I was new to the world of cleanses when this review opportunity was offered, but my interest had already been peaked by the media coverage of juice diets and detox cleanses and the like. I decided that now was the time to give this thing a shot. Kaeng Raeng sent over a 3 day detox cleanse kit, complete with three day’s worth of thrice daily vegan detox shakes in three flavors: Juu Juu “Into the Blue, which is blueberry banana, ” Glai Roong “Daybreak,” a mango peach, and Reunn “Joyful.” a strawberry, raspberry and pineapple blend.
Kaeng Raeng touts itself as all natural, vegan, gluten free, locally sourced, and no GMOs, no stimulants, nothing artificial. It is soy and fruit heavy — which I was delighted to discover, as I was expecting to have to gulp seaweed and kale shakes!
Note on prep: By juice number 2, I discovered that my favorite (convenient) way to enjoy these smoothies was by adding half the powder to my largest container (24 oz) which I then added 16 oz of water to, and then filled to the top with ice cubes. Repeat with second 24 oz container. Shake both like mad and enjoy cold.
Day One:
I was surprised at how filling my “Juu Juu” breakfast smoothie was….as well as how out of the constant water drinking habit I was. Since I had Jack, I’m not usually tethered to my desk anymore, and it’s a bigger challenge to keep water with me at all times – and remember to actually drink it. My morning smoothie lasted me well into the afternoon. While the taste wasn’t unpleasant, I wouldn’t call it delicious, either. There is a mild aftertaste from the powder.
Because smoothie one lasted me so long, I only had time for one more on this particular day – whoops. This, the Glai Roong, I enjoyed during family dinner time, along with about 10 few steamed snap peas that I stole from my husband and an orange I split with Jack. I hate snap peas but they looked good so I cheated by not having them raw.
Day Two:
Today, I worked at my part time job. It was much easier to keep drinking while sitting at my desk at the computer, so I polished off morning smoothie, Reunn, by 10 a.m. I was more than ready for number two by lunch time. At 2 p.m., we had a work celebration that featured – of course – delicious cupcakes. I resisted. Are you proud? Instead, I chomped on a cup of fresh watermelon – my fav! I didn’t get too smug though because come 3:30 I was really starting to feel the pangs of hunger. I have a sizable commute, coupled with daycare pickup, and I broke: I took a bite of a vanilla cupcake and washed it down with 16 oz of water. It was just a little kick and it got me through to dinnertime at 6:30. My dinner shake was complimented with a cup of grape tomatoes with just a splash of balsamic vinegar. I started the shake with my family at dinner but only finished half before bedtime, so it was 9 p.m. (Jack’s been resisting bedtime since I returned to work) before I finished the latter half. Today, I did notice a pick up in the number of trips to the ladies room because I was drinking so much water!
Day Three:
At work again! Hauled out the door with toddler, preschool materials, my shakes, fresh fruit, etc. in tow. I pace myself so the consumption of shake one lasted until about 11 a.m. I waited until 1 p.m. to concoct my second so that it will last me longer into the afternoon — and of course, I drank it more slowly and consciously. Feeling powerful for surviving on something so….minimalist. Also feeling hungry. I miss food. But I’m glad I’m going for it! I finished strong, and was glad to have done it. Although eating food the next day was a celebration, for sure!
My favorite is the Reunn “Joyful” strawberry. While I did read somewhere that the detox can lead to more digestive “action,” I experienced the exact opposite. I did, however, find myself 3 pounds down post-detox, so that was fantastic!
On the whole I find the shakes filling, refreshing, and inoffensive in taste – not delish, but not anywhere near the worst thing I’ve ever tasted, for sure. If you have issues with textures while eating or drinking, you might find the “sandy” after effect of each sip off putting. I could deal with all of that because I know that I was putting good fuel into my body and giving myself a much needed boost. As for the six day, I’d give it a shot, to be honest! I think I would rock Kaeng Raeng for an extended period, for sure.
The three day program — as well as longer stretches — are available at http://kaengraeng.com/ – three days starts around $70.
I received samples for consideration.