Day 1
YOU DID IT!
Welcome to the start of your seasonal reset! Today is about easing in, preparing your body and mind for the cleanse ahead. Think of this day as setting the tone, not rushing into perfection. We begin by simplifying, choosing warm, easy-to-digest foods, drinking hot water, and creating a bit more space in the day. The body thrives on rhythm, and this pre-cleanse phase is about establishing regular meal times and gently letting go of things that create heaviness, like processed foods, excess sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Instead, you’ll bring in foods that prepare the digestive fire (agni) to burn more cleanly. Begin to notice the difference between hunger in the body versus cravings from the mind. Both have something to teach you.
This is also a time for setting intention:
Why are you doing this cleanse? What do you hope to feel, release, or create space for? If doubts or resistance come up, remind yourself: simply beginning is the most important step. You’ve already said yes to your own care. That in itself is powerful. This time isn’t just about food and routine! It’s a time for self-reflection, tuning into what matters, and taking care of YOU.
Day 1 Reminders:
Aim for three meals today with no snacks in-betrween. In Ayurveda, eating three meals a day without snacks allows your digestive fire (agni) to fully process one meal before taking on the next. Constant snacking keeps the stomach busy and can weaken digestion, leading to sluggishness and toxin buildup. Instead, aim for balanced, satisfying meals spaced about 4–5 hours apart. This rhythm gives your body time to rest, repair, and burn stored energy between meals, leaving you feeling lighter, clearer, and more energized.
Don’t try to do everything and be gentle with yourself. This cleanse is a time to reconnect to your rhythms and sometimes you don’t quite know what that means until day 5 or even day 8. Thats’s okay. This is not about perfection. You’re learning what you need and also possibly trying some very new practices and recipes. Some participants pick and choose what to do and have said that they add more each time they do this cleanse with us.
Get a tongue scraper and use it every morning. A tongue scraper is a simple Ayurvedic tool used each morning to remove ama (toxins and buildup) from the surface of the tongue. Before brushing your teeth, gently place the scraper at the back of your tongue and draw it forward in one smooth motion, rinsing the scraper between passes. Repeat 5–7 times until the tongue feels clean. This practice not only freshens the breath but also stimulates digestion, awakens the taste buds, and signals the body it’s time to start the day.
Begin to use recipes from the pre and post cleanse recipe packets in your resources below or simply try to keep meals simple, plant-based, low fat.
Sip warm water or Fall Digestive Tea throughout the day
Aim for no screens after 8 pm
Evening Journal Prompts
What felt easiest about today’s food choices?
Where did I notice resistance?
How did slowing down (or not) affect me today?