Gosh, I love the Summer months..

I can't believe it—someone pinch me—my younger niece and nephews are all getting out on summer break, the season for graduation parties, and sun tea on the patio. Some years, when I sit back, I’m like, holy tolitos! Time just flew right on by. If you know me, I take extra time in between season fluctuations, you know… staying outside on chillier mornings in fall or spring. That little trick always felt like it extended time. Because let’s be real—once we’re deep into the heat of summer or the cold of winter, we’re already wishing for the opposite again.

I like to use those moments to ground myself. Breathe. Appreciate the season and the environment we’re blessed to be in. For many, summer is full of sunshine, travel, and food freedom—but it’s also the season I find myself most needing to pause and reset.

Gosh, when I think of summer I’m all about patio hangouts with friends, mixing up a cocktail, and grilling (I love an open flame type of cooking). But all these things—food, drinks, sun exposure, allergies—they all take a toll. As someone with Crohn’s, I have to be mindful. Ever been to a grill-out where there are five different pasta salads? Or eaten something you didn’t realize would trigger inflammation? It happens. Summer makes us want to go-go-go. Unlike winter, where everything slows down, summer gives us that feeling of let’s do more. But when I start to feel heavy, bloated, fatigued—or if my digestion feels off—I know it’s time to hit reset.

Sometimes, I know I need to cleanse when my body starts whispering discomfort—or screaming it.

I try to schedule a reset at least every season. Living in the Midwest, we’re lucky to see those seasonal shifts clearly. For me, a cleanse is more than just juice. It’s about giving my digestion a break, flushing out what’s built up, feeding my body nutrient-dense, easy-to-absorb fuel, and starving off bad gut bacteria that thrive on sugar and yeast. With Crohn’s, there’s a direct tie between gut bacteria imbalance and inflammation. After a few days on a cleanse, I can feel the difference—like less pressure in my fingers or face. My system lightens.

Cleansing helps me shift the balance back toward health, not perfection.

And what’s more summer than vacation? About a month ago I took a quick trip to Rome... talk about all the tasty food! Aperol Spritz and wine—my oh myyy! I loved every bite. But the plane ride home? Not so cute. Thankfully, being part of a juice company makes it easy to grab a cleanse. But for others, I always recommend: plan ahead. Travel throws off routines, and it’s easy to miss ordering cutoffs. At 86 Cold Press, you can schedule your Balance Pack plenty in advance for when you arrive home, you can rest easy knowing you'll have a fresh Balance Back delivered. No stress, just fresh juice waiting at your door.

The right time to cleanse isn’t perfect—it’s personal.

Whether you’re traveling or soaking up the summer at home, I always ask myself a few questions: Am I ready to give myself grace for a few days? Can I plan ahead to simplify meals or remove temptations? What am I hoping to feel more of—clarity? Energy? Lightness? Are there snacks in my cupboard that don’t align with how I want to feel? These reflections help set your intention, and honestly—they motivate you to show up for yourself.

Reflect on how you feel now, and how you want to feel moving forward. Let summer be your invitation to positive change. Whether you're cleansing for calm, digestion, or clarity—start by listening to your gut.

Balance Packs are always available for preorder at 86 Cold Press, and they’re delivered straight to your door, ready when you are. Let’s hit reset—together.