Thinking about starting a juice cleanse? You’ve probably seen the glowing before-and-after pics, the colourful bottles lining fridges in Bondi cafés, and the influencers raving about “feeling amazing.” But as anyone who has actually tried a cleanse will tell you, there’s a whole lot more to it than sipping pretty green liquids.
Before you dive into your cleanse whether it’s a DIY cold-pressed effort or a three-day program delivered to your door here are 10 things nobody really tells you:
The First 24 Hours Are the Hardest
No matter how healthy you are or how committed you feel, the first day can hit like a freight train. Your body is adjusting to missing its usual brekkie, caffeine, and snacks. Many Aussies report feeling foggy, hungry, or unusually emotional. Thankfully, it usually settles after day one.
Coffee Withdrawal Is Real (And Brutal)
If your morning flat white is sacred, brace yourself. A juice cleanse often discourages caffeine, and without it you may experience headaches or irritability. Some people taper off coffee a few days beforehand to soften the withdrawal, something most juice programs overlook.
You’ll Think About Food. Constantly.
Even if you weren’t that hungry before the cleanse, suddenly every cooking smell in the neighbourhood becomes intense. Walking past a bakery? Torture. Watching someone eat hot chips? Devastating. It’s normal—your brain is recalibrating.
Socialising Gets Tricky
Aussie social life revolves around food and drinks: brunch, pub nights, BBQs. Trying to “just have juice” while your mates are smashing parmis at the pub isn’t easy. Plan your cleanse when your calendar is quiet, not during busy periods like birthday weeks or Friday afternoons.
You May Feel Surprisingly Cold
Many people don’t expect this one. Digesting food generates heat, and when you reduce solid intake, your body may feel a bit colder than usual. Keep a jumper handy—even if it’s warm outside.
You Might Experience Mood Swings
Juice cleanses can affect blood sugar levels, which in turn influence your mood. One minute you’re zen and hydrated; the next you’re irrationally cranky because your green juice tastes slightly different today. Totally normal.
Your Skin May Break Out Before It Clears Up
Everyone talks about the “post-cleanse glow,” but very few mention the transition period. As your body adjusts, you may see a few breakouts. Don’t panic—many people notice clearer, brighter skin once the cleanse ends.
You Won’t Magically Lose Weight
A cleanse may help you feel lighter, but most weight loss during a short cleanse is temporary and mostly water weight. Juice cleanses shouldn’t be treated as a rapid weight-loss solution; they’re better viewed as a reset for your habits and digestion.
Preparation Makes or Breaks the Experience
This is the biggest secret of all. The cleanse actually starts several days before your first bottle. Cutting back on alcohol, coffee, sugar, heavy meals, and processed foods eases your body into the shift. Without this prep, you’re far more likely to feel unwell or give up early.
You’ll Appreciate Whole Foods Like Never Before
The first bite of real food after a cleanse, usually something simple like fresh fruit or a veggie bowl, tastes incredible. Your palate becomes more sensitive, and many people use this moment to build better habits going forward.
Final Thoughts
A juice cleanse can be a refreshing circuit breaker for your eating habits, digestion, and mindset—as long as you know what you’re getting into. It’s not all Instagrammable bottles and newfound clarity, but with planning, realistic expectations, and a bit of Aussie grit, it can absolutely be a rewarding experience.
