On to Phase 2

Let it be shouted from the mountain tops. THE CLEANSE PHASE IS OVER! Now, it wasn't that bad. I was actually surprised ( and thankful) that it wasn't too restrictive. I was able to eat a protein, fruit/vegetable and complex carb at almost every meal with 3 snacks worked in. Honestly, it was more food than I was consuming during my pre-challenge days. So if I have learned anything the past 10 days, Less is not always more effective. I have read time and time again that we should be eating 6-8 small meals a day. So much food. How can anyone loose weight eating that often? Well 10 days later and 4 lbs down, I can honestly say I am a believer! It just has to be healthy choices with the right balance. And thanks to Advocare so far, I'm beginning to understand what those choices can be. I am still working out the kinks in my healthy cooking. Poor Terrance. He has been so gracious to me and what I place in front of him. Ladies, if you want to know if your man loves you, see if he eats what you cook even when you know it's bad, and still thanks you for it. I think I found a keeper :)
This next phase is called " The Max Phase" The first thing I noticed is, there is a lot of vitamins to take. So, this is something to consider if you struggle with taking pills. I don't know if there is a way around it, I would guess not, but if you are still interested I would definitely ask a consultant. This is how my typical day will be:
30 minuets before breakfast: MNS color pack, Spark. The Color pack had about 4 pills in it. Not all were horse pills, but they ARE vitamins. You also have the option to purchase additional vitamins for this challenge. I did not buy any extras, but if YOU do, then you would also take those. 
Breakfast: Meal Replacement Shake. This is AWESOME! I chose the chocolate flavor. I blended it with 3 ice cubs and 1/2 of a banana. SO YUMMY!!! Filling and easy too!
Snack: As I stated in previous posts, make sure you pack sustainable snacks. I think my stomach is a bit smaller now, and getting used to smaller portions. However, you still need good healthy sustainable snacks to keep you from feeling hungry and wanting to splurge and ruin your progress.
30 minuets before lunch: MNS Color Pack and Spark. Again, 4 pills in the color pack. You would also take the additional vitamins if you bought extras. And the spark is optional, but I find it helps me refocus and brings my energy back.
Lunch: MNS White Pack, Protein, Veggie, Complex Carb. The "white pack" is actually 2 pouches. Here is the description straight from my Advocare adviser friend." The packet with the 3 that are the same, that is our coreplex. it's a multi-vitamin. The 2nd pack has omegaplex. our omega-3 fatty acids and something called Amplify A.T. which helps with our blood pressure levels, our immune system and even our joints. It's good stuff"

So, at this time you will be taking a total of 6 pills. Tomorrow I will post pictures for each phase so you can see for yourself. 
Snack
Dinner:OmegaPlex, Protein, Veggie, Complex Carb: The OmegaPlex is 2 gel capsules, and the carb is an "if needed". Sometimes I have it, sometimes I omit it based on what I have for supper. 
Snack

So as you can see the meal plan is basically the same, I am just now incorporating more essential vitamins to my day. You swallow a total 14 pills in a day. That is a lot. I will have a better analysis how this many vitamins affect me after a full day. I will do a daily log one day so you can see what all is entailed.  I've said it before, and I still say, I would recommend this to anyone who is wanting a boost in their weight loss journey. My goal is to loose 10 pounds at the end, but I do know that any weight lost is a success, so I won't get myself down if I don't reach that goal. I also have been given access to a great Facebook support page, where I can ask questions or get encouragement.
As for the exercise, I am still training for my Half Marathon. After my 7 miler last weekend, my right knee decided to swell up. It feels like I have fluid in there, and it hurts to bend at extreme angles. Going up and down stairs are a bit awkward too. I have been icing it and trying new stretches, but I have taken some time off from running this week. My daughter and I are 'running' a 5K Saturday, and then I am supposed to run 8 miles. I hope my knee feels better by then. I will just have to incorporate more weight lifting and other types of cardio. If I am sure of one thing, is I DO NOT want to get out of the habit of exercising.
I hope this post has been helpful to you. feel free to comment. Thanks for reading and Happy Dropin'.