Frequently Asked Questions
Please go to the sign up now section and fill out the short form! We will email you back with specific details and an opportunity to learn more and ask questions through a group webinar session with Kim Love.
What makes this cleanse different from the Master Cleanse and other cleanses?
The Love Cleanse is not a fast. In The Love Cleanse your body is nourished by 3 healthy, alkalizing meals per day plus nutrient rich superfoods, teas, herbs and supplements. While you may derive benefits during other cleanses like the Master Cleanse, these benefits are short-lived and your body typically goes back to the way it was before you started. Benefits of The Love Cleanse are lifelong because you will learn how to reintegrate the right foods for you and eliminate foods that have been disrupting your system. The Love Cleanse enables you to detect your individual food sensitivities including, for some people, citrus (one of the main ingredients in The Master Cleanse). Sugar and large quantities of natural sweeteners are also avoided in this cleanse.
Which program is right for me?
The Love Cleanse now offers a variety of programs to suit many goals, budgets and desire for level of service.
Please see more information on current programs offered.
The new Mini could be right for you if you currently eat a balanced diet with a mix of whole foods and processed foods, if you live outside of Austin, if you are seeking a shorter program, are on a budget and are willing to self guide through the reintegration process. There will be group webinar meetings to cover important information and instructions to assist you on your path. In addition, Kim will hold regular webinar hours of 1 hour 3 days per week throughout Phase 1 and Phase 2. During this time, you are welcome to dial in and ask individual questions pertaining to the program. However, Kim will not be able to look over your trackers during this program and will therefore not be able to offer one to one support but will answer more general program questions. Think of the mini as a hybrid between a book with instruction manual, kit and group lectures from the author. If you currently eat a diet of a high amount of processed foods and fast foods – it is required that you begin with the Processed/Fast Food Detox so that you experience a more gradual transition prior to beginning a cleanse and food intolerance testing program. If you are looking for one to one guidance, desire the ability to have your questions answered via email, and seek to have the most thorough food intolerance testing experience with 10 foods tested instead of 5 then one of the other programs might be right for you. For more information on the Mini, please visit program options.
How long is The Love Cleanse Mini?
In order to participate in The Love Cleanse Mini there are important Pre Cleanse requirements (see below) or if you currently consume a high amount of processed or fast foods, it is required that you begin with the Processed/Fast Food Detox. Pre Cleanse requirements are between 2 to 4 weeks long. Phase 1 is 7 days. Phase 2’s Reintegration Phase is 21 days.
What is the Processed/Fast Food Detox?
Designed for anyone who currently consumes a high level of processed foods, fast foods, artificial sweeteners and sugar. This is a 4 week webinar based group program which is designed to detox you from processed and fast food. Processed foods create addictive types of cravings and cycles, which can be challenging to break. They are also often at the root of many symptoms and conditions including – low energy, weight gain, digestive disorders and mood related issues.
The Love Cleanse Processed/Fast Food Detox offers a step-by-step system for weaning from a diet of highly processed and fast foods. You are supported with weekly instructions, recipes, tips and webinar meetings. It takes 21 days to break a habit. We are also creating new habits and nourishing your system simultaneously. Each item that is eliminated has replacement options to make the process simple.
This program is designed to be a stand alone program on your journey to feeling better through foods. It is also a required first step in The Love Cleanse system, if you currently eat a high amount of processed and fast foods. Upon graduating from the Processed/Fast Food Detox you are ready for the Mini Love Cleanse, a 7 day food based cleanse with fool intolerance testing.
I live outside of Austin. What programs are available for me?
The Processed/Fast Food Detox and the Love Cleanse Mini are currently available nationwide. Other programs coming soon.
What are the Pre Cleanse Requirements?
All Love Cleanse programs, except the Processed/Fast Food Detox have very important Pre Cleanse requirements including – no artificial sweeteners 1 month prior to Phase 1 and no caffeine 7 days prior to Phase 1. In addition, there is a high fiber/high protein natural shake that will be started 1-2 weeks prior to Phase 1. If you currently eat a fairly clean diet with a balance of whole foods mixed with some processed foods, then you may follow the self guided Pre Cleanse format. This includes reducing the consumption of processed foods 2 weeks prior to Phase 1 and eliminating bread and dairy 7 full days prior to Phase 1.
If you currently consume a large amount of processed foods and also eat fast foods, you will want to complete The Processed/Fast Food Detox prior to beginning any of the other Love Cleanse programs. When you have completed this program, you will be eligible to begin The Love Cleanse Mini.
In the Pre Cleanse Phase there is an initial orientation, which will walk you through Phase 1 step by step with a Shopping List, Daily Checklist, Approved Foods Cards and Cleanse Kit Instructions.
What is Phase 1 or the cleanse phase?
Phase 1 is a 7 day food based cleanse in which you are also eliminating 5 to 10 major food groups that are common food triggers or intolerances. In this phase you will be provided a cleanse kit and will be supported with meetings to give you the tools for success in Phase 2 and beyond.
The Love Cleanse is NOT a fast. It is a cleanse that is initiated by alkalizing the system through a combination of foods, juices, teas, shakes and supplements. You will be eating 3 meals per day plus snacks.
The goal is to be satiated in The Love Cleanse. You will be given a list of approved foods and starting recommendations for food consumption during Phase 1. You are encouraged to listen to your body. If you are full, you will have specific instructions for what to eliminate. If you are hungry, you are encouraged to eat more of the approved foods.
I do not live in Austin. How will I receive my juice?
For those who live outside of Austin, you may either pick juice up from a local juice location. Or you may make your own. We provide instructions and recipes for how to prepare your own juice simply using a blender and strainer. It yields a very robust juice which is actually superior to most juices created in a commercial juice bar. And it is surprisingly simple.
What is Phase 2 or the reintegration phase?
Phase 2, the reintegration phase, is where many of the lasting benefits of The Love Cleanse arise. After a cleanse you are uniquely sensitized to feel which foods optimize your health and which foods might be creating unwanted symptoms in your life. During this phase you will have a customized plan with step-by-step instructions for reintegrating a food every 3 days. If you choose one of The Love Cleanse Ultimate programs, you will be assigned a Love Cleanse Counselor who works with you each day guiding you to success. During this phase your Love Cleanse Counselor will be checking a customized tracker in which you input data to guide you through this process. Each day that you fill in your tracker, your counselor will email you with comments and information.
Phase 2 tracking includes 4-6 weeks of daily guidance and support for food intolerances. Depending upon the version of program you choose, it might also include tracking support to determine - Food Intolerances, Carbohydrate Threshold, Ideal Protein Types, and to discover what your body is telling you through cravings. If you choose The Love Cleanse Mini, you will receive instructions to do your own tracking. Please review the Program Options page for more information on the various programs. And fill in the Sign Up Now information for more specifics.
Why determine food sensitivities?
Food sensitivities or intolerances can create a wide range of undesirable symptoms in your life. Some examples prior clients have been surprised to discover are:
· lifelong “hypoglycemia” and mood swings from tomatoes
· allergies, back pain and weight gain from lemons
· joint inflammation and weight holding from jalapenos
· low energy and weight gain from chicken
· weight gain and arthritis from soy
· obsessive compulsive counting disorder from coffee
· depression from eggs and dairy
Depending upon the version of program you choose Phase 2 lasts between 21 days to 6 weeks.
The Love Cleanse often works with people who travel regularly and is able to accommodate travel schedules during the reintegration phase. For the best experience, we do request that you are in town for a minimum of 10 days from the start of Phase 1. Two weeks is typically fine for shorter trips. Waiting 3 full weeks after beginning Phase 1 allows for the most optimal experience.
What is the difference between food intolerances and food allergies?
Food intolerances are difficult to detect by lab tests. There are alternative labs which test for sensitivities but the results often prove to be inaccurate. Food intolerances are detected through elimination and reintegration of the suspected food. Your particular intolerances are discovered through your body’s reaction during the reintegration phase.
Does everyone have a food intolerance?
Most people have at least one food intolerance that is contributing to unwanted symptoms and many Love Cleanse clients have been surprised to discover 2 or more. Food intolerances range from a level 1, which creates minor symptoms, to a level 3, which is life altering.
Isn’t everyone allergic to gluten?
While many people do not feel their best from processed and refined carbs, which gluten is a typical ingredient, only about 35 percent of people who have gone through The Love Cleanse discovered a gluten Intolerance. Many more are sensitive to other, more obscure ingredients.
How many grams of carbohydrates and proteins should I have?
One of the basic premises of The Love Cleanse is that everyone’s nutritional needs are slightly different. There are so many experts telling us how to eat, when to eat and what to eat (usually with conflicting information) that it’s no wonder many of us have become confused. The Love Cleanse is an experiential process. If followed as designed, you will be able to access the right information for YOU. Some people function better with larger quantities of healthy carbs while others are extremely sensitive to both the types of carbs they eat and when they eat them. In Phase 2 of The Love Cleanse, you will have the tools to determine these life changing nuances. Similarly, proteins, protein type and quantity varies person to person.
Some of the foods you will enjoy include whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. You’ll be given delicious juice each day, plus your SuperFood shakes, plenty of herbal teas and supplements.
What food is not allowed during the cleanse?
Depending upon the version of program you choose - Citrus, meats, soy and gluten are among the handful of foods you’ll avoid during the Love Cleanse. These tend to be powerful triggers for allergies and intolerances (you’ll learn more about this during the cleanse). We will provide you a full list of approved and “to-be-avoided” foods before you begin.
One of the most common experiences is weight loss. Weight loss usually occurs during the 7 day cleanse but we are most interested in the weight loss that continues and is maintained after the cleanse. This is often different than many cleanses, in which someone might lose weight initially, only to go back to eating intolerant foods and/or the wrong ratios of foods leading to weight gain. If a food intolerance is discovered and removed, the inflammatory process that causes excess weight is reduced and many people find weight loss easy. In addition, during The Love Cleanse you will experience eating healthy, whole foods which resets your palette and minimizes prior food cravings. Discovering your unique Carbohydrate to Protein Threshold will also go far toward supporting your weight loss initiatives.
I don’t have time to cook. What do I do?
For those who live in Austin, many of your favorite Austin restaurants provide Love Cleanse compliant meals. For the Cleanse Concierge program, one Love Cleanse compliant meal is provided each day during phase 1. During the self-guided version, a Love Cleanse compliant meal is available for an extra fee.
Simple easy to prepare recipes are provided during the program. Some of these are designed to be prepared in 10 minutes. You might surprise yourself.
How can I expect to feel during the Cleanse?
Everyone’s experience during the cleanse is different. Some people are energized immediately and remain energized throughout the process. Most go through an initial “adjustment” period of a couple of days in which they may feel slightly tired or experience a mild headache and spaciness. This is a normal part of the cleansing process. These symptoms should be mild and should not interfere with your typical work routine. If there are any symptoms beyond mild, you will simply dial the cleanse back by skipping your second juice and second shake.
Absolutely. Most clients continue with their busy lives though it is good to give yourself a day or two over the weekend for rest. Every person is different. Some are more energized, some need more rest since the body is releasing toxins and doing deep repair work. Giving yourself a week with moderate intensity is helpful.
Moderate to light exercise is encouraged. Intense exercise or heavy lifting is discouraged during the 7 days of Phase 2 to give your body time to rest, repair and preserve energy. In addition, since we are modulating the cleanse experience it is recommended for the first 7 days that you avoid heat conditions including saunas, hot yoga, mid day heat and running in warm climates. During the week of the cleanse, your body will thank you if you dial back the intensity of your workouts to allow for deep repair and restoration to occur.
I have a chronic illness. Can I do the cleanse?
Many clients have found uncovering food sensitivities very helpful to their illness. However, it is advised to receive written approval from either your MD or an integrative medicine MD. If you live in Austin, Kim can make recommendations for MDs who are more familiar with cleanses and diet therapy.
If you currently have Type 2 Diabetes, written permission from your physician is required prior to signing up for The Love Cleanse. If you are on blood pressure medicines, The Love Cleanse requires that you let your doctor know you will be beginning a weight loss program.
What if I don’t want to lose weight?
Kim works with many who do not want to lose weight and is able to customize a program to minimize weight loss.
What are the benefits of The Love Cleanse?
Some of the many reported benefits of The Love Cleanse include renewed energy, better digestion, more restful sleep, chronic allergy relief, relief from pain, better mental clarity, balanced moods, weight loss, and the ability to keep the weight off.
Other Questions:
Phase 1 is the Cleanse and Food Sensitivity Elimination Phase and Phase 2 is the Reintroduction and Benefits Phase.
What is the Cleanse Compliant Lunch?
A specially prepared veggie stir fry with brown rice and a citrus and tahini free cleanse compliant hummus snack.
If you live in Austin, The Love Cleanse has several restaurant partners who have Love Cleanse compliant meals, which makes the process much easier. While in the early stages of Phase 1 or Phase 2, these partners are the best choices. We do however, also have other restaurant options with written instructions on modications to specific dishes at non-partner restaurants. All of this information is provided in your kit. Please see our Partners page for more information on Restaurant Partners.
Are you trying to make me a Vegan?
While the 7 days of Phase 2 is free of meat - fish, turkey, chicken or fish is often integrated as the first item in Phase 2.
Where do we meet for the Self Pick up Version?
The self pick up meetings currently take place at Beets Café.
Where will I pick up my juice each day for the Self Pick and Group Versions?
If you choose one of the local, Austin based programs, The Love Cleanse prepays your juices throughout Phase 1. They are ready for pick up each day at Beets Café.
The most comprehensive Concierge programs begin at $1500 for one person and go up to $2600 for two.
Self Pick Up - $895;
Couple's Self Pick up - $1700
Live Video - $1200;
Couple's Live Video - $1800
R&R - $350
Follow Up Cleanse (only for those that have already been through the program) - $175
For the local programs including Concierges, Self Pick Up and Group - ½ payment is due upon booking in order to reserve space and send materials. The second half is due the last day that we meet in person during Phase 1.
For The Love Cleanse Mini and The Love Cleanse Processed/Fast Food Detox, payment is required up front. We accept credit cards, check and cash.
