The emotional stages of completing a cleanse

Body cleansing comes in many forms but regardless of how you do it, the process is never pretty. Whether you choose to live off juice for a few days, try a ‘teatox’ or a lemon detox diet, cleansing can be a real struggle and an emotional rollercoaster. If you’re considering trying a cleanse, be prepared for these stages…
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Stage #1: Determination
You’ve been planning your cleanse, you’ve got the start date marked in your calendar and you’re ready to hit it head-on and follow the instructions exactly. Motivation is high and you’re looking forward to how great you’re going to feel after (according to all the reviews you’ve read online).
Stage #2: Cautious optimism
Okay, so it’s only 12pm on Day 1 but you’re feeling pretty damn good and totally smashing this cleanse thing and asking yourself why everyone always complains about them. #killingit
Stage #3: Regret
You’re starting to get hungry and lethargic, you’ve got a headache and concentrating for more than 10 minutes is laughable. That cautious optimism has become full-blown regret. Bugger.
Stage #4: Food envy
From your workmates to your flatmates and partner, you’re creeping on everyone’s meals and treats (especially treats) and it’s all so appetising. Even Judy’s weird homemade egg salad looks palatable.
Stage #5: Hanger
Sudden outbursts, uncontrollable tears, increased stress and OTT reactions. You’ve hit rock bottom and unfortunately, there’s no pizza down there.
Stage #6: Anticipation
You’re nearing the end of your cleanse and you can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s so close you can almost taste the sweet, sweet relief of solid food.
Stage #7: Liberation
You’ve gone and bloody done it! The cleanse is over. You survived! That first bite of food is everything you thought it would be and more. God bless burgers, am I right? Note: most of your hard work from the cleanse is undone in Stage #7 but YOLO.
Stage #8: Smug city
You successfully completed a cleanse and you’re feeling pretty damn pleased with yourself (as you should). First step, cleanse. Second step, world domination.
If you’re feeling bloated, lethargic or in need of a cleanse, try some of these to kickstart your body naturally, inside and out!
Metamucil Orange Smooth, Swisse Chlorophyll Spearmint Liquid, Sukin Botanical Body Wash, A’Kin Kaolin Clay & Lemongrass Express Purifying Facial Masque, Blackmores Digestive Bio Balance™
Have you ever completed a cleanse before? How did you feel afterwards?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
67 Member Comments
No, not for me. I've never done one and I don't think it's necessary. But, there are some good tips for anyone heading down that line.
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There is no way I could do this!
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So true with the cleansing process. Love those clips, especially of the ginger cat.
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The food envy!
I have done a cleanse twice and felt great but wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
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I'm not sold on the necessity for a cleanse at this stage as I feel it needs very careful planning with quite a lot of knowledge or else it could go horribly wrong.
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This reminds me why I will never do a cleanse. Moderation and balance are key.
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Enjoy the GIFS but I'm a strong believer in balance and I just don't think cleanses are balanced enough for me to try (moderation in everything is key). Cleanses to me are just fads and should be left in the 80s.
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If you are sincere about doing a proper cleanse - and not just a 2-3 days cleanse - please consult with a naturopath, herbalist and/or holistic doctor - especially if you have any health issues. Detoxes can often stir up things and the results can be very challenging. I have long-standing complex health issues, and I wouldn't attempt a cleanse at the moment.
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Wow! Not sure about doing a juice cleanse after all!
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Hahaha this is hilarious! Cleansing your face really is an emotional process it seems!
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Tried to do a cleanse in my first year of uni. It was a much needed boost for my body as it was completely full of junk food and my skin was so bad. Going on a diet didn't help. It's all about moderation and cutting out sugary and fried food! Plus my acne went down as well!
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I have thought about trying a cleanse
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No, because I don't think a cleanse is necessary. The body naturally detoxes. I'd prefer to just cut out the crap food and give my body proper nourishment. But you know... chocolate.
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I have not done a cleanse, sounds good for eliminating toxins though
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My liver and kidneys already cleanse and detox my body. We aren't meant to survive on juice or smoothies only and often smoothies are super super high in sugar (from all that fruit) and calories, so they aren't much different from a pack of glucose lollies anyway! I do like the idea of that cheese cleanse mentioned above! Mmmm....fondue!
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mmm no. Done detoxes/cleanses before and my body says no and my brain finally caught up. Short term gains anyway. I would rather stick with long term balance than short term punishment, and you're missing the other key step when your body actually does the "cleansing" part and you're on the toilet for 50% of your waking hours. Yuck. Not worth it.
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I've thought about doing a cleanse but so far that's all!
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Never done a cleanse and after reading this I'm not sure I want to!!!!
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I have never done this, I am sure you would feel great but this is not for me.
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I didn't have that problem though, my smoothies taste pretty nice
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Love this seriously made me laugh, this doesn't mention the headaches, body aches and pimples all from doing a detox cleanse. I think it all depends on the toxins you put in your body and the symptoms.
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No, I've never done a body cleanse before. To be honest, I don't see much point in it. I eat what I want but keep an eye on quantity intake, that's all.
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I have and as everybody says it is well worth it!
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Yack! I could never do those cleanse things anyway
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Great memes. I couldn’t do a cleanse. I have enough trouble between meals...(but I do try to eat clean).
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