I "cheated". Yes it's true. I didn't over do it, and I didn't splurge. But I ate 4 SMALL pieces of pizza Saturday night. It was partly due to convenience and part I just wanted pizza. I felt a tad of remorse after eating the spinach and feta slices, but I also told myself that if I can't teach myself to enjoy pleasures like that in moderation, I am setting myself up for failure. I know it's only 24 days, I could have gone without fast food, but this is where the lesson comes in. I ate it out of convenience.I ran a race earlier that day, and spent the remainder of the day playing outside and doing chores. Completely neglecting to plan ahead for supper, and before I knew it, it was 6:00 and I had 2 hungry kids. I don't think it was enough to completely ruin the work I have done the past 14 days, but will I do it again?.. NO!
I've said it before, weekends are TOUGH! But here is something I learned. If I don't plan, don't eat on schedule and don't keep up with the journal provided, I EAT PIZZA! So a recommendation if you do this, Plan, Follow The Schedule and Keep Track.
Other than this realization, not much has changed. My diet and daily routine are the same. I ran 8 miles yesterday. My farthest distance EVER! Aside from extremely sore knees and an aching body, I feel pretty good! I am now in the 140's!! the last time I was in my 140's was 6 years ago! WHOOP WHOOP!!!
I am officially half way through. I will leave you with my stats:
Day 1 Day 5 Day 8 Day 15
155.8 lb 154 lb 151.8 lb 149 lb
H- 37" H-36" H- 35"
W-33" W-33" W- 32.5"
I'm seeing results!!! you will too! If you're on the fence, JUMP!!! I'm convinced I will stick with Advocare for sure!! I can't wait to see where I am on day 24!!! Thanks for reading and Happy Dropin'!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
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'.
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'.
Monday, March 31, 2014
That was tough.
WHEW! This weekend was tough. I am beginning my 8th day on the 24 day challenge, and let me just say I feel great but it has been pretty challenging so far. I never realized how much I crave carbs and sugars. And I never realized how often I would snack. But alas, I survived my first weekend. When you are mostly at home, the unhealthies in your home literally SCREAM your name. I also had to refrain from snaking while I cook. I know most of you do it too. Sprinkle some cheese on the eggs, throw a handful in your mouth. Pick the chicken apart while you cut it up just "make sure it tastes ok", lick the batter bowl. And I'm sure most of us don't realize how many extra calories we are adding to our diets by those little bites. So, I kept grapes and cut of veggies on the counter to chomp on if if I got that urge to cheat. I also chugged the water. Sometimes it would take away that hunger and other times it would just keep my mouth busy.
Because I am the only one in my house doing this challenge, sometimes I have to make modifications to the meals I prepare for my Hubby and Kiddos. Well I don't HAVE to, but because I still haven't mastered the art of cooking without butter, cheese, salt ect. What I am trying to cook isn't really great for me to try to get them to switch over. I don't want to turn them off to a healthier lifestyle just because I don't know how to cook yet :)
Thankfully last week, my children were camping with the Grandparents, so only my Husband had to suffer through my experiments. But this week, I will have to do some MAJOR planning and recipe hunting .Last night was hard. After running, I stopped by Culvers to get the family supper. The drive home was TOUGH! smelling that greasy cheeseburger and french fries.. Normally I would snack on the fries while I drove home, but I put the food in the back seat to keep the temptation out of reach. SUCCESS! I CAN do this.
I also ran the farthest distance EVER in my life Sunday. 7 Miles. It was challenging, but I have no doubt that because of my improved eating habits and the Spark I get to drink, I had much better endurance than I'm sure I would have a few weeks ago. I feel great all the way around. So far, no regrets on trying this new challenge. I know I said I would only weigh and measure myself every 5 days, but curiosity got the better of me this morning, since I officially started this a week ago today. So I will leave you with my stats. Hopefully this week I can share some recipes. Thanks for reading, feel free to comment and HAPPY DROPIN'!
Monday 3/17 Day 1: Friday 3/28 Day 5: Monday 3/31 Day 8:
155 lbs 154 lbs 151 lbs.
TOTAL: 4 POUNDS DOWN!
Because I am the only one in my house doing this challenge, sometimes I have to make modifications to the meals I prepare for my Hubby and Kiddos. Well I don't HAVE to, but because I still haven't mastered the art of cooking without butter, cheese, salt ect. What I am trying to cook isn't really great for me to try to get them to switch over. I don't want to turn them off to a healthier lifestyle just because I don't know how to cook yet :)
Thankfully last week, my children were camping with the Grandparents, so only my Husband had to suffer through my experiments. But this week, I will have to do some MAJOR planning and recipe hunting .Last night was hard. After running, I stopped by Culvers to get the family supper. The drive home was TOUGH! smelling that greasy cheeseburger and french fries.. Normally I would snack on the fries while I drove home, but I put the food in the back seat to keep the temptation out of reach. SUCCESS! I CAN do this.
I also ran the farthest distance EVER in my life Sunday. 7 Miles. It was challenging, but I have no doubt that because of my improved eating habits and the Spark I get to drink, I had much better endurance than I'm sure I would have a few weeks ago. I feel great all the way around. So far, no regrets on trying this new challenge. I know I said I would only weigh and measure myself every 5 days, but curiosity got the better of me this morning, since I officially started this a week ago today. So I will leave you with my stats. Hopefully this week I can share some recipes. Thanks for reading, feel free to comment and HAPPY DROPIN'!
Monday 3/17 Day 1: Friday 3/28 Day 5: Monday 3/31 Day 8:
155 lbs 154 lbs 151 lbs.
TOTAL: 4 POUNDS DOWN!
Friday, March 28, 2014
5 Days down
Whelp, today is my 5th day on the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. Now this post may get a bit personal, TMI maybe but you have asked for honest review of the challenge, so thus I must deliver.
Fist of all let me start with a disclaimer: I didn't realize until Wednesday night that I had been missing a step in the challenge, well actually doing it wrong.. Whether it's a imperative step, that will compromise the outcome of this challenge I don't know. I hope to catch up and see if my results will be the same. The step I screwed up is, during the cleanse phase ( first 10 days), you are supposed to take the Herbal Cleanse Capsules before bed. I HAD been taking the Probiotic Restore capsules, because I didn't see the "Herbal Cleanse". The Probiotic and Herbal capsules are all in the Herbal Cleanse box with that yummy fiber drink I love so much.. Not. The packaging of both capsules are the same. However, I was told to open everything, examine everything and get familiar with all products. Which I did, but I did not separate the contents of the Herbal cleanse box. My bad. But I took the right pills last night and will try to play catch up. I am supposed to have the last 3 days of the 10 days off from them, but since I missed the first 3 days I will take them anyway.
So if this mishap affects my outcome, note that it was MY fault and not fault of the system. Also the things I will mention may or may not have anything to do with me taking the wrong pills at the wrong time, so take what I say as you wish.
Now, so far I am feeling pretty good. Day 2 and 3 were a bit rough because I had some MAJOR sweet cravings. Which I normally don't get, but I'm thinking I eat more sugar than I realize, and since I am monitoring what I eat, I have cut some major sugars out of my diet. Those sweet cravings have subsided some which is nice. My energy is about the same. I had a lag the first 2 days mid-afternoon, but as long as I bring adequate snacks I'm OK. I have noticed that I have a bit more endurance while exercising. I think this weekend I will have to find some recipes for supper and snacks, this week was pretty bleh. My Poor husband as graciously suffered through my attempts to cook healthy.
TMI time. And here is where I don't know if taking the wrong pills at night has affected my experience. I have been EXTREMELY bloated. To the point of uncomfortable pain. I never have problems having a BM, but since starting this challenge it has gotten harder and few and far between. I hope that taking the right pills for the remainder of the cleanse will help with that, because this just stinks.
So that's it so far. Nothing to exciting. I am still running.I have my longest mileage I have EVER run coming up tomorrow.. 7 miles! I'm nervous, but because I have a bit more endurance I hope it won't be so bad.
I will close with my stats and a few observations over the past 5 days. I decided that I will weigh and measure every 5 days. I don't want what the scale says to effect my mentality, AND if the results are good I will be pleasantly surprised.
Day 1 Stats: Day 5:
155.8 lb 154.0 lb
H: 37" H: 36"
W: 33" W: 33"
Notes:
Get GOOD recipes. I want this to be a good experience and start good habits, and I don't see that happening if I'm eating the same stuff everyday. I need to expand the horizons and try new recipes, STAT!
Take the RIGHT pills like it tells you too. Might make a HUGE diffrence in the way you feel!
Keep drinking the water. It helps with hunger control and energy!
More endurance in exercising!
Fist of all let me start with a disclaimer: I didn't realize until Wednesday night that I had been missing a step in the challenge, well actually doing it wrong.. Whether it's a imperative step, that will compromise the outcome of this challenge I don't know. I hope to catch up and see if my results will be the same. The step I screwed up is, during the cleanse phase ( first 10 days), you are supposed to take the Herbal Cleanse Capsules before bed. I HAD been taking the Probiotic Restore capsules, because I didn't see the "Herbal Cleanse". The Probiotic and Herbal capsules are all in the Herbal Cleanse box with that yummy fiber drink I love so much.. Not. The packaging of both capsules are the same. However, I was told to open everything, examine everything and get familiar with all products. Which I did, but I did not separate the contents of the Herbal cleanse box. My bad. But I took the right pills last night and will try to play catch up. I am supposed to have the last 3 days of the 10 days off from them, but since I missed the first 3 days I will take them anyway.
So if this mishap affects my outcome, note that it was MY fault and not fault of the system. Also the things I will mention may or may not have anything to do with me taking the wrong pills at the wrong time, so take what I say as you wish.
Now, so far I am feeling pretty good. Day 2 and 3 were a bit rough because I had some MAJOR sweet cravings. Which I normally don't get, but I'm thinking I eat more sugar than I realize, and since I am monitoring what I eat, I have cut some major sugars out of my diet. Those sweet cravings have subsided some which is nice. My energy is about the same. I had a lag the first 2 days mid-afternoon, but as long as I bring adequate snacks I'm OK. I have noticed that I have a bit more endurance while exercising. I think this weekend I will have to find some recipes for supper and snacks, this week was pretty bleh. My Poor husband as graciously suffered through my attempts to cook healthy.
TMI time. And here is where I don't know if taking the wrong pills at night has affected my experience. I have been EXTREMELY bloated. To the point of uncomfortable pain. I never have problems having a BM, but since starting this challenge it has gotten harder and few and far between. I hope that taking the right pills for the remainder of the cleanse will help with that, because this just stinks.
So that's it so far. Nothing to exciting. I am still running.I have my longest mileage I have EVER run coming up tomorrow.. 7 miles! I'm nervous, but because I have a bit more endurance I hope it won't be so bad.
I will close with my stats and a few observations over the past 5 days. I decided that I will weigh and measure every 5 days. I don't want what the scale says to effect my mentality, AND if the results are good I will be pleasantly surprised.
Day 1 Stats: Day 5:
155.8 lb 154.0 lb
H: 37" H: 36"
W: 33" W: 33"
Notes:
Get GOOD recipes. I want this to be a good experience and start good habits, and I don't see that happening if I'm eating the same stuff everyday. I need to expand the horizons and try new recipes, STAT!
Take the RIGHT pills like it tells you too. Might make a HUGE diffrence in the way you feel!
Keep drinking the water. It helps with hunger control and energy!
More endurance in exercising!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 1
Hello All,
As you know, I have been training for a half marathon. I am on week 5, though technically I should be on week 7. I had a few weeks in there where I wasn't able to train much so I had to start week 4 over.. TWICE! No worries though, I'm still running, keeping my head high and eyes on the prize.
I am however trying to figure something out. During the duration of this training so far, I have been weighing myself periodically. Not everyday, as in reality my "weight" means little to me. I don't care what number the scale spits at me, I care about how I feel and how my clothes are fitting. Non the less, I weigh myself just to keep track, and I have noticed that my scale hasn't budged. Well my scale has budged because I move it in the open so I can get on it, but the number in which I see once I step on it has remained the same. Now this is curious to me, because I have been logging at least 15 miles a week for 4 weeks. In addition to that I take at least 2 classes at my gym, along with the general exercise of being a wife and mother, and I have been "counting my calories". I use that term loosely because I have been "minding" rather than actually "counting". I also have noticed SOME difference in the way my clothes fit, but nothing astounding. So naturally, eating must be what is keeping my scale from getting with the times :-). I know what I need to do to see results, I think we all do. I've said that before. I don't know what it is about the way my mind works, but I guess I just need a "program" to make me do it. So, I have decided to embark on a journey I have never considered or taken before. The Advocare 24 Day Challenge.
Advocare is BOOMING right now. Where I work, we have tons of new consultants coming in to get apparel made to promote this, what seems to be amazing company. I chit chat with some of them when they come in about the basics of the business, but I was never in the mood to be sold into something. However, when you are looking for something to boost your workout, and everyone around you is trying this challenge and getting amazing results, it's hard to not inquire. So I did. And here I am.
Thanks to an old friend from High School, he put up with all my questions and signed me up. He has been really encouraging and so have a few other people. So I am excited to try this out. I had a few people ask me to update them on the process, because normally you just see before and afters. So I thought this would make for a great Blog project. I will update this daily or weekley, I haven't decided, about my thoughts, tips and experience. So buckle up and hold on, LET'S DO THIS!
Here are my Stats as of Day 1:
Weight: 155lbs
Hips: 37" Waist: 33".
First let me tell you what comes with this challenge.
10 day Herbal cleanse drink and Vitamins
Spark, an energy drink to boost energy and metabolism
Meal replacement shakes
OmegaPlex vitamins.
24 Day Challenge guide.
The first 10 days is the cleanse phase. YES I get to eat food ( quite a bit actually ), and NO I'm not running to the bathroom every 2 seconds. Each day I will post what is required and what I eat.
Day 1:
Spark 30 minuets before breakfast. This helped me wake up, since I'm not allowed to have coffee. This isn't as heavy as my coffee and didn't make me hungry ( coffee does that to me ).
Breakfast: 1/2 Cup Oatmeal with 1 banana cut up in it and 2 hard boiled eggs. And my Fiber Drink.
I added the banana to my oatmeal for my fruit and sweetness. I usually add tons of butter and sugar to my oatmeal, so this was satisfying, but something I will have to get used to.
I over estimatated how much I could eat. I only ate half my oatmeal and 1 egg. I will have the rest tomorrow for breakfast or a snack this week. I will be blatantly honest. The Fiber drink is NASTY. It was like orange tasting gel. It was recommended to me to add less than the suggested amount of water and chug it. I will try that tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
Snack 1: 2 Carrot sticks.
I cut these up into small pieces so I could much on them at my desk to trick my mind into thinking I was eating more.
Spark 30 minuets before lunch.
This is optional, but being the first day with changing my routine, I needed it for the boost of energy.
Lunch: Chicken salad with Garbanzo beans.
you are supposed to have a protein ( 4 oz of meat), veggie and complex carb. I did add 2 tbls of shredded low fat cheese to satisfy my dairy tooth.
*Lunch may not sound like much but with 2 cups of lettuce, 4 oz of shredded chicken and 1/4 cup garbanzo beans it was VERY filling and satisfying.
Snack: 1 Apple.
I'll be honest, for a 3:00 snack I will need more than just an apple. Lesson learned. I will have to try it with some yogurt or something next time.
Dinner:Baked Salmon, Quinoa with Kale and Mushrooms.
This was my first time making Quinoa. I briefly read a recipe when you add kale and mushrooms. It was good, but I need to figure out better healthy seasonings. It was satisfying and the hubby liked it, so SUCCESS!
I was allowed a snack after supper, but I didn't have time. I go to a 60 minuet high intensity aerobics class at 5:30. I also had to get 4 miles in for my training so by the time my workout was over I didn't get to eat supper until 7:00. Might be something I need to moderate.
In addition to the food I am supposed to drink 77 oz of water, according to their math.Your body weight divided by 2 = the total ounces of water per day. THIS is what has me going to the potty every 5 minuets.. The book they give you has lots of room for notes and daily logs.
I did take a 'Before' picture, but I think I will wait to post it the end of the challenge. A few notes on my first day, and then I will end this book.
1) I was a little jittery. I am not used to taking that many vitamins. I also get a little nauseous with that many vitamins. I'm sure I will get used to it.
2) I did NOT pack adequate snacks to hold me over during the day. Carrots and an apple is not enough. to start. I will have to plan that better.
3) I did hit a lul by 3:00. but once I go into the gym my energy returned. So if you are doing this, I recommend trying to get some walking or jumping jacks in mid-afternoon.
4) I haven't had to rush to the bathroom, which I am thankful for. Not sure if that will happen or not..
So far so good. Day 1 finished and beat! Bring on Day 2!!!
Thanks for Reading and Happy Dropin'!
As you know, I have been training for a half marathon. I am on week 5, though technically I should be on week 7. I had a few weeks in there where I wasn't able to train much so I had to start week 4 over.. TWICE! No worries though, I'm still running, keeping my head high and eyes on the prize.
I am however trying to figure something out. During the duration of this training so far, I have been weighing myself periodically. Not everyday, as in reality my "weight" means little to me. I don't care what number the scale spits at me, I care about how I feel and how my clothes are fitting. Non the less, I weigh myself just to keep track, and I have noticed that my scale hasn't budged. Well my scale has budged because I move it in the open so I can get on it, but the number in which I see once I step on it has remained the same. Now this is curious to me, because I have been logging at least 15 miles a week for 4 weeks. In addition to that I take at least 2 classes at my gym, along with the general exercise of being a wife and mother, and I have been "counting my calories". I use that term loosely because I have been "minding" rather than actually "counting". I also have noticed SOME difference in the way my clothes fit, but nothing astounding. So naturally, eating must be what is keeping my scale from getting with the times :-). I know what I need to do to see results, I think we all do. I've said that before. I don't know what it is about the way my mind works, but I guess I just need a "program" to make me do it. So, I have decided to embark on a journey I have never considered or taken before. The Advocare 24 Day Challenge.
Advocare is BOOMING right now. Where I work, we have tons of new consultants coming in to get apparel made to promote this, what seems to be amazing company. I chit chat with some of them when they come in about the basics of the business, but I was never in the mood to be sold into something. However, when you are looking for something to boost your workout, and everyone around you is trying this challenge and getting amazing results, it's hard to not inquire. So I did. And here I am.
Thanks to an old friend from High School, he put up with all my questions and signed me up. He has been really encouraging and so have a few other people. So I am excited to try this out. I had a few people ask me to update them on the process, because normally you just see before and afters. So I thought this would make for a great Blog project. I will update this daily or weekley, I haven't decided, about my thoughts, tips and experience. So buckle up and hold on, LET'S DO THIS!
Here are my Stats as of Day 1:
Weight: 155lbs
Hips: 37" Waist: 33".
First let me tell you what comes with this challenge.
10 day Herbal cleanse drink and Vitamins
Spark, an energy drink to boost energy and metabolism
Meal replacement shakes
OmegaPlex vitamins.
24 Day Challenge guide.
The first 10 days is the cleanse phase. YES I get to eat food ( quite a bit actually ), and NO I'm not running to the bathroom every 2 seconds. Each day I will post what is required and what I eat.
Day 1:
Spark 30 minuets before breakfast. This helped me wake up, since I'm not allowed to have coffee. This isn't as heavy as my coffee and didn't make me hungry ( coffee does that to me ).
Breakfast: 1/2 Cup Oatmeal with 1 banana cut up in it and 2 hard boiled eggs. And my Fiber Drink.
I added the banana to my oatmeal for my fruit and sweetness. I usually add tons of butter and sugar to my oatmeal, so this was satisfying, but something I will have to get used to.
I over estimatated how much I could eat. I only ate half my oatmeal and 1 egg. I will have the rest tomorrow for breakfast or a snack this week. I will be blatantly honest. The Fiber drink is NASTY. It was like orange tasting gel. It was recommended to me to add less than the suggested amount of water and chug it. I will try that tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
Snack 1: 2 Carrot sticks.
I cut these up into small pieces so I could much on them at my desk to trick my mind into thinking I was eating more.
Spark 30 minuets before lunch.
This is optional, but being the first day with changing my routine, I needed it for the boost of energy.
Lunch: Chicken salad with Garbanzo beans.
you are supposed to have a protein ( 4 oz of meat), veggie and complex carb. I did add 2 tbls of shredded low fat cheese to satisfy my dairy tooth.
*Lunch may not sound like much but with 2 cups of lettuce, 4 oz of shredded chicken and 1/4 cup garbanzo beans it was VERY filling and satisfying.
Snack: 1 Apple.
I'll be honest, for a 3:00 snack I will need more than just an apple. Lesson learned. I will have to try it with some yogurt or something next time.
Dinner:Baked Salmon, Quinoa with Kale and Mushrooms.
This was my first time making Quinoa. I briefly read a recipe when you add kale and mushrooms. It was good, but I need to figure out better healthy seasonings. It was satisfying and the hubby liked it, so SUCCESS!
I was allowed a snack after supper, but I didn't have time. I go to a 60 minuet high intensity aerobics class at 5:30. I also had to get 4 miles in for my training so by the time my workout was over I didn't get to eat supper until 7:00. Might be something I need to moderate.
In addition to the food I am supposed to drink 77 oz of water, according to their math.Your body weight divided by 2 = the total ounces of water per day. THIS is what has me going to the potty every 5 minuets.. The book they give you has lots of room for notes and daily logs.
I did take a 'Before' picture, but I think I will wait to post it the end of the challenge. A few notes on my first day, and then I will end this book.
1) I was a little jittery. I am not used to taking that many vitamins. I also get a little nauseous with that many vitamins. I'm sure I will get used to it.
2) I did NOT pack adequate snacks to hold me over during the day. Carrots and an apple is not enough. to start. I will have to plan that better.
3) I did hit a lul by 3:00. but once I go into the gym my energy returned. So if you are doing this, I recommend trying to get some walking or jumping jacks in mid-afternoon.
4) I haven't had to rush to the bathroom, which I am thankful for. Not sure if that will happen or not..
So far so good. Day 1 finished and beat! Bring on Day 2!!!
Thanks for Reading and Happy Dropin'!
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Awakening
So I realize that what I am about to write might make me seem a bit crazy. With that being said I must admit that I have voices in my head. Not to beat an old drum, but with the sad fact that I have never really followed through with any of my fitness goals I have never met the person inside my head that yells at me, we can call her TRINA
I am still trying to follow the 12 week half marathon training program. By " Trying" I mean that within the 4 weeks I have had a Colorado trip/cold and I have another vacation coming up this next week, which has made it hard to do the miles every day. But I am doing my best to get the miles in a week that the program requires.
I first met Trina week 2. I was supposed to run 4 miles. The longest distance I had run in a few years. The gym I go to has a childcare room, but it closes at 12. So I went in on my lunch break, but I got there late. I was only almost 2.5 miles in and I only had just over 15 minutes until the room closed. I had been averaging a 10 min. mile, so I was concerned that I wasn't going to be able to finish on time, plus I was getting tired.Once I get 2 reasonably good excuses in my head, I usually can quit with a clear conscious ( hence the never following through). Just as I was about to quit, Trina started talking to me. Telling me that all I had to do was pick up my pace and I could complete the miles. After a few minuets of bantering, I was at 3.5 miles with about 5 minuets left. Still trying to quit, she kept yelling at me. SHE WON.. It was the strangest experience. I felt better and accomplished although I wouldn't admit that to Trina!
Trina went into hiding after that, but not for long. She started yelling at me yesterday when I wanted to eat my chicken breast SMOTHERED in cheese. There wasn't that much left in the package, and I DO LOVE cheese. I had been good for the past 4 weeks, this little bit won't hurt me.. She keeps yelling at me that it's not worth it, I already had been sipping a soda and I was getting lazy.. I WON. I smothered that chicken with yummy melted cheese and I enjoyed every bite, washed it down with some Sprite. I decided that I wasn't going to run because. I had a long night the night before, I didn't pack my clothes, and it was COLD outside. THREE great excuses!! Trina tried to get her 2 cents in, and my 2 friends who are doing the program with me were trying to encourage me... Nope wasn't going to go.... YELLING! She wouldn't stop! I tried to tune her out, but then I mentioned to my husband that I 'needed' to run, but I didn't want to head out after just getting home. Then my husband did something that surprised me. He told me that I would feel better if I did, and that he would wait to cook supper until I get back! UGH OK I'll go.
It was 30 degrees outside, it was starting to sleet, the sun was going down and my belly was full of delicious melted cheese, chicken and sprite. It was hard at first and Trina took that opportunity to remind me that she was right about eating that stuff and I should listen to her from now on.
I didn't get the full 5 miles I was supposed to run, but I did run just over 3. I was happy that I got out, I DID feel better, and I am thankful for the people in my life that don't accept my excuses and push me. If you have never had someone in your head yelling at you to help you get better I hope you meet them soon. I am surprised and happy that I have one! So get off your couch, do something that makes you happy, and get active! Lets Drop that Poundage together!!!
I am still trying to follow the 12 week half marathon training program. By " Trying" I mean that within the 4 weeks I have had a Colorado trip/cold and I have another vacation coming up this next week, which has made it hard to do the miles every day. But I am doing my best to get the miles in a week that the program requires.
I first met Trina week 2. I was supposed to run 4 miles. The longest distance I had run in a few years. The gym I go to has a childcare room, but it closes at 12. So I went in on my lunch break, but I got there late. I was only almost 2.5 miles in and I only had just over 15 minutes until the room closed. I had been averaging a 10 min. mile, so I was concerned that I wasn't going to be able to finish on time, plus I was getting tired.Once I get 2 reasonably good excuses in my head, I usually can quit with a clear conscious ( hence the never following through). Just as I was about to quit, Trina started talking to me. Telling me that all I had to do was pick up my pace and I could complete the miles. After a few minuets of bantering, I was at 3.5 miles with about 5 minuets left. Still trying to quit, she kept yelling at me. SHE WON.. It was the strangest experience. I felt better and accomplished although I wouldn't admit that to Trina!
Trina went into hiding after that, but not for long. She started yelling at me yesterday when I wanted to eat my chicken breast SMOTHERED in cheese. There wasn't that much left in the package, and I DO LOVE cheese. I had been good for the past 4 weeks, this little bit won't hurt me.. She keeps yelling at me that it's not worth it, I already had been sipping a soda and I was getting lazy.. I WON. I smothered that chicken with yummy melted cheese and I enjoyed every bite, washed it down with some Sprite. I decided that I wasn't going to run because. I had a long night the night before, I didn't pack my clothes, and it was COLD outside. THREE great excuses!! Trina tried to get her 2 cents in, and my 2 friends who are doing the program with me were trying to encourage me... Nope wasn't going to go.... YELLING! She wouldn't stop! I tried to tune her out, but then I mentioned to my husband that I 'needed' to run, but I didn't want to head out after just getting home. Then my husband did something that surprised me. He told me that I would feel better if I did, and that he would wait to cook supper until I get back! UGH OK I'll go.
It was 30 degrees outside, it was starting to sleet, the sun was going down and my belly was full of delicious melted cheese, chicken and sprite. It was hard at first and Trina took that opportunity to remind me that she was right about eating that stuff and I should listen to her from now on.
I didn't get the full 5 miles I was supposed to run, but I did run just over 3. I was happy that I got out, I DID feel better, and I am thankful for the people in my life that don't accept my excuses and push me. If you have never had someone in your head yelling at you to help you get better I hope you meet them soon. I am surprised and happy that I have one! So get off your couch, do something that makes you happy, and get active! Lets Drop that Poundage together!!!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Commitment
I know I am supposed to post Part 2 of my Resolution post, but I quickly have something I would like to share with you. Back in 2002 I was training to do a relay marathon with some girlfriends at Harding. I wasn't an every day runner, but I made it on the pavement at least 3 times a week. I was really excited to try this race. In January of 2003 I discovered I was pregnant with the first of my 3 babies. Long story short, I never got to run that race. Since that time, I have been and on again off again kind of runner. I'd run with friends, do a few 5K's here and there, but never really committed to it. I don't think it's a big secret that I have poor mental stamina. I have a hard time encouraging myself and really pushing myself unless there is someone there doing it for me. I guess it is easier for me to let myself down and no one really know about it, but when there are witnesses I guess I have to seem stronger.
Well part of this years Resolution Revolution is that I will run my first half marathon. I WILL DO IT! I have a few friends who enjoy running that I know will encourage me and do it with me and that makes it a lot easier for me to look forward to this race.
I did some looking online and found a 12 week training program for beginners. I printed it off and decided that I can follow this. I am close to completing week 3. And aside from the constant state of sore my body is in, the sore knees and back, I feel good, motivated, accomplished. So far the average mileage a week is about 19-20 miles. This is by far the most miles my body has suffered through consecutively in my whole life. I ran track in high school, but never this distance, this often. NOPE.
I have to say, I must pat myself on the back. I finally admitted out loud in my last post about never being able to finish something. Sad but awesome at the same time is, this is one of the first things I have followed through with. I know I still have 9 weeks left with a vacation thrown in there, but I know I can do this.
I know this won't be easy. I have had many inner mental fights with myself while on the run. Knock out fights where if my inner self was 2 people standing in front of me, One Motivating and the other Lazy Hinderer, they would be wrestling on the floor. I will continue to be inspired and motivated by those who have similar goals as mine, and just remind myself of the reward I will have after crossing that finish line.
Well that's all. Thanks for reading and I'll get on that Part 2, soon. Happy Dropin'.
Well part of this years Resolution Revolution is that I will run my first half marathon. I WILL DO IT! I have a few friends who enjoy running that I know will encourage me and do it with me and that makes it a lot easier for me to look forward to this race.
I did some looking online and found a 12 week training program for beginners. I printed it off and decided that I can follow this. I am close to completing week 3. And aside from the constant state of sore my body is in, the sore knees and back, I feel good, motivated, accomplished. So far the average mileage a week is about 19-20 miles. This is by far the most miles my body has suffered through consecutively in my whole life. I ran track in high school, but never this distance, this often. NOPE.
I have to say, I must pat myself on the back. I finally admitted out loud in my last post about never being able to finish something. Sad but awesome at the same time is, this is one of the first things I have followed through with. I know I still have 9 weeks left with a vacation thrown in there, but I know I can do this.
I know this won't be easy. I have had many inner mental fights with myself while on the run. Knock out fights where if my inner self was 2 people standing in front of me, One Motivating and the other Lazy Hinderer, they would be wrestling on the floor. I will continue to be inspired and motivated by those who have similar goals as mine, and just remind myself of the reward I will have after crossing that finish line.
Well that's all. Thanks for reading and I'll get on that Part 2, soon. Happy Dropin'.
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