Most of us have lived through different stages within our quarantine experience. Mine started as a quiet, pleasurable and seemingly long overdue break away from the regular partying and socializing but then quickly felt into boredom and eventually unhealthy overeating habits linked to the daily Netflix binge-watching.
Enough was enough! I had to do something. But as I am not a natural when it comes to physical exercise, I decided to tackle first my diet by returning to healthier habits. And that is where I turned to the juice cleanse option to support the process. This is something I always wanted to try since I got introduced to it first by some of my friends in London. Although I was afraid it would leave me cranky, starving and in the verge of a nervous breakdown. Probably some PTSD gained from past observations…
I turned for advice to the passionate and ambitious female entrepreneur Layla Al-Dorani, founder of Raw Middle East, one of Qatar’s most successful healthy living and ethical lifestyle brands. Started in 2012, Layla’s brand incorporates well-being and healthy eating by designing original juice mixes and dishes produced locally to only the highest standards. They handpick each fruit and vegetable used, wash them individually. That’s truly an added value considering how many companies call themselves healthy but actually process their products in the wrong way or fill them with sugar. Talking about their juice cleanse, Layla says “We designed it specially for lifestyles that need to take a break from unhealthy eating habits of just want to jump start your fruit and veggie intake”. Seems just like me. Sold! I decide to start the following week.
The order & delivery:
I receive a lovely WhatsApp message from a girl, Saida, welcoming me to the juice detox program and introducing me to their menu. It had been decided that I would follow the juice cleanse level 1 which consisted of drinking juice every two hours between 9am and 7pm. Saida also checked my allergies and offered a nut free replacement for the evening juice. This is great as I have a very strong nut allergy and RAW Middle East has a very wide range of nut free products which is a first for me. Healthy food companies often rely on cashew nuts and others which makes it impossible for people like me to order anything.
The next Morning at 8am, whilst I was having my ceremonial freshly pressed lemon juice with water, my delivery arrives in a beautiful re-usable RAW Middle East bag. So many juices! And they are all numbered so you don’t have to worry about mixing them. the delivery comes also with a little guide to accompany you during your juice cleansed experience, giving you more details on what it does to your body as well as tips and authorize cheat treats which I will come back to later.
DAY 1 – Discovering the juices:
My first day for me was very easy and all about enjoying discovering the different flavors each juice provides. The Green Junkie (1 and 3) which is made of apple, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, lemon and parsley feels very refreshing and hydrating throughout the day. The Cool Crush (2: golden apple, pineapple, mint) and the Flaming Fireball (4: pineapple, lemon, ginger) bring a necessary kick during the day to keep your energy level up. Finally, the Radical Roots (5: beetroot, golden apple, lemon, carrot, ginger) and the Keen On’ Kale (6: kale, green apple, cucumber) feel much more filling therefore adequate to finish the day feeling satisfied and relaxed.
DAY 2 – A physical rollercoaster:
I wake up with an incredible energy level and a feeling of being purified. For the first time in a while I even feel like doing some cardio. The feeling doesn’t last thought. By early afternoon, I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck and need to lay down for a while. RAW Middle East says that feeling a bit weird at some stage of the juice cleanse. “It is just a healing process, expected when it comes to detoxing.” That’s one of the reasons why experts usually recommend limiting yourself to light exercise such as walking, stretching and yoga. Being in the middle of a quarantine surely sets-up the mood. So, Netflix it-is!
DAY 3 – Sweet and sour dreams:
I honestly never thought I could possibly have so many passionate dreams about eggs benedicts, cheese sandwiches or avocado and toasts. And the cravings keep on going. Layla Al-Dorani explains that it’s “normal to have cravings especially because our brain and mouth misses the action of masticating solid food. That’s why we added recommendations for temporary cheats to make the juice cleanse experience pleasurable”. Everything is properly explained in the guide provided at delivery. I didn’t pay much attention to it before since I didn’t feel the need to, but I am pleasantly surprised by the amount of choice available. Honestly, I feel reassured and ready to tackle a heavy brainstorming zoom meeting session with the support of three celery sticks and few cucumber slices.
After effort comes comfort:
I proudly wake-up on the fourth day after successfully completing my three days juice cleanse.
I must say, I clearly eliminated lots of toxins last night and feel rejuvenated. Reaching the end line wasn’t easy though but I am greeted in the morning by the delivery of a Power Meal from RAW Middle East congratulating me for the good efforts and to support me in reintegrating solid food. Mine was composed of the most amazing Teriyaki broccoli and tempeh. Literally melting in the mouth. But the best part is definitely the RAW Middle East unique Superfood Beauty Chocolates. Those heart shaped delicacies are made from a one of kind blend of raw cacao, cacao butter, trace minerals and silica. These Beauty Chocolates promise to fight wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes by replenishing the moisture barrier and helping increase skin’s elasticity. What’s not to love about that!
In the end, my first Juice Cleanse by RAW Middle East exceeded all my expectations. The quality of service provided as well as the carefully curated selection of products provided a seamless luxurious experience to put my body back to the right track. I haven’t experienced any weight-loss but the cleanse definitely helped me to cut down on junk food and push the reset button to my daily diet and habits. RAW Middle East provides not just healthy juices, but a true lifestyle change for its consumers in search of achieving better health and wellbeing inside and out.
To order or for information, please visit RAW Website or contact via Whatsapp at +974 6613 9882.
Thibault Briere – Fashion Editor
