Suja Juice Cleanse Round 2!

If you read my last blog post about my first experience with juice cleansing, you knew this would be coming! (If you didn't read it, catch it HERE.) I was so happy with the changes in my appetite after my first 3-day Suja Juice cleanse back in June, that I just had to have another round. I timed it perfectly for the week before our family vacation to Cabo. I figured I'd look a little better in the bikinis I'd be sporting nearly all day and perhaps I would binge a bit less than I normally do at all-inclusive resorts. The results are in!

First off, I'll address the question everyone asks me first when I tell them I just finished a cleanse, "How much weight did you lose?" I had lost about 5 pounds on the initial cleanse, and when I started this one I had gained back maybe a pound or so. I ended this second cleanse 2 pounds below where I ended the last one, so I lost about 3 total this time. For me it isn't all about the weight loss though, my cravings that had been wiped out by my first cleanse were starting to rear their ugly heads again, so it was time to put them to rest! Did it work? Mostly!

Again, I left for Cabo a mere 3 days after finishing this second cleanse, and we stayed at an all-inclusive resort, so healthy eating wasn't really in the cards. But, I know for a fact I made much better choices than I would have had I not cleansed right before! I think I only had 4 margaritas the entire week, and instead opted for wine and other less sugary drinks when the bartenders were throwing drinks at me. I ate salads for lunch whenever I could get my hands on one (believe it or not it wasn't easy, room service became my only lunch option!) I only gave in to the late night room service dessert binge once, and it was mostly because my son deserved the experience (I would normally do that every night when it's free!) All in all I would say the cleanse definitely set me up for better eating habits on vacation and beyond. Now that I'm home, it's back to greek yogurt, salads, protein and veggies on the daily menu...oh and a Suja Juice here and there for a snack of course! And I'm loving it! I missed eating healthy!

As for the experience of the cleanse itself, I'd have to say it was a bit tougher for me this time around. Note to self (and other women), do not allow your cleanse to overlap with PMS. I didn't do a very good job of eating clean leading into the cleanse like I did last time. I had a piece of chocolate or 2 the day before and my husband offered up a glass of wine that I couldn't refuse that same night. I had a headache from hell for the last 2 days of the cleanse, I finally had to give in and take Advil which I really didn't want to do! But it helped! Next time I'm definitely doing a better job of clean eating for a couple of days prior as it really seemed to help the first time around. I had a slight headache that time, but it was brief and manageable. Other than the headache all went well and once again I didn't cheat at all during the 3 days of the cleanse. My husband survived without any issues at all...and he had to work every day, he cleanses like a champ! So are we going to do it yet again? Of course! I think we'll be quarterly cleansers for life, we're hooked.

Keep Your Cool...Just Chill!

I was shopping at Whole Foods recently and there was a sample display for a drink called Just Chill. I almost walked right on by, but realized the chocolate I was dying trying to get to was right behind the display. I figured I had to be nice and try this stuff out before asking the nice lady to help me grab my stash of Vosges bars that were hiding behind her. She explained that the drinks help to relax you and alleviate stress and that they can help you sleep. It sounded too good to be true, but I tasted the 3 different flavors and they all tasted pretty good, so I bought one. Just one. I was too skeptical to buy any more than that. I didn't even drink it right away. After a few nights of my typical worrywart insomnia, I decided to drink my Just Chill shortly before bed one night. Shortly after drinking it, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. It was almost like I took a xanax but without the loopy feeling! I must have fallen asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, something that is not very common for me. I slept great the entire night and woke up feeling revived and refreshed. How could this little natural drink do this?! I had to find out more about it...and buy more!

While researching Just Chill, I learned that the all-natural ingredients include L-Theanine, Lemongrass, Vitamin C, B-Vitamin Complex, Magnesium and Zinc. These ingredients help to alleviate stress, elevate mood, increase focus and reduce tension. The drink doesn't cause sleepiness, but for someone like me who is kept awake by stress or anxiety, it will definitely help you get to sleep! The flavors offered are Tropical, Rio Berry and Jamaican Citrus. Tropical is definitely my favorite, but I like them all! You can find Just Chill at most Whole Foods or Fresh and Easy stores (or check the Store Locator HERE), and you can also buy them online through Amazon with the following links: