1. "Cleanse" or "cleansing." Although these buzzwords are popping up more and more in magazines and online articles, not everyone is familiar with them yet. 

Cindy, Nancy, please explain briefly what cleansing is all about. 

Nancy: During a juice cleanse, you completely eliminate solid foods and eat only cold-pressed raw fruit and vegetable juices for three, five or seven days, for example. Thanks to this nutrient-, vitamin- and enzyme-rich liquid diet, your digestive system can shut down from the stress spikes and your body is helped to cleanse and regenerate itself in a natural, gentle and truly unique way. 
This rest from junk food, hasty eating or, for example, highly fatty foods supports the work of the detoxification organs intestines, kidneys, liver as well as the lymphatic system and, of course, the skin. This freshness cure stimulates the metabolism and enables a new body feeling. 

2. In your opinion, what is the most important difference between this and other fasting methods?

Cindy: In a juice cure, the body is supplied with an above-average amount of vitamins, enzymes, minerals and trace elements over a self-chosen period of time, for example 3 days, through fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and is thus optimally supplied. It is important thereby naturally not to exceed the own calorie need.

That is different with the classical welfare chamfering after Buchinger, with which one takes almost exclusively vegetable broth and water to itself and the body hardly nutrients or calories gets.

Or with intermittent fasting, also called interval fasting, where, in contrast to true therapeutic fasting, you only abstain from food at certain intervals and, for example, eat on one day and only consume water and teas on the following day.

"Helping the digestive system ramp down from peak stress levels with nutrients, enzymes and vitamins."

3. How can interested people tell if a juice cleanse is the right method for them to reconnect with themselves, their body's needs, and the healing powers of nature?

Nancy: A juice cleanse with quality products tends to be good for everyone. 

However, if you have health issues or have been sick recently, we recommend checking with your family doctor or health care practitioner beforehand. 

If you are unsure whether a juice cleanse is right for you, you can also start with one juice day first. After all, just 1 day cleanses and supports a healthy immune system.

4. What is your tip for dealing with any hunger pangs that may arise in a relaxed manner?

Nancy: Since your body only takes liquid food during the juice cure, a feeling of hunger can arise. And sometimes the inner ravenous monologue is not exactly a support in such moments. 

However, before you reach for a snack, you should ask yourself, "Will this make me feel more alive and vital? Will this snack enhance my experience?" If you can't resist, you can turn to little helpers like avocado with lemon and salt (good fats and minerals), celery (mineral-rich), cucumber (hydrating), banana with cinnamon (regulates blood sugar), pear (low glycemic index) or a handful of nuts (protein and good fats). 

"Before cravings win, ask yourself: Will this make me feel more alive and vital?"

5. What personal experiences go into formulating your juices? Which juice is your favorite and what do you appreciate most about it?

Cindy: When I develop recipes, my knowledge of the effects of the individual ingredients flows into it, for one thing. And on the other hand, I let my intuition guide me. The composition of the ingredients is particularly important. And of course the taste! 

Pure Greens, our "greenest" juice made from celery, kale, spinach, parsley and cucumber is currently my favorite. Especially in the cold season, it provides me with chlorophyll or what I call "liquid solar energy".

6. Cleansing for beginners, cleansing for advanced: What facilitates the first time juice fasting? And how can experienced fasting fans intensify their cleanse phases? 

Cindy: LA Cold Press offers different cleanse programs for different needs. 
The Garden Cleanse, with a blend of fruit and vegetable juices, is the ideal program for beginners. We recommend starting with three days the first time you juice fast, as your body first needs to get used to the change from solid and liquid foods to pure liquid foods. If you still feel like continuing after that, you are welcome to add another day. Most important rule: Don't take on too much at once! If you take on too much and then stop early, you will only end up frustrated. 

The Green Cleanse with almost only green juices with less fructose is something for advanced users. It offers a more intense cleanse experience. 

Very important with every cleanse: Do it consciously! Take your time! This will not only help you reset your body, but also your mind.

Nancy: Preparation for the cleanse is extremely important. The better you prepare for the days and avoid an unhealthy diet beforehand, the easier it will be for you to make the dietary change from solid foods to juices. 

2 to 3 days before the juice cure you should avoid certain foods, for example fast food or sweets. Do not drink alcohol and reduce your coffee. It is also best to avoid coffee altogether. 

To intensify your cleanse, we also recommend various tools that further support the relief, such as dry brushing, a visit to the sauna, an oil massage (Abhyanga) or a lymphatic massage. And of course yoga and meditation for the mind. 

Or even scheduling the cleanse on the new moon or full moon, as these lunar days are traditional fasting days. 

"Conscious cleansing can help reset mind and body alike."

7. Among the most common criticisms of juice cleanses are the high sugar content in juices and the one-sidedness of this form of nutrition. In addition, there is no sustainable change to a conscious and healthy diet.

Are these criticisms justified from your view? And if so, how can a fasting person best avoid these stumbling blocks on the way to greater health?

Cindy: Actually, the only thing that is one-sided is that you only consume liquid during the juice cure days. The juices themselves, however, are significantly richer in nutrients and vitamins than what is eaten in an unconscious, hasty by-the-way-or-mainly-what's-in-the-stomach diet. 

There are about 1.5 kilograms of fruits and vegetables in each bottle of LACP juice, and during a cleanse cay you eat about 20 different kinds of fruits, vegetables and spices. 

For a sustainable dietary change to be successful, we recommend raw vegetables and soups, especially on the first day after the juice fast. And to accustom the body slowly to solid light food in the following 2 days with the help of steamed vegetables.

8. How often did you both have a cleanse day or even a cleansing cure in 2022? What motivated you to stick it out?

Nancy: We actually try to do a 3-day cleanse 4 times a year with the change of seasons and also have a cleanse day every now and then in between. My biggest motivation is the feeling of lightness, new energy and vitality and the delicious almond milk at the end of each cleanse day. 

Cindy: What motivates me during cleansing is the improved clarity of thought and a feeling of well-being that slowly sets in during the cleansing itself.

9. In your experience, what influence do cleansing days have on your ability to adapt in stressful situations?

Cindy: A cleanse is a wonderful break from stress in everyday life and physical strain. Through the new clarity gained during the cleanse and the general reset of the body, you remain more relaxed in the face of stressful situations. You take it easier - because you also feel that way.

THE PHOTO OF CINDY (LEFT) AND NANCY BACHMANN (RIGHT) WAS TAKEN BY JABOB & REISCHEL.