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.