by Aude
 
Spring has sprung and the junk and beach season has arrived sooner than expected (last weekend was just awesome). Not that I am complaining, I am definitely a summer girl but I may have eaten more than my share of comfort food this winter and was definitely keen on kicking off Spring with a deep cleansing. I contacted Be-Juiced and they agreed to help me with that.
 
The plan? A three-day juice cleanse. I’ve cleansed before so knew pretty much what to expect but went a little deeper this time starting with level two of the cleanse on day 1 and a personalised cleanse on the two next days. I must confess that the “all green” third day was definitely a challenge!
 
Went to pick up my first day of cleanse at Be-Juiced’s shop on Peel Street. Had a look at the healthy meals available which look super appealing but had to resist, no solid food for me.
 
Day 1 went super well. I am cleansing every 6 months so knew what to expect. My friends definitely think I am kinda nut but I actually really like the juices from the juice cleanses, I find them quite tasty.
I usually do not like the sweet juice that always end the day, don’t really know why but always found that juice had a strange taste but I actually really enjoyed Milkilicious – cashew, almond, cinnamon, sea salt, filtered water and agave nectar - from Be-Juiced. I found it to be the perfect treat after a day of cleanse and before going to bed.
 
Woke up on Day 2 super motivated and eager to carry on my healthy path. Two benefits that I always noticed when cleansing is that I really sleep like a baby and that, instead of craving chocolate or fries, I crave super ingredients (on that morning I could have killed for an avocado which was both good – craving healthy food – and bad – no solid food allowed). Day 2 also went pretty smoothly, having me drink more green juices than the day before.
 
And here comes Day 3. A 100% Green Juices Day. Green Juices are usually my fav in a cleanse but I must confess, having only those for a whole day was quite a challenge! Spinach, Kale and Celery at 8 am … tough! I’ve never done such a hard day before and added to the super gloomy weather (remember how gloomy it was before the glorious weather) I must say it has been a super long and quite depressing day. Not that I was hungry or craving any food, just felt like depressed and couldn’t use my usual cheer up joker: food.
 
At the end? Definitely feeling less tired and less bloated. Ending the cleanse really had me wanted to carry on the healthy way which is great and I really loved having some advices from Be Juiced on what to eat in the days following the cleanse. Definitely helpful.
 
Will I cleanse again? Hell yeah! Will you see more often at Be-Juiced for either a juice, an acai bowl or a healthy take-away meal? Definitely yes (until next winter … oupsie!)
 
Be-Juiced
45 Peel Street, Central
https://www.facebook.com/Bejuiced

By Aude
 
We have been talking about Juice Cleanse around here before. I’ve been practicing (yes, I like to see it as a practice) few times already but always been chicken feet staying in my comfort zone and never doing more than 1 day. It was about time to go to the next level – this time, 3 days it is gonna be!
 
Got my 3 days cleanse from Punch Detox delivered on a Monday evening and getting all ready to start the next day. Received a “Punch’s coming tomorrow” email full of handful tips such as what to do tonight before starting the cleanse tomorrow, which healthy food to stock in case of weaknesses … Love it! Brilliant idea! It just put me in a “I am gonna do this and I am gonna love it” kinda mood.
 
Why did I choose Punch Detox?
Loved the name, first! Then, because it was the first cold pressed juice detox company to establish in HK and Asia, in 2010, but also because cleanse programs are designed by Michelin trained chef and nutrition degree holders and you know me, taste matters!
 
Day 1 went pretty well. Done that before. As usual, my fav are the green juices. The 5^th juice is very nice, a gazpacho that almost gives you the sensation of eating something solid. Great idea. And here comes the you can do it/don’t give up email of the day. This one gives you great tips on how to minimize the detox symptoms if any and reminds you of all the great benefits of cleansing to keep you going. Again, great idea!
 
Day 2, here I go, out of my comfort zone. Still feeling pretty awesome. I had a yoga class and a great sleep last night. Juices are the same as in day 1 but no feeling of being bored. Just excited to make it work. And again a nice email. Really like the tone of those, very friendly. If you are not feeling great and you feel you are gonna be weak that’s ok kinda tone. No guilt at all, just tips to help you go through the cleanse if you are struggling. And congratulations if you are doing great.
 
Day 3. Still going pretty well. Quite surprised actually. Maybe having done cleansing before and knowing what to expect is helping me go through this one pretty easily. And again, a very useful email explaining how to break the cleanse. “Do not go to a buffet, or eat a 12 oz steak or dive into a 12 courses sushi meal. NOT good – you will get a stomachache”. This one is really great, telling you which things to re-introduce on what timing.
 
You are going to find it boring but things went very smoothly for me. No particular symptoms. But really the great plus of the Punch Detox Cleanse are the emails. First time I get such a follow up during a cleanse and loved it. Almost felt like having a personal coach. Very encouraging and motivating I think. Good jobs guys because this cleanse really gave me some punch!
 
http://www.punchdetox.com/
3 day cleanse level 2 : HKD 1,680
 

By Vanessa, our Fitness Editor

Odinson is located at the Pemberton Building, multi-floor wellness hub in Sheung Wan. Their motto: a perfect balance for mind and body. To reach it, a lovely and peaceful boutique fitness studio on two floors, where they mix yoga, personal training and wellness with a juice and salad bar.
 
So why such a mix? For the crossed benefits.
Personal training and yoga are often perceived as very different activities and not for the same kind of exercisers. But in fact they totally benefit to each other. While personal training builds strength and achieves physical results, yoga simultaneously conditions the body and mind for overall personal wellness. Then regarding nutrition, I don’t think I have to explain why and how it helps your overall wellness anyway…
That being said, don’t panic, if you prefer yoga over personal training or the contrary, of course you have the choice!
 
So what can you do there?
Experienced yoga teachers lead intimate 90 min group classes including Acrovinyasa, Ashtanga, Fly (hammock) yoga, Forrest Inspired Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and more. They also offer meditation sessions and workshops outside of their practice.
Dedicated trainers lead small group high-intensity classes including the female only Wonder Woman class and Total Body Conditioning class (mix of weight training, circuit and strongman training).
 
I tried for you the “Happy hips and hamstrings” yoga by Charlotte Johnson. Charlotte being an experienced and patient yoga teacher, no surprise, the class was great. It really helped my sore lower body and we’ve been given many options during the class to adapt the poses to our own flexibility and stretching needs. The studio is very Zen and bright thanks to big windows, so you can enjoy the daylight or beautiful view during your practice.
 
I couldn’t write about Odinson without telling you about their amazing yoga mats… The grip and cushioning is just perfect, giving you comfort and the best conditions, no matter what’s your level. But above all, some lines and designs, harmoniously decorating it are a precious guide. It’s sometimes hard to be sure your feet, hands are in the right position, both sides at the same level. You can now forget that problem with those Liforme mats. Addicted? Don’t worry, you can get one at Odinson, the exclusive retailer in Hong Kong.
 
I moved then to the floor above to discover a bright open training space complemented by colorful murals designed by a graffiti artist. I enjoyed there a juice after my class at Mr. Green Juice organic juicery and eatery. Cold-pressed juices, nut milks, soups and salads (raw and vegan friendly), but also some protein shakes exclusive to Odinson: in a word everything you need after your workout! 
 
Private sessions
Monthly subscription of 4 / 8 / 12 or unlimited private 60 min training or yoga sessions: HK$ 3,600 / HK$ 6,800 / HK$ 9,600 / HK$ 12,000 (all packages include unlimited group yoga and fitness classes)
Drop-in 60 min private sessions: HK$ 1,000
 
Group sessions
Group classes packs of 10 / 20 / 30 sessions: HK$ 2,750 / 5,000 / 6,750.
Special price for a limited time and new clients, unlimited group classes: HK$ 2,000 per month
Drop-in single session group classes: HK$ 300
 
Odinson, 11F The Pemberton, 22 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan
odinson.asia  
 

Mr Green Juice has launched few weeks ago a new breakfast rendez-vous called ‘Food For Thought’. Such a great initiative!

One Thursday per month, Mr Green Juice invites us at Tartine for a breakfast with a theme and a speaker (about 20 minutes talk).

An amazing opportunity to start your day differently and be inspired for the day ahead!
Next Thursday, you can join for a breakfast talk with Sonalie Figuerias, founder of Green Queen and Ekowarehouse for advise and tips to help get startet if you are thinking launching your business in the wellness industry.

See you on Thursday morning at 8am? ;)

Breakfast available for 88 HKD, includes:
100% Organic, Cold-pressed Juice from Mr. Green Juice HK
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Choice of:
Yogurt & Berries / Granola & Honey / Croissant & Jam / Pain au Chocolat / Toast & Butter
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Coffee or Tea
 
Check the event on Facebook here
Any question? You can contact Mr Green Juice +852 6875 7597 or e-mail nicole@mrgreenjuice.com
 

By Lily

Hong Kong certainly doesn’t fall short when it comes to Juice detoxes or “juicing” options. As I’m always keen to try out new detoxes, I went for the 3-day “Raw and organic Food” one by Genie Juicery.

Raw food, what is that? Raw means unprocessed, unrefined, and all-worshipping of fresh fruits & vegetables, grains & oleaginous seeds. OK then, why not! If Gwyneth Paltrow can swear by it, so can I.

And, so, I received the daily meals and snacks elaborated by the Genie Juicery team inside a very handy Cooler bag that has never left my side since! All I needed was to follow instructions.

Every day I got 4 juices, 2 snacks and 2 meals. All of it “Raw” and fresh. And everything is explained in the genie bible for better understanding.

So I came to discover chia pudding (really good!), I loved the “pesto zoodles”, zucchini pasta which was incredibly delicious (the Bolognese version is as good) and I was happily surprised by the “nori snax” made from pumpkin seeds to snack on during the day.

More importantly, the results after the 3 days:

Well it’s a great wakeup call! Certainly gives your system a boost. The difference with a juice detox is the variety and the fact that you’re not obliged/ tortured to only drink liquids for 3 days. No frustrations with this one, lots of curiosity for what’s to come each day and even more great surprises. Actually, it has indeed made me want to add raw food to my daily routine. Gwyneth get out of my body!

Special thanks to the “chocolate macaroons”, for their 70 calories only a pop and no sugar, it’s the perfect snack for your afternoon break!

Should you want to try the raw food detox, Genie Juicery is giving 10% off to all Hong Kong Madame card holders. Go for it – it’s worth it! All info here.

Genie Juicery
2096B, Podium Level 2, IFC Mall

Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 8pm

www.geniejuicery.com