Marie Weihs decided to try the I DO Bio Balance juice cleanse and shared her experience report with us. She describes her juice cleanse as the "start of a more conscious approach to nutrition." Marie is 29, a yoga teacher and market researcher from Munich. By consciously abstaining from solid food, she has regained her mental and physical balance. In her experience report, she shares what was most difficult during the juice cleanse and what she learned from it.
Why did I do a juice cleanse?
The five-day juice cleanse with I DO was the starting point for incorporating two aspects—mindfulness and self-exploration—into my diet and health. The deciding factors for this decision were my digestive problems, combined with what felt like an insatiable appetite. I was snacking 2-3 times a day, which was too much for me in the long run, even though the snacks I was eating were often "healthy."
Why did I decide to do a juice cleanse with I DO?
I decided to do the juice cleanse with I DO because I was impressed by the gentle production of the juices and their organic quality . I also love the flexibility of choosing how many days I want to fast, and the ability to customize the number and type of juices to my individual needs. This allowed me to order the exact juice package that suited me.
My first three days of the juice cleanse
For the first three days, I felt very comfortable and connected to myself. I knew I was doing something good for myself, and my body took the break from solid food surprisingly easily. It really helped that the I DO juices were so delicious and varied. Since it was my first time doing a juice cleanse, it was a very gentle introduction. The steady rhythm and the prescribed order in which I consumed the juices gave me the necessary security that I was doing everything right.
Starting on Friday was especially helpful, allowing me enough rest and relaxation, combined with significantly reducing caffeine and sugar consumption before the juice cleanse. This allowed me to avoid cravings and headaches from coffee withdrawal.
The biggest difficulties with the juice cleanse for me
In fact, it was very difficult for me to find alternatives to eating with friends. I've experienced more clearly than ever how much eating is viewed as a social activity, especially on weekends (I started my juice cleanse on Friday).
As a very physically and mentally active person, it was a new experience and good practice to incorporate more breaks and allow myself to slow down during the juice cleanse. This was very healing for me.
What did I learn from the juice cleanse?
I've learned to question my approach to rules and give myself the freedom to adapt them to myself and my needs. Generally, I like rules because they give me structure and security. However, the juice cleanse has shown me that I tend to prioritize following the rules over my needs and push myself beyond my limits.
It was very difficult for me to break the juice cleanse on the evening of the fourth day and listen to my body, which was no longer benefiting from the fast. This allowed me to learn a path to more balance—to utilize the benefits of the rules in a loving and kind way, while also accepting my physical limits. Therefore, I adapted the juice cleanse to my body. At first, I only ate solid food for dinner and juice the rest of the day. Then, over the next few days, I gradually increased the amount of solid food I ate.
What has changed in the long term as a result of the juice cleanse?
In addition to the mental growth, I was able to change my attitude towards food for the long term. I was able to relearn the difference between appetite and hunger. I now know when to stop eating because I'm full. I was also able to stop snacking frequently, as I realized I often did it out of boredom or for the sake of reward.
I have a conscious and healthy relationship with food: I notice which foods are really good for me, so I now eat less sweets and consume almost no coffee. By cutting down on both before the juice cleanse, I can feel the effect of both on my body more clearly again: They give me a boost, but in a very upsetting way. You can imagine me running around like a chicken with its head on its head. Of course, I don't completely avoid either, but I know when and to what extent.
Finally, I was able to give my digestion a soothing break, which has now regenerated and feels lighter. At the same time, it's also a good reminder to myself how important breaks are—especially when under constant stress.
If you'd like to learn more about Marie Weihs or listen to her meditation podcast, visit her website and follow her on Instagram.
