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.

What I really want

is a little peace in our own country.

It seems as if we are always trying to spread peace and liberty everywhere in the world.  Yet, right here in our own country we continue to bicker and fight like little kids.

Today I feel a little like a child in a divorce.  While we realize the 2 parties may never reconcile, we would like them to come to some common ground.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I don't agree with the extremists who say we shouldn't compromise at ALL.  I mean, seriously?  I do think there are issues on both sides that we can compromise on to create a better future for ourselves and our children.

I don't think the WE WON so do what we say attitude ever works.  We teach our children to be good sports, however those we elect can never play by the same rules.  I just listened to President Obama give his speech and I honestly think it's his best one ever.  He mentioned how the people have spoken and those elected to office work for "US"...the people.

There will always be disagreements but there has got to be some way to get our country back to work and maintain ourselves as the super power I know we are.

For example: Things like Gay Marriage.  Why do we continue to fight over this?  I believe the gay community marrying will not tear apart the fabric of our country.   We should compromise on this issue and allow them to marry.   Perhaps (hopefully) then the left would be more willing to listen to us on our issues.  Or it could happen in reverse...the bottom line is IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO GOES FIRST!! As long as we continue to work to preserve this great country.

Let's be honest, I will forever be a Conservative.  But I am an American first...may sound cliche but it's true.  You do have to pick your battles in life.  I'd rather fight for an unborn child's life than to prevent 2 people from marrying.  

I've learned in life that you can't please EVERYONE!!  Goodness, I'm planning a High School reunion for about 100 people and I realize not everyone will be happy.  How do we expect an entire country to agree on EVERY issue?  Impossible.

And something's gotta give.  How long can our country withstand this fighting?  Maybe years?  Centuries??  Maybe not.  Maybe it is at a breaking point.

I'm just saying what I really want is peace right here at home.

I really love this song and what it has to say.  Lyrics below.

"More "stars" than stripes - a revolution needs a war and this war needs a revolutionary - fight for your rights - the constitution speaks of speech that's free open your mouths from sea to shining sea - so will the real Americans please stand up - no more hiding your face in the sand - will the real Americans please stand up - divided we've fallen but united we'll stand!

Somethin' ain't right - when politicians take from you and me the very liberties that set us free - so stand up and fight - for this "democracy" is you and me - we're the re-founders saddle up let's ride - now will the real Americans please stand up - no more hiding your face in the sand - will the real Americans please stand up - divided we've fallen but united we'll...

Stand up, stand strong, stand tall and we'll keep these walls from fallin' - stand up, stand strong, stand tall and we'll keep these walls from fallin'

There's somethin' happenin' here - what it is ain't exactly unclear - politicians with our lives in their hands - tellin' you and me which way we should stand...I think it's time we stop hey what's that sound everybody look at what's goin' - stop hey what's that sound everybody look at what's goin' - stop hey what's that sound everybody look at what's goin' - stop hey what's that sound everybody look at what's goin' - down...what's goin' down?"

Sometimes it just all works out.

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook the other day:



There is a cost to not responding, a cost to not doing what you are suppose to do. While you may get away with it for a little while but sooner or later it will catch up with you. Be accountable, lead well, show love through the action of following thru and doing what needs to be done.

So often people don't do the simplest of things.  Being accountable is a big one.  So often they take the easy road of blaming someone else.