Having read a lot about the juice detox, I got in touch with Essentially, a newly launched detox business in Dubai. A company that promotes local, sustainable and premium quality products, Essentially have a strong commitment towards encouraging healthy and balanced lifestyles.
The team was extremely efficient with sending over the details of how the juice detox works, and before I knew it the doorbell rang and I was handed over my three day supply of juices in five different flavors. My juice cleanse was the Beginner's Cleanse, also called "Revitalization". I had to drink 6 juices each day – each flavor once, except for the Green Juice which you drink twice a day.
Green Juice – which is a blend of cucumber, celery, apple, spinach, parsley, lemon and ginger – is refreshing to have first thing in the morning; PAM – is a blend of pineapple, mint and apple. The sweetness gives it a pleasant flavor and the sugar immediately leaves you feeling energetic; Spicy Lemonade – which is basically water, lemon, agave nectar and cayenne – makes for a great afternoon snack and perfect for the summer heat; Red Roots – a blend of beetroot, carrot, apple, orange, celery and ginger – is heavy and filling but especially tasty because I am a beetroot fan; Cashew Milk – which is made with water, cashew, agave nectar, coconut butter, vanilla and sea salt – is extremely delicious and the ideal way to end the day on a sweet and filling dessert-like drink.
Below is an account of my 3 day journey that was rough at times but ended on a high note with me feeling refreshed, energized and – most importantly – detoxed:
DAY 1
Having started my day at 7AM, I was hungry three hours later and desperately craving caffeine. But as the hours passed by, I realized it was more of a psychological need than a physical one. I had a mild headache and was slightly weak but I made sure I stayed hydrated by drinking plenty of water between the juices. It's only the end of day one but I already feel healthier, lighter and more importantly cleaner.
DAY 2
I woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I was actually looking forward to my first juice of the day. As I had imagined, it provided me with instant energy and I felt that I could easily battle Day 2. Unfortunately, by midday I started feeling a bit exhausted – the idea of an entire day and a half without food was a bit overwhelming but I realized that in order to keep going, the juices are best when taken at two-hour intervals.
The good news is that I could also taste the juices more clearly and enjoy the texture and flavors. As the day progressed my energy levels picked up and as advised I went in for a massage. I also slept soundly for a solid 8 hours at night.
DAY 3
I once again woke up alert and my energy level was high, I was feeling lighter and very positive. Unlike the second day, I felt very hydrated and could see my skin was also glowing. The last day was probably the simplest and I even managed to go for a quick swim.
Although I preferred some of the juices more than others, they were all tasty and each had a unique quality to them providing me with vegetables, minerals and energy. By the end of the third day, I felt fresher, cleansed and proud of having successfully completed the 3 day juice detox. I can't wait to do it again in a few weeks!
For more information visit www.essentially.ae. Tel: (+971) 4 8895753
– Saira Malik
