Francesco Friedrich, four-time Olympic champion and the most successful pilot in bobsleigh history, tried a 3-day juice cleanse from I·DO with his wife. As the figurehead of the German bobsleigh national team – which has dominated the World Cup and Olympic Games for years – he knows better than almost anyone how crucial nutrition, regeneration, and physical balance are for elite athletes.
In an exclusive interview, the record-holding Olympian reveals how the juice cleanse fundamentally changed his view on nutrition, what surprising effects he felt on body and mind – and why he highly recommends the cleanse to every athlete, especially during the regeneration phase.
Key takeaways:
- 800 calories are enough – even for a 95-kilo athlete, without feeling hungry from day 2.
- 3 kilos in 3 days – rapid weight loss, improved skin, & enhanced sleep quality.
- New body awareness – after the cleanse, one eats more mindfully and can more easily forgo sugar.
- No drop in performance – one feels clearer and lighter, even if not able to perform as in training.
- Recommendation for all athletes – especially in the regeneration phase after the season.
"With 800 calories a day – and without hunger!"
What does your diet normally look like during season preparation or the regeneration phase? And how has the juice cleanse changed your diet?
Francesco: "Actually, we try to eat a balanced diet. But sometimes there's no time, or you're in a hotel where healthy eating isn't always easy. The juice cleanse showed me how few calories the body actually needs. On the first day, I had a headache, but from the second day on, the hunger disappeared. I managed perfectly fine with about 800 calories a day – and that as a 95-kilo elite athlete!
Of course, you also lose muscle mass because the body doesn't get the usual calories. But I wasn't aiming for performance; it was about giving the body a break, resetting it, and giving it the chance to eliminate substances that you never get rid of otherwise. That was the biggest incentive for me. And it worked!"
"Completely new territory – but absolutely convincing"
Have you tried other fasting or detox concepts before?
Francesco: "No, this was completely new territory for me. It was all the more exciting to realize how well you get along with the juices – and that they all tasted really good. Sure, some had cayenne pepper, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. But if you like that, it's not a problem.
What surprised me most: From the second day on, I simply felt good. No extreme hunger, no fatigue. You're not as high-performing as in training, but you feel clearer and lighter. And afterward, you have a completely new awareness of nutrition – you eat more consciously and more easily give up sugar."
Measurable effects: weight, skin, sleep & more
Did you notice any measurable differences – weight, skin condition, sleep quality, recovery?
Francesco: "Absolutely! Three kilos in three days – that was quick. My skin looked better afterward, and sleep was also generally better. Of course, sometimes you smell delicious things, and then you get hungry. But we persevered, and it was worth it.
There were no negative effects – except perhaps that in company, you sometimes look enviously at food. But it was worth it."
"From the second day on, I simply felt good"
From which day did something change? What was the turning point?
Francesco: "On the second day, I woke up in the morning and simply felt good. Not a huge turning point, but a quiet certainty that the body was coping with it. I could have easily continued the cleanse for longer."
"Everyone should try it!"
Many athletes are concerned that a juice cleanse provides too few calories. What was your experience?
Francesco: "I'm someone who usually eats a lot. But due to the regular intake of juices, the body always had enough. You should easily go for 5–7 days – especially after the season, when the strain is gone.
At 35, it's crucial to give the body new impulses to get rid of old burdens. That was the decisive point for me. I would do the cleanse again anytime – and recommend it to everyone!"
"It was easier with two – but not the same for everyone"
Your wife participated. Was it easier with two people?
Francesco: "Absolutely! But she had a few more problems – especially with the spicy juices. She's more sensitive. Nevertheless, she persevered, albeit with fewer juices per day. Maybe the taste would need to be adjusted for her."
"Anyone who asks me, I recommend it to them!"
If you had to recommend the cleanse to a teammate in one sentence – what would you say?
Francesco: "Everyone should try this! It doesn't hurt, you lose a few kilos – and the body gets a chance to cleanse itself. Muscle mass comes back quickly, but fat and unnecessary reserves might not. Total recommendation!"
Tips from Francesco & I·DO
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Activated charcoal: Francesco's osteopath recommended taking activated charcoal to bind toxins. Important: Activated charcoal also binds vitamins – so choose the intake time carefully (e.g., not directly with the juices).
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Reintroducing food: After the cleanse, the gut needs time to get used to solid food again. Starting slowly is the motto here!
Conclusion: Why a juice cleanse is also beneficial for athletes
Francesco's experience shows: A 3-day juice cleanse is a worthwhile experience not only for the health-conscious but also for elite athletes. It helps to
- reset the body,
- sharpen nutritional awareness,
- recharge energy – without suffering from hunger.
Want to try it yourself? Discover our 3-day juice cleanse here and start your own detox experience!
Photos: © Francesco / I·DO
🔹 More about Francesco Friedrich:
🔹 The German Bobsleigh National Team:
