Juice Cleanse After Holiday – Reset and Refresh Naturally

If you've read my Vietnam Summer 2025 trip review, you'll know just how much we indulged in delicious food and drinks during our holiday. Vietnam is truly a food haven, and even though I only managed to try a fraction of the dishes on my wish list, every bit was worth it. But as much as I love travelling and eating, I always plan for a reset once I'm home. On the flight back to the UK, I already knew my body would need a break from heavy meals and rich treats. That's when my go-to method comes in handy: a juice cleanse.

Whether it's after a summer holiday, Christmas or Lunar New Year, a juice cleanse helps me feel lighter, energised and back on track without stressing over "what's for dinner" in the first few days.

Why do a juice cleanse after holiday?

Holidays are for enjoyment, so don't beat yourself up for indulging. A short cleanse is not punishment, it's about giving your body:

• A digestive rest from processed and heavy food
• A boost of hydration and nutrients
• A way to reset cravings and start fresh with healthier habits

I usually do a 3-day juice cleanse, drinking 5-6 juices per day alongside plenty of water and green tea (without milk). The first day can feel like a shock to the system with a big of hunger or even a mild headache, but by day two I feel lighter, fresher and much more energised. By day three, it usually feels effortless.

The best vegetables for a juice cleanse

Here are some of the vegetables I always include:

• Kale - packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, helps reduce inflammation.
• Spinach - rich in iron, calcium and folate, great for energy levels.
• Wild rocket - supports digestion and liver health.
• Cucumber - hydrating and cooling, high in water content.
• Celery - helps lower blood pressure and supports hydration.
• Beetroot - boosts stamina and supports liver detoxification.
• Carrot - a source of beta-carotene for healthy skin and eyesight.

The best fruits for juice cleanse

I focus on fruit that are juicy but not too high in sugar:

• Apples (red and green) - high in fibre and vitamin C, good for digestion.
• Orange - rich in vitamin C, boosts immunity.
• Pineapple - aids digestion with bromeliad, adds natural sweetness.
• Lemon - alkalising and cleansing, promotes hydration.
• Lime - support immunity and improves skin health.
• Ginger - anti-inflammatory, aids digestion and circulation.

Juice cleanse recipe idea

I use my Sage juicer at home and after each batch, I pour around 50ml of water through to rinse the juicer and slightly dilute the juice. Here are some of my favourite combinations:

1. Apple, Cucumber, Celery, kale, orange

Hydrating, vitamin-rich, great for digestion.

2. Cucumber, apple, celery, lemon

Refreshing, alkalising and supports hydration.

3. Carrot, orange, ginger

Immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and energising.

4. Apple, orange, kale, spinach, ginger

Packed with antioxidants and leafy greens.

5. Apple, orange, carrot, beetroot

Detoxifying and stamina-boosting, great for circulation.

6. Orange, carrot, pineapple, lime, ginger

Tropical, tangy and helps digestion.

7. Rocket leaves, apple, lime

Slightly peppery, cleansing and refreshing.

My daily juice cleanse plan

Morning start

Warm water with lemon and honey to wake up the system.

Juices

5-6 juices per day (around 200ml each), rotated from the recipes above.

Hydration

Green tea (without milk) and lots of water.

After the cleanse

When the cleanse ends, I ease myself back into normal meals with lighter options:

• Breakfast: Yoghurt with fruit, nuts, seeds and honey.
• Lunch: Poached egg and sliced avocado on brown toast.
• Dinner: Grilled fish with vegetables or simple salad.

I repeat this routine a few times a year, especially after holidays or periods of over-indulging and it always leaves me feeling like I've just pressed the reset button on my body.

Final thoughts

A juice cleanse after a holiday is a gentle, effective way to help your body recover, reduce bloating and boost energy levels. Even if you try it for just one day, you'll notice the difference.

Would you give it a go after your next holiday?

Please note: I am not a nutritionist and this post is not intended as health advice. I'm simply sharing one of the ways I personally reset and keep myself feeling healthy. It works well for me but the results may vary from person to person. Always listen to your body and seek professional advice if you're unsure.