Cleanses and/or Smoothies - anyone have any luck?

[floridagal]

Curious if you've tried any cleanses - what I wouldn't give to get about 5 lbs off FAST and then *hopefully* take things from there the good ol' fashion way...eating better, moving more...

Also wondering about healthy breakfast smoothies......

or smoothy cleanses! 

[BonitaApplebum]

I think a cleanse is just a fancy word for a fast -- I don't think it actually "cleanses" anything. But it's a good way to kick off a diet, albeit a kind of miserable one.

For breakfast smoothies, I like a frozen banana with peanut butter and a little milk. Sometimes with protein powder. It's pretty filling and has staying power.

[leggova]

I think a cleanse is just a fancy word for a fast

totally agree. You will loose fluid weight, some fat and some muscle. If that makes you happy, then go for it. But what you lose on the scale will not be all fat. Not by a long shot. But yes, it could be a stepping stone to focusing on more healthy eating. It could also lead to move obsessive eating depending on your mental state.

[BonitaApplebum]

I definitely think a "boot camp" period of 1-2 weeks where you are super crazy strict about eating can be a good thing. You can hopefully drop a few quick pounds (again, likely some water weight) which can be a good boost mentally.

Sadly, my days of being able to drop five pounds FAST are long gone. Slow and painful is my MO now!!

[floridagal]

I'm in a fine mental state -- probably at the start of menopause and, even though I'm a fairly good eater -- seem to be gaining weight. Frustrating.  Good news is I have an annual check up complete with blood work soon so I'll make sure everything is in order.  Really need to move more and probably drink less beer.  Waah.

[BonitaApplebum]

I'm in a fine mental state -- probably at the start of menopause and, even though I'm a fairly good eater -- seem to be gaining weight. Frustrating.  Good news is I have an annual check up complete with blood work soon so I'll make sure everything is in order.  Really need to move more and probably drink less beer.  Waah.

Yep.

We can buddy up and cry in our (not beer) together...

[leggova]

My current BF doesn't drink. It is helping a lot with the waist line!

[BonitaApplebum]

My current BF doesn't drink. It is helping a lot with the waist line!

Yeah, all kidding aside, booze is (sadly) the first thing that has to go when I'm trying to drop a few.

[omega lambda]

I really like PB2 peanut butter powder for smoothies. I always use almond milk, sometimes a banana and/or protein powder. There's a PB2 with chocolate too. They're 45 calories for 2 Tbsp, so much less than actual peanut butter. I'm a peanut butter junkie, so I get my PB fix for 1/4 the calories.

[Natasha]

I have a smoothie every morning. Banana, a little plain yogurt, a T of chia seeds and 6-8 ice cubes. Then another fruit, depending on what I have.

[BonitaApplebum]

I really like PB2 peanut butter powder for smoothies. I always use almond milk, sometimes a banana and/or protein powder. There's a PB2 with chocolate too. They're 45 calories for 2 Tbsp, so much less than actual peanut butter. I'm a peanut butter junkie, so I get my PB fix for 1/4 the calories.

Interesting! I never heard of the powder before.

[merigayle]

I get a different brand of powdered PB, I think the name is Just Right? It is sweetened with coconut sugar. It is great in smoothies and banana "ice cream."

As far as cleanses, if your liver works fine, you do not need a cleanse A glass of lemon water in the morning is very good for your health and to flush your body. It has an effect on the body to make it more alkaline which you want, you want your body more alkaline for good health and well being. Just drink it with a straw because over time it can damage the enamel on your front teeth.

[moroccangirl]

I really like PB2 peanut butter powder for smoothies. I always use almond milk, sometimes a banana and/or protein powder. There's a PB2 with chocolate too. They're 45 calories for 2 Tbsp, so much less than actual peanut butter. I'm a peanut butter junkie, so I get my PB fix for 1/4 the calories.

I love PB2 as well! Only for smoothies though. It's not good reconstituted for a sandwich.


What about braggs apple cider vinegar. Doesn't that have some health benefits as well?

[merigayle]

Apple cider vinegar will make the body more alkaline like lemon juice does, so yes, health benefits.

[Natasha]

Are you sure it makes the body more alkaline? I don't see how that would work.

[merigayle]

Yes I am sure.

There is often misunderstanding of lemon’s pH outside the body versus inside the body.  Let’s get this straight and expound on 10 benefits of regularly taking lemon juice with warm water (note: NOT equal to lemonade!)

Outside the body, lemon juice is acidic (pH is below 7).  This is a non-issue. Everyone knows this.  It’s a citrus fruit.

Inside the body however, when lemon juice has been fully metabolized and its minerals are dissociated in the bloodstream, its effect is alkalizing and therefore raises the pH of body tissue (pH above 7 is alkaline).  Please notice the difference.

[BonitaApplebum]

So why doesn't it work with lemonade?

[Natasha]

I'm skeptical of sciencey explanations that don't have proof, like blood testing. Not outright disbelief, just skeptical.

[merigayle]

So why doesn't it work with lemonade?

Sugar.


Well you can google it. ACV and lemon juice are notorious for making the body more alkaline. Yes, they are both acidic, but the way it works in the body it has an effect that makes it more alkaline.

[diablita]

PB2 has added sugar.  JIF peanut powder is just peanuts