do them properly.
• A foam roller is also extremely helpful for self massage.
• A couple of blankets that you can use for restorative exercise would be great to have too.
• Again, in the Resource section for Cleanse and Revive, you will find photographs and instructions of how to do them. These are wonderful to do as they calm and relax the nervous system, allowing the body to truly rest. You will be amazed at how much better you can feel even after a couple of minutes in a restorative yoga pose.

How do I know if I am ready to go on Cleanse?

• Cleanse is best to start if you are generally healthy but feel sluggish, have abdominal bloating, gas or constipation, are retaining fluid and feel puffy and have all sorts of aches and pains. Always make sure that you have no serious underlying illness or disease that could be compromising your health.
• Also importantly, having the right attitude is essential. See this as being proactive in your wellness and stopping the slow deterioration of your health and slowing the aging process. Rather than thinking it's going to be too difficult or that you have to give up too many things that you enjoy, see this as a new beginning, trying new foods and letting go of bad habits. If you feel you are being deprived while on the program, it will be harder. Think of how good you are going to feel....more energy, clearer head, increased sex drive and more than likely, weight loss.

How long before I start to feel any better?

Most people start to feel better after about 3- 4 days. The first few days are often difficult while your body is getting used to not having the sugar, caffeine, gluten and processed foods. That’s why preparing for a week or so before and tapering off the foods you are stopping, makes the withdrawal period easier. For most people, by day 3 or 4, the energy, clarity and vitality starts returning.

Do I have to stay on the program for 2 weeks and if so, why?

Having done this for over 20 years, I have found that to get more significant changes, a minimum of 2 weeks is required. Although even after 5 or 7 days, you will be feeling much better, to get more long lasting changes and in particular, to reset your appetite, which often happens after a longer period, 2 weeks at least is best.

Can I do 4 weeks of CLEANSE for an even stronger detox?

Yes you can, it’s perfectly safe to do so. In fact many people do it for 4 weeks. Especially those who want to lose more weight.

Can I travel?

Absolutely! The packets can go with you wherever you go, just take along your blender bottle.

What should I buy in terms of food, drinks, condiments, appliances etc?

• There is so much that you can eat on this program, please take a look at the dietary and shopping guidelines in the Resource section of Cleanse where you will find a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed.
• We suggest a hand/stick blender for pureeing soups. This way you can puree the soup directly in the pot it’s been cooking in. A blender is also useful if you want to add blueberries to the shake.

Why do I have to eliminate certain foods while I’m on the Cleanse program?

What is gluten & why can’t I eat gluten grains?
Gluten is a type of grain that has a mixture of gliadin and glutenin proteins that are found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten grains contain a mixture of proteins that are very difficult for many people to digest. It is believed that some people do not produce the liver enzyme that is necessary to break down this protein and metabolize it. If this happens, the undigested protein can leak through the gut wall and into the bloodstream where the immune system reacts as if it were a foreign substance. Fighting gluten stresses and exhausts the immune system. So we do not allow gluten products in order to give the digestive system a rest and time to restore.

Why can’t I eat oranges, strawberries, grapes, bananas, dried fruit?
Some people have sensitivities to oranges and strawberries, so we have removed them in order to reduce exposure to foods that can cause these issues. Grapes, bananas and dried fruit are very high in sugar.

What is wrong with eating nightshades?
Some people have sensitivities to tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants without realizing it. They can cause joint pain in some people, so we do not allow them in the CLEANSE phase.

Why can’t I eat corn?
Corn is very high in sugar and is usually genetically modified in the USA, which may cause problems.

Why must nuts be unroasted and unsalted?
Store bought roasted and salted nuts are a problem because they are very high in sodium and have been roasted at a very heat which alters the fats in the nuts. You can roast nuts yourself at a low temperature – 175 deg for 10 – 15 minutes to make them more crunchy.

I only eat fish, but the fish on your list are hard to find, what do you suggest?
If you like to eat fish, try to buy wild caught fish and limit your intake to 2-3 times a week. Canned wild salmon is also a great option. A helpful website for sourcing healthy fish is www.vitalchoice.com

Can I eat brown rice bread?
No, as it is sweetened with fruit juice.

Can I eat edamame?
Yes, as long as they are organic

Why can’t I eat pistachio and macadamia nuts?
The nuts that you are allowed to eat offer the most healthful benefits and since nuts are very high in fat, we try to limit the amount you can eat.

Why can’t I eat peanuts?
Many people have peanut sensitivities or allergies, so we don’t allow them during the program.

Why can’t I eat sushi?
You can have sushi if it's made with brown rice, but no soy sauce unless it's wheat free. Sashimi is allowed.

Is this program appropriate for children?

No. Although it’s a safe and gentle program, I do not recommend children doing this. It is not necessary for children.

What do you think of juice detoxes/cleanses?

A juice detox does not provide the liver with the essential nutrients it needs to support optimal detoxification functions, which is important since your liver is your main detox organ. It also does not supply the fiber to “scrub” the intestines nor the antimicrobials to eliminate the bad bacteria in the gut, both of which are also important when detoxing.

• The program is set up to have five meals a day to specifically prevent you getting hungry. Having said that, this is a great time to become aware of this sensation that we perceive as hunger. Most times, it is actually an emotional trigger, a need to fill some void in your life, relieve stress or comfort an emotional wound. It could be due to anger, frustration or fear. So stopping what you are doing, becoming aware of your breath, becoming present in your body and becoming aware of what you are feeling when you perceive this sensation of “hunger” and letting those feelings pass, helps. Ultimately you are going to have to resolve those feelings to prevent the “hunger” sensation from continually returning. This is what is commonly known as emotional eating.
• Also make sure you are actually hungry. Many people misinterpret the feeling of thirst for a sensation of hunger. They are actually dehydrated without knowing it because they don’t drink enough water, so having a glass of water is helpful too.

If I have not had a bowel movement for some time, what do I do?

One to two tablespoons of Castor oil with lemon and water often does the trick. Magnesium works very well too ––500-1,000mg of magnesium citrate is helpful. Or you could try a gentle herbal laxative such as Swiss Kriss or the Ayurvedic formula, Triphala (usually available at the health food store or on the Internet.) Make sure you are keeping well hydrated as this will also be helpful.

If I accidentally eat a food that I was not supposed to, what will happen to me?

Nothing serious. It’s possible that you may experience a bit of a reaction like feeling a bit nauseous, tired and headachy but that will usually pass within 24 hours. Falling off the wagon sometimes happens and best is to dust yourself off and get back on the program without feeling guilty or bad about it. Recommit to the process.

Any suggestions for helping with cravings?

• The reason we recommend 3 shakes and 2 small meals a day is to supply you with all the nutrition you need. But when we eliminate junk food from our diet, we often experience cravings for the items we are trying to give up such as sugar, processed foods, salty foods, caffeine and bad fats. This happens because we have become “addicted” to these foods.
• Distract yourself, go for a walk or do some light exercise. Cravings usually last about 10- 20 minutes and then pass. So the more you can distract yourself, the easier it will be to deal with your cravings.
• Keep sugary snacks out of your house and office if possible. It is difficult to snack on things that are not there.
• Take one or two of the Glutamine capsules every couple of hours if necessary. These will help with sugar cravings, which are the commonest cravings people have while doing the CLEANSE program.
• Drink a lot of water or sparkling water as this can sometimes help with cravings.
• As with hunger, cravings often have an emotional component to them. We use junk food to satisfy or fulfill an emotional need. So taking a look at this can be helpful too.
• Remember the powders in the shakes are nutrient dense, and are designed to supply your body with all the nutrients it needs which can help reduce cravings in general.

What should I do if I am on Prescription Medications?

You should not stop any prescription medication while on the program.

Can I continue with supplements that I was taking prior to being on the program?

For the 2 weeks you are on the Cleanse program, it is not necessary. The shakes have the nutrients you need for the 2 weeks, so we suggest you take a break from your other supplements while you are on the program.

What is the normal number of bowel movements per day?

For most people, at least one bowel movement a day is normal but anywhere between one and three is normal.

What to do about gas and bloating?

This can happen in the first couple of days of starting the Cleanse program as the antimicrobial herbs in the capsules are “killing” the bad bacteria. The bloating is a result of “die off” of the bad bacteria and the discomfort should settle in about 4-5 days. This can also be due to taking in more fiber than you are used to as our daily powders each contain a good amount of fiber. Within a few days, your body will get used to the extra fiber.

Regular bowel movements are also important in relieving that gassy bloated feeling, so if your bowels are not moving well, try some of the tips recommended above

How much water should I be drinking?

Ideally you need to urinate at least every 3-4 hours during the day while on the Cleanse program. So make sure you are drinking enough water to facilitate this frequency. Herbal teas are fine too.

What should I do if I get a headache?

Headaches can occur in the first few days as you are withdrawing from caffeine especially and sometimes sugar. This is why we recommend slowly tapering off these in the week or so before to make this process easier. Try the tennis ball massages, Restorative yoga poses, take a hot bath, go for a walk and if needed, try drinking green tea which has a little caffeine in it but is a healthier option than coffee. It is best to avoid medication unless it is really severe and you feel you cannot function without taking it away.

Is it ok to exercise and do physical activities?

Yes, provided you do not over exert yourself. Keep your workouts a little lighter and incorporate some restorative yoga and relaxation techniques as well.

If I am feeling a little weak, what should I do?

Have a cup of soup or eat another small meal like nuts and fruit. Relax in a Restorative yoga pose for 10-15 minutes.

Will my sleep be affected while I am on the program?

It is possible. Whenever you make major changes in how you eat, it can affect your sleep. This usually settles down after a few days and most people wake up in the morning with a clear head and full of energy.

I am starting to lose too much weight and want to curb it?

Losing too much weight is extremely unusual, but if it is happening, increase your intake of good fats like avocados and nuts.

I am not losing any weight and I don’t know why?

This probably means your weight is appropriate or if not there may be some metabolic reason like a hormonal imbalance, often a poor functioning thyroid is the cause. Once you are finished with the Cleanse program, this should be explored further. We suggest a full thyroid work up with your own doctor.

Am I allowed green tea which does have a little caffeine in it?

Yes, a cup of green tea once or twice a day is fine

Anything I can do to make the shake taste nicer?

You can add a cup of blueberries or a fresh pear to the shake and mix it in a blender.

What are cocoa nibs?

They are shelled and roasted cocoa beans that are crunchy and have a chocolate-y flavor

What is the next step once I have completed the Cleanse program?

Once you have completed the 2 week Cleanse program, we encourage you to start the 4 week Revive Program, where you will continue to build and restore your health and vitality.

What can I start eating and drinking that won’t ruin everything I just accomplished?

There are many foods that you can start to re-introduce once you have completed the Cleanse program. We suggest you start the Revive program and follow the dietary guidelines for what is allowed and not what is not allowed, for the next 4 weeks.

How do I re-introduce foods that I have avoided while on Cleanse?

• Re-introduce the foods you’ve been avoiding into your meals one at a time, every two days, to test your reaction to it. When testing a food, have a substantial serving of it for breakfast and lunch, and monitor your reactions. If possible, make detailed notes in a food journal—particularly about what happens to you during the reintroduction phase.
• Caution: women should not try food testing right before their periods or during pregnancy because they are likely to be extra sensitive then.
• Most food reactions will occur within a few hours of eating what you add back, although it can occasionally take up to two to three days for reactive symptoms to appear. The beauty of this test is that if you are reactive to a specific food, you are usually extra sensitive to it after you have initially cleared it from your system. If you have a strong food reaction (such as nausea or a stomach ache) when testing, take two tablets of Alka-Seltzer Gold or a tablespoon of buffered vitamin C powder in water.
• Food reaction (such as nausea or a stomach ache) when testing, take two tablets of Alka- Seltzer Gold or a tablespoon of buffered vitamin C powder in water.
• Here are a few things to keep in mind:
• If you do react to any food, rotating your foods may make you less sensitive to them. So only eat the foods to which you are reacting every five days. For example, if you are sensitive to wheat, dairy, and corn, schedule yourself to eat wheat on days one and six, dairy on days two and seven, and corn on days three and eight.
• You may not have enough digestive juices to properly break down the foods to which you are reacting. Trying some digestive enzymes with your meal may help.

Where can I start telling everyone about the great experience I had?

Join our community on Twitter & Facebook.

If I don’t want to do the Revive program after the Cleanse program, what should I do?

In order to maintain the health benefits from completing the Cleanse program, we suggest you take a look at the healthy eating guidelines and shopping guidelines in the resource section of Sustain. This will provide you with important information for leading a healthy lifestyle. We also recommend that you take the Sustain kit which provides the essential nutrients for good health.

Any suggestions on how to give up coffee without going cold turkey?

Here is the plan –

• Day One: Have a regular cup of coffee. If you have another cup, blend it 50-50 with decaf.
• Day Two-Four: Continue blending your coffee 50-50 with decaf.
• Day Five-Six: Have 25% regular coffee, 75% decaf.
• Day Seven: Eliminate completely, or if necessary, substitute with green tea, weak black tea or Yerba mate.

You can continue drinking green tea, weak black tea or Yerba mate throughout the program.

If however, you are starting the program immediately and do not have a full week to taper off coffee, we suggest the following –

• Day one: Blend your coffee 50-50 with decaf
• Day two: Blend your coffee 25 – 75 with decaf
• Day three: Eliminate completely.

You may drink green tea, weak black tea or Yerba mate throughout the program.

What are other names for sugars so that I know what to look for when reading labels?

It is important to look for refined sugars in all forms on the ingredients label. The following are various versions of refined sugar:

 

Cane sugar, dried cane syrup, brown sugar, beet sugar, date sugar, grape sugar, glucose, maltose, maltodextrin, dextran, dextrose, sorbitol, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, fructose, corn sugar, fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, barley malt, caramel, carob syrup and sorghum syrup.

Look at your breakfast cereals, white breads, salad dressing, pasta sauces, yogurts, granola and health bars, canned fruits, etc.

What other ingredients should I be avoiding?

You want to avoid as much as possible any of the following ingredients:

• Partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated fats and oils, found in margarine, shortening and virtually all baked goods. These oils contain trans-fatty acids and are well known to contribute to poor cardiovascular health and heart disease.
• Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (Nutrasweet and Equal), sucralose (Splenda), saccharin (Sweet’N Low) and acesulfame K.
• Sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate – these are found in most packaged meat products and deli meats.
• Monosodium glutmate (MSG) – found in many “instant meals”, frozen dinners, packaged meats, canned soups, soup stocks, salad dressings, soy sauce, Spice mixes, flavorings and seasonings. If you see the words “sodium caseinate,” “hydrolyzed protein,” “autolyzed yeast” or “yeast extract” on a product label, you can assume it contains some amount of MSG. MSG is an excitotoxin which means it damages nerve cells.
• Sulphur – found in dried fruits. They commonly cause allergies.
• Potassium bromate, found in factory-made breads. It is banned from use in food products in Europe, Canada and most other countries, including China.
• Preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, TBHQ), found in butter, meats, cereals, chewing gum, baked goods, snack foods, dehydrated potatoes and beer. Some studies show they cause cancer in animals.
• Artificial colors (such as FD&C Red No.3, Yellow Nos. 5 and 6, Blue Nos. 1 and 2) found in soda, sports drinks and gelatin desserts. Most artificial colorings are synthetic chemicals and have low nutritional value.
• Artificial fats (such as Olestra) found in snack foods. Olestra reduces the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble carotenoids (such as alpha-and beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and canthaxanthin) from fruits and vegetables which reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
• And any other processed food. Processed foods are anything not produced in nature: quick or instant grains, meals in a package, box or can, factory-produced breads, dinner mixes, frozen meals. And look out for snack foods, even ones that claim they are healthy and sugar-free.

Remember, the longer the ingredients label, the further away the food is from nature and therefore the less healthy it is.