Why Do the Shakeology Three Day cleanse?:
The Science Behind the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse” by Steve Edwards, Beachbody Director of Results
I like to call the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse a “performance cleanse.” This is because it was designed to be done with a workout program. Let’s take a look at how this differs from other cleanses, how to tailor it to your needs, and what to expect if you decide to try it.
First of all, it’s not a true cleanse. It’s a calorie-restricted and nutrient-dense diet plan. Traditional cleanses contain very few calories and nutrients. Compared to the much more popular Master Cleanse, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Traditional cleansing diets are done to rid your system of toxins and bring it into homeostasis. They also contain a spiritual aspect. This process can take a long time, which is why you may have seen coworkers walking around the office in a zombie-like state for weeks on end—swilling a strange concoction of lemons and maple syrup.
The Shakeology cleanse is nothing like that. Depending on how you decide to do it, you’ll be eating frequently and consuming between 800 and 1,200 calories per day, and it could be even more should you feel the need. The point of this cleanse is not calorie restriction, per se—it’s nutrient efficiency. The aim is to get the most nutrients possible into the fewest number of calories. The goal is to put all of these calories to use as a part of your exercise program, to rid your body of undigested foods and toxins, and to bring your hydration levels into homeostasis. The result you’re after is not weight loss—though it will likely occur—but for your body to be running more efficiently. This should make you feel lighter and more energetic, even though you’re doing an exercise program.
How it Works:
Your eating structure doesn’t change. You still eat every few hours while you’re awake. Each meal should have a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. And while you’re not eating as much food as you’d normally eat, your calorie-to-nutrient ratio is extremely high. This means that you shouldn’t restrict the actual nutrients you’re getting by too much, so activity can continue as normal.
We recommend you try to keep your shakes to just Shakeology. Adding fruits of any kind, or seeds (for fat and fiber), or the Shakeology Fiber supplement, can and should be done as you see fit.
We recommend you try to keep your shakes to just Shakeology. Adding fruits of any kind, or seeds (for fat and fiber), or the Shakeology Fiber supplement, can and should be done as you see fit.
Ditto for your one solid meal—a salad. As we all know from any salad bar, the definition of salad can be varied. The goal of the salad in the plan is to keep your calories coming from natural sources (no artificial ingredients should be added, including artificial salad dressing). Aside from that, you can add ingredients as necessary. Keep your meat intake to four ounces or less, but add veggies, seeds, nuts, fruits, and legumes in quantities to satiate you.
The goal of the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is to optimize your performance. You want to eat enough to fuel your day AND your workout. The foods you’re eating are so high in fiber and nutrients that it’s virtually impossible to overeat. You’ll be consuming so much fiber, along with enzymes and digestive aids, that your body’s ability to flush excess foods quickly will be at its peak.
What You Need:
1) Shakeology: I recommend using the chocolate flavor to cleanse with. It tastes the best plain. Also, get the BAG not the box, as you will get 6 free shakes that way. Once you are done with your cleanse I recommend finishing your bag by taking one shake a day until it is gone. I personally lost another 4 lbs by finishing the bag. As a money saving tip, get the auto ship home direct option, as it is a $10 savings and you can cancel the next shipment with one simple email! You can order it from my site HERE and I’ll also become your free personal coach!
2) Green Tea:You can buy individual bags of green tea at just about any grocery store. I recommend getting the natural and organic green tea tea bags. I love the Yogi brand for the fun inspirational messages on the little tags!
3) Fruit: NOT bananas! Think low sugar fruits like 1/2 cup of berries, or maybe just an apple if that’s easier, but NOT high sugar fruits like bananas.
4) Green Veggies or Salad: Green veggies are better than a salad in my opinion because they provide more fiber and full sensation, also you can steam them, and warm food has the perception of being more satisfying.
5) Chicken, Fish or Lean Meat: My favs are Tilapia and Mahi, or a nice organic free range chicken breast!
6) A TON of Water! So much water, 1/2 your body weight or at least 80 ounces if you feel like that would make you float away! . Just accept that you’ll be peeing a lot this week 
The Instructions:
Daily Regimen:
- 1 cup of green tea to start the day
- Breakfast:
- 1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
- 1/2 cup of fruit (60 to 90 calories)—optional
- Ice to taste
- 8 to10 oz. of water
- Snack 1 (85 calories):
- 1 piece of fruit (apple, pear, orange, banana mango, etc.)
- Lunch:
- 1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
- Ice to taste 8 to 10 oz. of water
- 1 cup of green tea or a detox tea
- Snack 2: (you can have the second snack before or after dinner)
- 1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
- Ice to taste
- 8 to10 oz. of water
- Dinner:
- Salad with grilled white fish or poultry (roughly 340 calories) OR
- Greens—3 servings of GREEN vegetables (peas are NOT a veggie), plus 4 oz. of grilled white meat (fish or poultry)
- 2 tablespoons of dressing—no more!
In Summary:
- 3 Shakeology shakes per day
- 2 cups of green tea per day
- 1 or 2 pieces of fruit per day (optional)
- 1.5 cups salad or green veggies for dinner
- 4 oz fish or poultry, lean meat for dinner
- No dairy or extra sugars (this includes almond and soy milk)!
- Drink 2 to 4 liters of water every day
- Only use low-fat dressings, and go easy on the salt and/or pepper to taste
- 2 snacks before/after any of the major meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Fruit is optional, and it is discouraged (however, some of you will need the calories while others may not)
- Power-workout participants (those who are already super conditioned) are recommended the higher numbers of calories and should add the fruit and up to 12 raw natural almonds per day
- For maximum results, do NOT use additives
Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse FAQ:
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:
1. How many calories per day?
800 to 1,100 calories per day
2. How often can I do the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse?
Ideally, you should do it once per quarter (every 3 months)
As the seasons change
Before starting a new workout program
When you feel you need help breaking through a plateau
3. Should/Can I still do my workouts during the Cleanse?
Depends on the individual
You’ll have less energy than normal, so consider doing it during a recovery week
Try not to do in the middle of P90X® or INSANITY®
4. Can I do a 1-day or a 2-day cleanse instead of a 3-day?
Yes! Some people will see results with one or two days
We recommend against continuing the cleanse for more than three days
5. Should/Can I take other Beachbody® supplements during the Cleanse?
Results and Recovery Formula™: No, too much sugar/calories
Others (Omega-3, etc.): Not necessary, but won’t hurt either
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:
1. How many calories per day?
800 to 1,100 calories per day
2. How often can I do the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse?
Ideally, you should do it once per quarter (every 3 months)
As the seasons change
Before starting a new workout program
When you feel you need help breaking through a plateau
3. Should/Can I still do my workouts during the Cleanse?
Depends on the individual
You’ll have less energy than normal, so consider doing it during a recovery week
Try not to do in the middle of P90X® or INSANITY®
4. Can I do a 1-day or a 2-day cleanse instead of a 3-day?
Yes! Some people will see results with one or two days
We recommend against continuing the cleanse for more than three days
5. Should/Can I take other Beachbody® supplements during the Cleanse?
Results and Recovery Formula™: No, too much sugar/calories
Others (Omega-3, etc.): Not necessary, but won’t hurt either
One Response to “3 Day Cleanse”
Michelle
Finished my cleanse Sunday and I’m very pleased with the results! I’ve already been eating clean paleo for about 5 months, but I still lost 4 lbs, while not feeling any slump in energy and basically feeling full the whole time. In fact, I didn’t even have my third shake 2/3 days because I just felt too full. I think it’s a great tool for getting past a plateau. I didn’t love the chocolate flavor just mixed with water but am now blending it with 1C water, 1C ice, and 1C almond milk. DELICIOUS!!!
