Romy Raves

If you are anything like me, Spring is the time of year when I get totally crazed with organizing, cleaning, purging, refreshing and starting anew. I feel so invigorated when I get rid of unnecessary clutter and waste and free myself up for new possibilities. So I thought to myself, why not do this with my body? Purge, cleanse, get rid of the toxins and sludge that is literally weighing and slowing me down and getting in the way of my optimal health. So I jumped at the chance to test out the much touted BluePrintCleanse (offered to me by one of my fav bloggin’ sistas La Jolla Mom) and see for myself what all the hoopla was about.

The BluePrintCleanse is a line of fresh juices made from very high quality raw food ingredients and aimed at making cleansing accessible to everyone. It is one of the first juice cleanses to offer varying levels of cleansing intensities based on your nutritional lifestyle, ranging from the raw foodists to the burger-and-red-wine crowd (that’s me ) who are looking to periodically offset the damages of their indulgences. This Cleanse is designed to gently rid your body of impurities, regain an alkaline balance and normalize digestion and metabolism.

I really liked the gentle and gradual approach of this cleanse and especially liked that I could pick the level of intensity that fit my nutritional lifestyle. I opted for a three day mid-level cleanse called The Foundation Cleanse because out of the three levels, I knew I wasn’t a beginner but probably couldn’t handle the advanced level of all green juices for three days, so this seemed like a happy medium. The Foundation Level II Cleanse triggers your body to cleanse and gently detox, and potentially lose some serious baggage in the process. The Foundation is ideal for active, busy people who exercise and have tried many different diets but either can’t get their hands on fresh, whole food, or simply don’t have the time. So, what you’re left with is that occasional sluggish feeling as a result of “slipping”, we’ve all been here before, a little too much white flour, chocolate indulgences, alcohol and processed food. Ummm . . . did they write this especially for me, or what?

I know what you are thinking: Juice and only juice for THREE WHOLE DAYS, yikes!! Well, I am here to tell you that it was not that bad at all. In fact, I REALLY enjoyed it, found it very easy to do and stick to (super portable and they even send you a cute little bag with ice packs to carry them in while you are out and about), I felt really good and energized while I was doing it and the juices were really tasty and satisfying. The Foundation Cleanse consisted of six juices spaced throughout the day which included: a Green Lemon Juice, Pineapple/Apple/Mint (yum!), Green Apple Juice, a Tart and Spicy Lemonade, a Green Parsley Juice and each day ended with my fav treat of the bunch a Cashew Nut Milk drink with a bit of vanilla, cinnamon and agave, so yummy! I am being totally honest here, I really felt good and satiated while on this cleanse!

I also really liked all the great support I had surrounding this cleanse. First, BPC emailed me several days before the cleanse on how to prepare and get ready for the cleanse (eat cleaner and lighter so your body doesn’t go into detox shock), what to expect while on the cleanse, and then they also sent an email at the end of the cleanse about how to sustain my results and continue my healthy habits. They even offer maintenance juice options so you can blend these wonderful cleansing juices with your daily food choices.

Another fun and wonderful part of this cleanse was doing it in tandem with a couple other social media mavens (La Jolla Mom and My Favorite Everything) so we could offer support, encouragement and understanding every step of the way. We tweeted with each other regularly, supported each other through our struggles and I must say it made all the difference in the world to me. One memorable moment on the cleanse was when each of us confessed ‘cheating’ with a cucumber or avocado because we needed something more substantive. It was funny and totally relatable-Girls thanks for your support!

So at the end of the three days on the BluePrintCleanse, I felt really rejuvenated, lighter (6 pounds to be exact ) and most importantly very motivated and inspired to be healthier and get back on my path to health and wellness. What a perfect way to prepare for Spring don’t ya think?

Disclosure: BluePrintCleanse generously offered to provide me with their healthy cleansing juices for three days, but I made no promises about how I would write about the experience. Well, truth be told, I loved it and I will definitely do it again!

I love Spring! To me it symbolizes a season of change, transitions, and new beginnings. I don’t know about you, but for me this is the time of year that I get obsessed with Spring cleaning. I am focused on decluttering, getting rid of the old, unused, too big, too small, outdated crap and I LOVE it! It is so freeing when you let go of the unwanted stuff and make room for new possibilities, and for me this is what Spring is all about.

I challenge you, gorgeous reader, to make a point this Spring season of cleaning, organizing, decluttering and getting rid of the stuff you just don’t have a use for anymore. Try this, and then pay attention to how it makes you feel.  Do you feel lighter, more free, open? Have you created new space for possibilities, growth and change?

In honor of this glorious season (BTW as I write this, I am in Palm Springs in 80 degree weather which certainly encourages this inspired mood), I encourage you to start thinking about new beginnings.  What is it time to let go of? What has been holding you back? What do you need to free yourself of? What have you been reluctant to start and now need to be encouraged to ’spring’ into?

If I gave you a magic wand and anything was possible and nothing could hold you back, what would you do now that you have always wanted to do? If I could give you infinite support, motivation and encouragement, what might you try now that you have never done before?

I want you to take out a piece of paper and make a list of 5 things that you need to get rid of right now or 5 things you need to change in order to open yourself up to possibilities. Spend some time really looking at this list, look for themes and patterns that are obstacles for you. What is your primary block to forward movement? How can you really let go?  Now look a little deeper and  journal on this paper about what really holds you back and gets in your way, and then, drum roll please .  .  .  .  . crumble it in a ball or tear it into small insignifcant pieces and throw it away! Viola! Freedom and openness, the pump is primed and ready. 

Now, make a list of 5 things you want to begin this Spring. Anything is possible, what do you want to do? Take some time to really listen to your soul, quiet your mind and dig deep for what really makes your heart smile. Dive in, take a chance and go for it! If 5 is too much start with 3, but START! Do it! And then post here and let me know what exciting new things all of you fabulous lovelies are up too.

Spring Fever is in the air, can you feel it??