Day 21

21 Days.  504 Hours.  

21 Days of following the Standard Process Purification Process (www.standardprocess.com)

21 Days of eating healthy fresh foods

21 Days with no Starbucks

21 Days of learning how to eat better

21 Days of having renewed energy

21 Days to kick start my weight loss

I could go on and on listing all of the benefits of the last 21 days.  If you have followed my blog these past few weeks then you already know how I've benefited from this process.  If you haven't followed, then you have some catching up to do!  :)

It is really hard to even put into words how I feel tonight.  I did it.  Mindy followed through and really did it.  I completed all 21 days.  I roasted peppers, tried broccoli, ate lentils, turned down snacks, watched others eat my favorite foods and opened my mind to learning new things.  

One person I want to thank is my Acupuncturist, Judith.  Without her recommending this program I would never have had this experience.  Thank You THANK YOU!!!  Anyone interested in doing the Standard Process Cleanse or Acupuncture should contact her @ www.montgomeryacupuncture.com 

She will change your life!!!  For more information on my acupuncture experience check out Day 8.

My darling husband has been amazing!! Tonight he even promised that together we would stop eating all the bad stuff we used to.  I love him and his support means everything to me.  

Ok, enough of the Oscar speeches!  

I'm a bottom line kind of gal, so bottom line if you feel like junk all the time or are sick all the time, try this.  I added in exercise in the form of walking, weight bearing exercise and Yoga.  These things, in my opinion, are key to the program.  I lost about 15 lbs.  Since I made a point not to weight myself in the beginning and obsessively I only know what I weighed about January 1st.  And since then I'm down 15 lbs.  10 days prior to starting the SPPP I was trying to drink more water, use portion control and step down my caffeine.  My clothes are fitting better and I'm digging out jeans that I haven't worn in a few years!  

I am going to continue to post weekly updates on my Post Purification. I hope you will follow and keep me honest!  Accountability is really important!

A lot of people have asked me what's the 1st thing I'm going to eat tomorrow...and I really didn't know how to answer.  After giving it some thought, I think I came up with this:

Something that makes my body feel good.  I hope you do the same.

Day 15-20

I know it's been a while since I've made a post, but I thought my posts were getting a little redundant.  Each day was going well and there wasn't much to report.  To recap every day has been pretty easy.  Once I got on line and found some new and interesting things to make it really helped.  Making my own dressing has helped really kick up my salads!

One piece of advice to anyone embarking on the 21 Day Purification Process is to do lots of research and find some recipes to keep you going during the rough days!  For me the one dish that helped me through the 1st 11 days with no meat was the Red Pepper Soup.  I will post the recipe in the next few days, because I sort of adapted it from 3 different recipes I found.  It offered someone like me who eats few vegetables a hot meal with no fruit.  On the plan you are supposed to eat double the amount of vegetables than fruit.  That was a challenge.

Another exciting milestone was that I tried Broccoli!  I thought it was pretty good!  Food definitely tastes different on this plan.  I can't stress that enough that if you are feeling sluggish and food doesn't taste the way it used to, you may need a week or so off of processed foods!  I would have never believed it either before this, but now I am a believer!!!!

The Standard Process is NOT a quick fix.  If you are looking for a pill or instant gratification this plan isn't for you.  I have learned more about food and my self in the last 20 days than I ever could imagine.  But you have to be willing to try and open your mind.

In addition to the purification I've also been exercising.  Doing Yoga has been the most rewarding form of exercise during this time.  I look forward to attending classes and even doing some videos here at home.  Each time I practice Yoga I can feel my body and mind getting stronger.

So tonight I am on the eve of the final day.  The self confidence alone gained from knowing that I am going to complete the 21 days is extremely gratifying.  I could not have done it alone though.  My husband was there every step of the way cheering me on.  Even though he admits he was just a tad skeptical in the beginning. And let me say he had EVERY reason to be considering I haven't been the healthiest eater.  However, once he saw me take it seriously and not deviate from the process he saw how much i was benefiting from it.

And I have some of the most awesome friends a woman could ask for.  So many of them came out to support me.  I never honestly expected it.  So, I am very thankful for that.  What makes me even happier is that some of them have been inspired to make healthy changes in their lives as well.  That is surely one reward that I never expected!  Truly the icing on the cake....wait....oh sure have a slice!!

I wanted to keep this short, tomorrow may be a long one!!!

Raise a glass of ice cold water to Day 21...it's right around the corner!!!

Day 14

Who said that?

Day 14?  I have found myself smack dab in the middle of Purification Puberty!! HAHA!

Quite honestly today felt like any other normal day when I'm NOT Detoxing.  There have been many temptations.  Situations like walking into Wegman's and seeing the giant display of all my favorite candy! Buying chicken for my husband and smelling the seafood and catching my personal favorite...crab dip pretzel out of the corner of my eye.  But none of it will take my eye off the prize.  In just 7 days I will be celebrating my enormous success.  And no amount of chocolate or crab will stop me!

Today I also purchased another Pedometer.  I used to have one but it broke and I remembered how helpful it was for reminding me to stay active.  Chris and I used to have contests who could get the most steps!  Maybe I'll have to challenge him again!

After going through this I can't imagine going back to my old eating habits.  While I'll be glad to indulge in some favorites now and again, going back to how I was eating will never happen.  Perhaps that is part of the Purification Process, it strengthens your resolve to treat your body better.

Good Night!

Mindy :)

Day 13

Who says 13 is unlucky?

I think it's a great day!!  Tomorrow morning I will be 2 weeks in with only 1 week to go.  That should be pretty darn easy considering I've made it this far!

I was able to work out again today for 30 minutes.  My dinner tonight was amazing too and it makes it so easy to stick to the plan.  On this program I have learned more about food and what to eat then any other diet I've ever been on. There definitely is no quick fix and I feel like I've done the hard work and will reap the rewards! Hopefully this summer!!  :)

The other positive point is no food goes to waste!!  If you have just a little of something just toss it into the blender.

That's about all for now!  See you on Day 14.

Day 12

Day 12 Day 12 I can't believe it!

Overall, it's been really easy to not eat bad foods.  Quite honestly I think not eating any processed/pre-packaged foods has really improved my sense of taste.  The Red Pepper Soup with Chicken I made tonight tasted so amazing.  Without any butter, sugar or oil.  Preparing my meals are an event!  Let's face it peeling off some film and microwaving a frozen dinner isn't very exciting at all.

However, when you slice fresh Red Peppers and blacken them so the skins fall right off, the smell alone makes it worth it!  Then you place all the fresh ingredients into the blender and hit blend you see the fresh garlic, peppers, thyme and white balsamic vinaigrette  spinning around all very happy to be together!  Watching the soup simmer on the stove it is a beautiful red and the smell is way better than any take out from Ruby Tuesdays!  I shredded my allotted palm sized piece of garlic chicken (leftover from last night) and toss it into my soup to complete it's yumminess.  Sprinkle with some homemade French lentils and I have myself a feast!  Add in a gorgeous baby romaine salad with my homemade Flax Oil Dressing and I was all set.  By the way I was too full to eat my side dish of French Lentils.  On this program you are definitely not going hungry.

This morning I also completed a 30 minute High Calorie Burn workout video and cleaned Evan's room!!  Which was also a high calorie burn!  Adding exercise will really kick up my energy and weight loss.  A friend of mine and Jim too, commented that my face is starting to look thinner.  Let's just hope I don't lose all my weight in my head, can you say Beetlejuice?  :)

The next 8 days will be a breeze if they are like this.  I hope you are all enjoying the final days!! Have you cut out any bad foods from your diet?  Soda?  Sugar?  Processed Foods?

I know a lot of you have messaged me to say you have started exercising, cut out sodas or trying to eat healthier.  I love that! Let's keep spreading the news!!  If I can do it....ANYONE can!!

Have a great week everyone!! See you on Lucky DAY 13!!!

Day 11

Day 11 is also called MEAT DAY!!!  Today is the day I can add in meat to my 21 Day Detox/Purification.   

It was so delicious.  I made the most amazing Garlic/Jalapeno Chicken and put it on top of my salad with some French Lentils as Croutons and some on the side!  It was so much fun to prepare and lay out.  This is what it looked like!

I enjoyed every single bite.  Maybe this Detox also allows you to truly appreciate and savor your food.  Because that is absolutely what I did!  

Today I also attended a 2 hour Beginners Yoga workshop and really had a great time.  I'm excited to start classes and continue this exciting....dare I say it...."Journey"  I'm feeling incredible and every day it gets better and better.  Between the scale going down and my energy going up I can't go wrong.  

As another friend of mine said, "It's a downhill ride from here"!!  

Day 10

Day 10 will now be known as the day Mindy Kiracofe tried and LIKED a French Lentil!  I'm not one for trying new things, but the Detox program makes it easy.  I had to go into an Organic Market to find them, but they let me in and everything went just fine! HAHA!!

They are so delicious!!  You can eat them as a side dish or as croutons.  I was emailed the recipe and I'm so glad I tried it!

I'm allowed 1/2 cup per day, and this will definitely help me in my last half of the Detox program.  Hard to believe tonight I'm at the halfway point.
I've been trying to find ways to decrease my fruit intake since I know that too has a lot of sugar.

Things are still going very well and I am starting to notice changes in my skin too!   It is definitely more hydrated, smooth and looks better!

I will update more a little later on!

TGIF PEOPLE!!

Let's go RAVENS!!!

Day 9

Day 9, You are divine!

Not a whole lot new to report.  Still doing really well and feel amazing.

I made my own salad dressing and ate a huge salad tonight.  Something I never normally do.  I ate all the weird green stuff too! I didn't pick anything out of it.  This is a good way for me to increase my vegetable intake.  The dressing was so good, I can't believe I've never made my own before.

I had "coffee" again with my friend Carmen at Starbucks today.  I drank my Green Shake and still had a great time!  My 21 Day Detox is spreading! Carmen is going to join me at my Yoga workshop on Saturday and is going to start drinking some green shakes!  I'm so excited!

Acupuncture was fantastic last night and it was great to share my progress with Judith.

Anyone who lives near Germantown or even in Frederick should check her out @ www.montgomeryacupuncture.com   You WILL NOT be disappointed!!  If you read my Day 8 Update you will see what acupuncture has done for me!

1 more day until I can add a small portion of lean chicken to my diet.  That will be a relief, since I am a meat eater!

Tomorrow I'll be in double digits!!

Happy Thursday!

Day 8

This time last week I had the guts to make the 1st step and start this program. I think that's the hardest part is just deciding, today is the day.  Because once you are in it, you don't want to fail or cheat.  I haven't wanted to anyway.  Even though sometimes a certain food will catch my eye or nose, I know I can have it eventually, just not today.

I'm a little tired today, but not because of the program.  It is because of old man winter, he was howling at the house at about 5:30 this morning.  Which woke up Evan too, so we laid around in bed and listened to it!  

Tonight I go to Acupuncture and I can't wait to share my results with Judith.  This particular 21 Day Cleanse is only supposed to be done under the care of a Health Professional.  She's the one who suggested it and has helped me in so many ways.

A lot of people have asked me about the acupuncture as well.  I would like to take a minute to tell you my personal story.  In 2006 I found out I was pregnant with our beautiful baby boy.  However, I was on a daily medication for my terrible migraines called "Inderal".  This medicine was terrible, while it did help my headaches I had gained a lot of weight.  The other problem was while pregnant you cannot take this medicine.  My Dr. had suggested some other medications, but I wasn't too keen on taking unnecessary drugs while I was pregnant.  Someone else had suggested acupuncture, at first I was totally against it.  I told them "Nah, I don't think that is for me".  It all sounded too far out and "hippy"!!  I was afraid I would have to stop shaving my armpits and burn incense all the time! :)  Well, the migraines were so unbearable I was fearful I wouldn't be able to enjoy my pregnancy so I gave in and found a local acupuncturist and made my appointment.  I went every week for about 6-8 weeks and about every other week throughout my pregnancy.  Migraines were a thing of the past and I haven't had a SINGLE one since I started!  I've never gone back on any medication.   My pregnancy and delivery were so smooth and easy, something I attribute to acupuncture.  To go from 4-6 migraines a month to NONE is really proof for me!  I'm the kind of person who needs to see to believe.  Well, I was proven wrong that acupuncture works.  Since then I've continued to go even with some breaks while having an infant and no babysitter!!  When I started back this Fall, I told her that I just wasn't happy with how I looked or felt.  After reviewing my diet and lifestyle I knew I had to make some changes.  

This is where the 21 Day Cleanse comes in to play.  I'm confident this will greatly improve my life as well.  Let's face it laying in a dark bedroom in tears a few times a month can take it's toll on you, your marriage and your family.  Being rid of those migraines and the medicine has been a great relief in my life. I hope my story helped and maybe acupuncture can help you in some aspect of your life.  

I'm off to conquer Day 8!!  In my mind...it's already conquered!  

:)

Day 7

Day 7.  Lucky 7!  This is the last day I take 7 SP Cleanse pills at each meal.  And only 4 more days before I can add Lean meat like chicken or fish.  I figure if I can make it until Saturday I am home free.

This morning I woke up feeling great.  I continue to be headache free.  Hard to believe it's been 6 days since I've had any caffeine.  When I made my husband coffee this morning I did long for a cup of hot java!!  But I know soon enough I'll be able to have a cup.  I wonder how the caffeine will make me feel at that point?  MMMM, Interesting thought.

What a journey it has been these last 7 days.  I never thought I would be able to do something like this.  Even I doubted myself.  However, now that I'm 7 days in, I feel unstoppable.  You never stop to think about the benefits of the program outside of physical health.  Doing this has increased my own self confidence.  With each passing day I feel more and more confident about what I can accomplish.  Not only with the program but other parts of my life.  I haven't been able to find a negative to doing the program yet.  Even if I'm missing out on food that I love, it's only for 21 days.  I mean who can't give up or start something for 21 days?  If there are 365 days in a year, it's really not that much.

Just think come February 1st, I will have a clean healthy body and a rejuvenated mind!  Ready to take on the year!

And my good habits continue to rub off on Evan.  He's drinking more and more water.  Yet another benefit.  Today a friend of mine messaged to tell me I've inspired her to drink less soda.  She's a mother of 3 kids and needs to be as healthy as she can.  That made me really happy, she's one of my best friends in life and I'm glad we are inspiring each other!

Closing for now, with lots of energy and a positive outlook for Tuesday!

Party on!

***Evening Update****

Wow, that's it! I made it through 7 full days!  Tomorrow I start my 2nd week of the cleanse.

I did a 1 mile walk work out again and now I'm going to finish the evening with some Yoga.  I have plenty of energy.  I made a large batch of Red Pepper soup tonight for dinner, so I can have some for a few days.  Roasting and peeling those peppers takes time, but it's something I've never done.  Now I'm thinking of all the recipes I can make once I'm finished the 21 days.

Thanks again to everyone who takes time to comment, FB or email me words of encouragement.  I've got 2 friends now who say I'm inspiring them to eat better!  That makes me happy.  Goodness knows if I can do it ANYONE can!!

Talk to you all on Wednesday!  DAY 8!!!!!!!!

Day 6

Waking up this morning was a breeze.  I think I'm just in a better all around mood too!

I started off this morning with a shake.  I've read on other blogs about trouble taking all the pills at every meal.  So far that's been really easy.  I usually can't even take a multi vitamin on an empty stomach without feeling sick.  What I'm currently taking for each meal is 3 Gastro Fiber Pills before a meal on an empty stomach.  And then while I'm eating I take 7 SP Cleanse pills.  I think since they have all natural ingredients and are capsules they are easily digested.  Even, with my usually sensitive stomach I have no trouble.  The Gastro Fiber pills are designed to help you feel full.  Hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day I'll take the 7 SP Cleanse pills.  Tomorrow will mark one full week on the program!

There is no sign of a headache today and I"m hoping it's a repeat of yesterday.  It's so hard to describe the great feeling unless you feel it for yourself.  Keep in mind I haven't had any meat, salt, sugar, processed food, dairy or artificial sugar in 6 days!  Today I'm going to try and make some Red Pepper soup.  I would like some warm food alternated in with the the fruits, veggies and shakes.  The plan does allow 1 cup of brown rice a day, but I did find that kinda gross.  Maybe once I can put chicken in it that will help.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

****Evening Update****

Had a really great day today.  Lots of energy and no headaches.  I had some minor neck pain, but it went away after just an hour or so.  Not sure it has anything to do with the cleanse, probably just how I slept.

For dinner I was really craving something spicy and hot.  So I found a recipe that I could modify to fit the plan.  Basically, omitting butter, sugar and chicken stock  It was so delicious!!  Roasting the red peppers & garlic I think, really made a difference.  The soup really hit the spot and now I'm dreaming of making it again with some shredded chicken and corn!  Hey a girl can dream!

I also fit in a 1 mile walking workout video today.  Evan tried to do it along with me, very funny.

Feeling better and better each day.  With each passing day I'm more and more confident and strong about doing the program.  I have to admit I'm extremely proud of myself so far.  Reading some other info on the internet I'm so glad I haven't cheated.  No bread, candy, sugar, sodas, etc.  Amazing!!

Thanks to everyone for commenting, it really helps and like Koren said, keeps me accountable!!  I don't want to let you all down!

Day 5

Did I really just type that?  Day 5.  Hard to believe I've made it this far.

No headache this morning.  I ate a big bowl of fruit this morning for Breakfast.  The cravings aren't so bad.  The only time it's bad is those darn food commercials.  You know Olive Garden, TGIFridays, anything with cheese!  Cheese seems to be what I miss the most.  I made my husband and Evan pasta last night and that didn't bother me too much.  I had heard there would be really bad carb cravings, but so far not so much.  Cheese.  Cheese is what I want!!   But I will stay strong.  I would never throw the last 5 days away.  Especially if I'm getting past the caffeine headaches.

My sleep seems to be improving too.  I sleep sounder and woke up fairly easy this morning.  I got on the scale and I've lost 3lbs.  Not a bad trade off eh?   Overall since Christmas I've lost 8lbs.  That makes me super motivated to maintain a healthier way of eating even after the cleanse.  I hope to never return to 3 coffees, and about 4-5 diet Cokes a day!  Maybe just one coffee a day and 1 diet coke a week.  That will be my goal.   I'm still drinking a lot of water and the trips to the bathroom are becoming less frequent.  So, my body must be absorbing the water better.  I'm not a dry potted plant anymore!! :)

Well, I'm off to buy a blender, up until now I've borrowed one from my friend Jeanette.   However, I think I'll be using one a lot from now on.  Evan wants fruit shakes now too!!  So, I think it would be a good investment.

Have a great Day 5 everyone!!


***Evening Update***

Today has been the best day yet.  I can't quite explain it, but I feel lighter.  I don't mean as in losing weight but my limbs feel like they can do more.  Still no headache and I'm hoping I've seen the last of them.

I managed to squeeze in 20 minutes of Yoga, before being interrupted by Evan and his buddy Colin.  Going to try and do more of that.  I'm going to sign up for a Yoga Class soon, because I just know I'm doing it all wrong!

I think the hardest part was just waking up and saying...today is the day.

Day 4

OK, can't lie last night I had a really bad headache.  It can be 2 things caffeine withdrawal and the body ridding itself of toxins.  It was pretty bad.  I've read reports of people experiencing flu like symptoms, but I haven't had anything like that.  The theory is the more toxic your body was the worse it will be.  So maybe I wasn't as bad as I thought!  My overall body feels really good.

However, I was able to sleep well and again when I woke up this morning I didn't feel tired and sluggish like I usually do.  I am attributing that to the program.  Normally when I wake up I'm a walking zombie until I've had coffee.

My husband asked me last night..."are you hungry?" Because normally an hour after dinner I'm snacking and raiding the cabinets for food.  I wasn't at all, so I think that is awesome.

I have to keep this short this morning to take my little man to Swim Lessons.

I will update later today or tonight!

****Mid Day  Update****

Wow, the headache is gone and I am feeling so good.  Nothing can stop me now!!

Day 3

Good Morning to those of you following my progress!

Yesterday went fairly well.  I did have a caffeine headache that lasted until the evening.  This morning I had a slight headache, but it already seems to be going away.  I'm drinking tons of water.  My body must be in complete shock. I've had nothing but water (to drink) now for 48 hours straight.  64 oz. + a day.  I find it easier to drink from a cup or straw.  I'm finishing up 20oz right now and it's only 9:43 AM!

I'm not starving when I wake up either like I thought I might be.  I think eating all the veggies in the shakes must help.  Hard to believe in just 7 days I'll be able to have a piece of chicken!

Of course I knew it would happen...I encountered a few "Debbie Downers" yesterday.  But I didn't let them get to me.  I also received a lot of support from people.  One person was really excited for me as she has done something similar.  She told me how amazing I'mg going to feel when I finish.

I had lunch with my friend Teresa at Panera and it didn't even bother me at all.  It was harder to make Evan a grilled cheese sandwich that night and not have any!!  I do make a really good grilled cheese!!  Spreading that butter.....watching the "fresh from our local farm" cheese melt so ooey gooey...THAT WAS HARDER!!  But I resisted.  And had a mandarin orange!

I can definitely tell a difference when I wake up.  I don't seem to be as groggy and sluggish.  I'm sure because of not having such severe withdrawal overnight.  I know the caffeine headaches are temporary so I'm trying to be tough and get through them.

I did about 20 minutes of yoga last night from our On Demand.  That was pretty awesome.  I think it actually helped my headache go away.  If you are looking for workout ideas at home check out your On Demand menu.  I was really happy to see all the options.  Pretty cool.  We have Comcast.

That's all for!  I hope you are all having a great Friday the 13th...and oh by the way....



Good Luck to the Baltimore Ravens!!

Day 2

Well, so far so good.

I don't feel like I'm going to die, so that must be a good thing!  The shakes have been very easy to drink and I'm not hungry.  Increasing my water has been easy, but wow...the trips to the potty!!

My acupuncturist compared it to watering a dry plant and the water runs off at first until it sinks in.  Since I really haven't been drinking enough water, I guess I'm a dry plant!

The pills for fiber and cleansing have not made me sick at all, so that is a big relief.  And if anyone out there is wondering there have been no unusual "bathroom habits"!!  So, I like that too.

Emotionally I'm feeling really empowered and in control.  I love that.  Even though I know that some people may not think I can do this, I definitely know I can.  With each passing meal I feel more and more confident.

Tonight I'm going to add in some exercise. I wasn't sure how I would feel but I feel well enough to do some moderate activity.  The system warns against strenuous exercise due to the lack of calories.  I can add in lean meat on Day 11 so I may kick it up a bit then.

This morning I had a mango/blueberry/spinach shake.  It was really good too. So far my favorite has actually been the green shake.  Honestly you cannot taste the spinach at all.  I have a slight caffeine headache and I'm trying to work through it.

That's it for the A.M. update.  Thank you to everyone who has given me encouragement.

Day 1

Well it's the morning of Day 1 and I am super duper excited but even more scared.  I'm currently drinking a shake with spinach in it.  And it's good!!  I decided to start early because it just worked out better this way.


If any of you are curious about what system I'm doing, it's a kidney/liver cleanse made by Standard Process.  I will definitely talk more about what it involves and about the system.  It's not one of those fast colon cleanses or anything like that. I know those things are right for some people but for me they are not.   For 21 days I cannot eat any processed foods, sugar (real or artificial, caffeine and for 11 days no meat.


Last night I had a last supper of sorts with my friend Spring!  Enchiladas and Margaritas!  She was so nice and encouraging.  I am really thankful that I spent last night with her.


I'm nervous about the next 21 days.  I've never done anything like this and tonight I will see my acupuncturist who started all of this!  So that's all for this morning! Wish me luck...I'm off to finish this shake!!


****UPDATE*****


With Day 1 pretty much in the books, I'm feeling pretty good.  I had a slight caffeine headache but nothing too bad and it has gone away.  I haven't been hungry or anything.  The shakes are really yummy.


I made this one today for lunch and dinner!!  It was super green but actually quite delicious.

 1 cup green grapes, 2 spears of fresh pineapple, blend, put in the cleanse, blend, then about 3-4 cups of fresh spinach, blend, 2 tablespoons flaxseed oil and 9-10 ice cubes.

Aside from the physical changes I feel more in control of myself.  I went to acupuncture tonight and that always helps in every aspect of my life.  I have another appointment next Wednesday and by then I'll be on Day 8!!!  That gives me a lot of inspiration.

Thank you to everyone who has messaged me with words of support.  Now off to Day 2!

Feel free to join me....

I'm about to embark on a scary and challenging journey.  In a few weeks time I'm going to start a 3 week body purification diet.

Now, anyone that knows me is probably thinking....WHAT??? Not Mindy.  She's not "crunchy" like that.  But not to worry, I'm still the same ol' Mindy.

With one exception.

I wanted to make some changes but I don't want it to be wrapped in some ridiculous New Years Resolution.  It's not about timing or a date on a calendar.  Lately to be honest, I haven't felt that great about myself.  That's hard for some people to say.  Sure, on Facebook everyone is all about how great their life, kids, husbands, etc. are, but sometimes there is a small part of you that feels lost.  Maybe it's because I'm turning 40 in 7 months and I don't want to do that not liking how I feel or look.

Some of you reading this may ask why is she putting all of this out there.  I'm not really a "put it all out there" kind of gal.  Maybe that is part of the change too.  To be honest I had an experience over the holidays that truly changed me as a person.  What kind of experience? Well that is really personal and not something I feel is helpful to this conversation.  Let's just say, I need to start adding a little more Mindy to my day to day priorities.

How does the old saying go?  “Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option”

Well, I really feel like if for 3 weeks time I can actually focus on what I'm putting into my body it may have an overall effect on my well being.  I'm going to try and shut out the nay sayers or people who have a useless opinion.  So if you're reading this and feel compelled to "say what you feel" then don't.  This isn't Facebook, it's MY BLOG.

I'm starting the blog now, because for the next 2 weeks I'll be reducing my caffeine intake so that I won't be suffering when the program starts.  I'll explain more later about the program and how I came to use it.

Thank you for anyone that wants to join me and support me!  I know I will truly need some encouraging words and maybe someone to kick my butt!


UPDATE:
OK, it's 1:45 PM and I'm cautiously optimistic.  But I'm enjoying a green shake!!  I feel really good, I had a slight caffeine headache and I did do a swig of black coffee just to take the edge off.  And wow...it really did the trick.   I will update tonight after my acupuncture visit.

This is what I'm drinking now:

 1 cup green grapes, 2 spears of fresh pineapple, blend, put in the cleanse, blend, then about 3-4 cups of fresh spinach, blend, 2 tablespoons flaxseed oil and 9-10 ice cubes.