Sorry, not to confuse you, I’m not a bride LOL! I was at one point but I’m happily married now although I would LOOOVE to do a wedding again, I love weddings 
I’m participating in Bridal Cleanse guided by Jen Newell ND in collaboration with Blush Pretty.
Of course the bridal cleanse isn’t JUST for brides. But many of the benefits a bride is looking for (weight loss, clear skin, more energy etc) are what we’re all looking for aren’t we?
I’ve decided to take on the challenge and am almost completed week 1 in which I am in between phases of the cleanse right now. The first part was just cleaning up my diet, staying away from caffeine (which I had been already doing anyway), eating more fruits and veggies, good grains and proteins and staying away from processed foods.
Jen made it really easy by providing us sample meal plans along with recipes. She’s also guiding us through email and on twitter so we have complete support throughout and she can answer any questions we have.
The processed foods thing will be hard for me, I will admit. I’m of the “convenience” generation as I like to call it. So this week was all about grocery shopping. I bought kale for the first time (I had to ask what it looked like!) and I tried to bake from scratch for the first time. It was an utter failure by the way – attempted to make zucchini muffins only to find out I came home with 2 large cucumbers instead LOL!
The first week has been challenging but in a good way. I didn’t eat TOO badly before so I’m not feeling any difference yet but I’m saving money already as I’ve been bringing snacks and lunch to work almost everyday (go me!).
Hopefully I will see a difference in the next 3 weeks. If it’s not significant I think it will be a step towards and healthier and less hectic lifestyle any how 
Wish me luck!!
If you’re on twitter you can follow my cleanse journey (along with the other ladies participating) by searching #BridalCleanse.
Have you ever tried a cleanse before? What are your thoughts?
one of my friends swears by kale chips… i definitely have to give it a try. looking forward to reading all about your journey!!
Thanks for the much needed support
Oh awesome Michelle, thank you for the tip!
Thanks for clearing that up Jen! Actually I’ve been told for me personally that I’m better off (in general) with non raw foods and liquidy foods which are not as hard on my digestion so that makes perfect sense!
That sounds amazing, Cher! I will have to try that some time!
Good luck with your cleanse.
The cucumber story is too funny!
Here is a really simple and easy way to “steam” vegetables using your oven:
http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2012/07/packet-method-oven-steamed-broccoli.html
Great post! So glad to hear that it is going well…other than the cucumber dilemma. Keep up the great work!
The reason behind cutting out meat and soy is to focus on consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables. Meat is eliminated in this cleanse for a short time because it can be challenging to digest and soy has been eliminated because it has an estrogenic effect and soy is very often genetically modified or used much like plasticine to be molded into faux versions of other food. The 3 days of juices, smoothies and soups has been created to provide the body with a rich source of nutrients that are easily assimilated. The digestive system absorbs the nutrients quickly and efficiently because it doesn’t have to work as hard to break down the molecules. I have ensured that during these three days participants are still getting adequate calories as well as healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates so no one should feel like they are starving.
oooh I’ll try it out!!!
Yea! Take some kale leaves and rip them off the stem in about the same size. Clean and dry them. Spread them out on a pan, single layer. Sprinkle with olive oil or spray with olive oil spray. VERY lightly sprinkle with sea salt (or whatever salt you have on hand). Put in the oven at 350F, for about 12 min or just until crispy. I also add crushed red pepper for spice, but u can add vinegar for a salt and vinegar taste or parmesan cheese.
I agree there’s different ways just to eat healthy and make better choices but I’m so weak, I need the guidance and discipline haha!
Whatever, I don’t believe you – potato chips?!?
Haha. Oh ok. I guess personally, I would just go about it a different way. I look forward to reading about your journey!
BTW, a great way to eat kale is kale chips! I’ve been making them for a few weeks now, tastes like potato chips!
LOL well it’s not forever
I think just to see how your body reacts (if you feel better or no change) and then decide whether or not to re-introduce those food into your regular diet. Probably a lot of things we eat that cause us issues that we don’t even know about!
LOL. What is the purpose of cutting out meat and soy and only drinking juices, smoothies and soups? (Other than starving yourself. :P)
thanks Cher! Oh – I guess I meant that just in the first week (phase 1/2 as were calling it is starting to eat better. Next phase the main part is cutting out all meat and soy and after that is only drinking juices, smoothies and soups (the part I’m most scared of LOL!) So this is just the beginning
Thanks Anna, good luck to you too!
Good for you Elaine! It is tough at first, but it gets easier after you’ve figured out what to eat! LOL. I love that you’re doing this, although I kind of disagree with it being labelled as a “cleanse”. Cutting out processed foods and foods with added sugars is simply just eating healthy or as they call it, “eating clean”–it’s not really a “cleanse”. It’s a step towards a true lifestyle change and should be done every day, not just for a week, or before your wedding, or for just 30 days. Good luck with it!
Goodluck girls!
I’m working on my own cleanse for the next 30 days