Starting a gut reset can feel both exciting and overwhelming. As a team of health coaches at OWL Venice, we’ve supported thousands of customers through the process—and we’ve learned a lot along the way. Whether you’re about to start your first Reset or considering giving it a try, these are the top four things we wish we knew from the beginning.
1. Preparation is Everything
Think of your body like a house—you wouldn’t start a deep clean without clearing the clutter first. The same goes for your gut.
In the days leading up to your Reset, it’s helpful to start cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and processed foods. This small shift can make a big difference in how smoothly your Reset goes and help minimize detox symptoms like headaches, bloating or fatigue.
Prepping your body also sends an important message: you’re showing up for yourself.
2. You Can—and Should—Eat If You Need To
Many people think a Reset has to be rigid, but the OWL Reset is intentionally flexible.
If you’re truly hungry during the program, we encourage you to eat approved whole foods. When your body knows it can depend on you for nourishment, it releases stored stress—and yes, this can even help support weight loss.
So don’t white-knuckle your way through it. Eat when your body tells you to.
3. Days 1 and 2 Might Be Tough—But It Gets Better
We’re not going to sugarcoat it: the first 48 hours of the Reset can be the most challenging. Your body is adjusting to a new rhythm, and that can bring up cravings, mood swings, digestive discomfort or fatigue.
The good news? Once you hit Day 3, you’ll likely start to feel clearer, lighter, and more in tune with your body. It’s worth pushing through—trust us.
4. Hydration, Sleep, and Movement Make All the Difference
You’ve heard it before, but during your Reset, these three things become non-negotiables.
Drink plenty of water (we recommend warm lemon water with a pinch of salt in the mornings), aim for 8+ hours of sleep, and move your body gently—think walks, stretching, or a restorative yoga class.
These rituals help your body do the work of detoxing more effectively, and they remind your nervous system that it’s safe to rest and heal.