Sorry about the delay in posting. We have been busy and sick, and sick of the super cold winter. There is something nice about doing a detox in the spring. Rebirth, new life, who knows? But for me it is partly the ability to escape the nasty detox symptoms and desire for foods I shouldn't be eating. I can just go out for a walk. Take the kiddos to the park. But when it is subzero, I don't even want to take the kiddos from the house to the car to the store. Or the library. Or the Children's Museum. And when the local schools are closing because of dangerously low temps. We stay inside.
So in the end, I lost 2 pounds total. Not bad. Kinda disappointing for all the effort. But in fairness, I did feel pretty darn good. After day 3. Although, it took a couple days to get that song "Man in the Mirror" out of my head. Thanks, sis. And now it is back.
I started winding down on Sunday. I've been keeping up with the anti-oxidant berry drink and the super green drink, I have some leftover supplements this time, so why not use them all? And vegetable juice at least once a day. Today, I plan to switch the vegetable juice to a apple/greens smoothie. I've been keeping up with the soups, nothing like soup on a cold winter day. When I am sick, I love a piping hot bowl of broth. So lots of hot soup and tea.
Also, on Monday I decided to commit to the Almased plan. Here is why:
1. It is supposed to be good for revving up my slow metabolism.
2. It is supposed to be safe for losing fat but not muscle.
3. I am pretty sure my body has trouble with hormone imbalance, glucose intolerance, adrenal fatigue and or hypothyroidism. Sounds like a lot, but all those are pretty closely connected. And Almased is supposed to help balance it all out.
Now any fasting would probably work to "reset" what is not balanced in your body. But after my last pregnancy it took 21 days with the juice fast. I don't want to do that again. I have different priorities now. Also, I think my body is in a little worse shape this time. So I'm going to use the shakes and see what happens. I am not a fan of meal replacement shakes as a way to lose weight. I dislike protein powders. alot of gross fake ingredients. Why would I do a detox juice fast and turn around and put a bunch of junk back in? Almased is all natural, no fake flavors or sugars or colors, ect. I am hoping it helps me lose weight, but more importantly, that it kickstarts my metabolism and then I can eat healthy and lose weight and have all the energy and benefits that are supposed to come with a healthy diet.
And lastly. I am taking a 30 fast from gluten and sugar. Taking the cue from my little sis, I am going to make my calendar with a different person or intention on every day. That way, when I want to give up, I will be reminded that I am choosing to sacrifice on this day for this person. I am too much of a people pleaser to short change someone by not sticking to my sacrifice for them ;) win. win.
side note: if you ever have a searingly painful sore throat, take very very warm water, a splash of lemon or lime juice, 1 teaspoon of honey & 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (or open 2 capsules & pour into cup) drink it down fast. and feel the burn. Have another drink ready to ease the pain. but in minutes my throat went from constant searing pain to, it hurts a little when I swallow. And there is your fun fact for today.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
third day
Today started off terrible. Pretty much the same as yesterday ended. I was exhausted by noon. The "cream of mushroom" soup I made was disgusting, but we ate it anyway. Hubby is feeling pretty bad, at least the girls are starting to feel better, so that makes life easier. Less whining, less fighting. Lots more play, laughter and giggling. Just as it should be.
When Meggy took her nap, I took mine. And then I felt a little better. As the day went on I started to feel better and better and around 3pm I caught a glance of my reflection in a mirror. Wow, I look good! No make-up, really need to wash my hair, but . . . the circles under my eyes are gone, my face isn't puffy & my color is awesome, my eyes are bright. I look like I spent the day at the spa. Or what I imagine that would look like. Unfortunately I chose to weigh myself this morning. I gained 1.5 pounds, somehow, since Sunday. Consuming less than 1,000 calories daily of fresh produce & vegetable soups. Only I could GAIN weight on a juice fast. Now maybe I should've waited until Monday. And maybe Monday morning this will be resolved and I will have lost 5 pounds or something. But seriously? The only gleam of hope keeping on this detox course at this point, is my fabulous reflection. And that I committed to this with my hubby. And that I actually am feeling pretty good right now. Less stressed, less needing to snack attack after the girls are in bed. My big hope is that I can end my emotional eating & my crazy carb/sugar addiction with this detox. And just not look back. I need to start incorporating exercise. And that is part of the plan. Maybe even tomorrow. But definitely Friday when Husband is off work. I think I want to continue this crazy juice fast. At least through Sunday. But I might take a very gradual path back to eating. We shall see. I need to make some lifestyle changing & drop some major pounds before the next pregnancy. God willing. Because my post-partum body tends to go into hormone chaos. It was bad with baby#1 and then worse with baby#2. I just look at a donut or bagel and I gain weight.
I am curious if my body has gone into a "starvation mode" and that's why I gained. I had a half portion of an almased shake last night. and again tonight. I am hoping it helps with the weight loss. I know it helps me not feel hungry or even think about food or snacking after the girls go to bed. I will be relying on these shakes as I transition & I feel pretty good about them. They dont have a bunch of artificial flavors, colors, sugars. Basically, fermented soy, yogurt & honey & some b vitamins. But magically, they cut cravings all together. It is 90 calories for a 1/2 serving if you make it with water.
So I am staying the course. Because of my reflection.
When Meggy took her nap, I took mine. And then I felt a little better. As the day went on I started to feel better and better and around 3pm I caught a glance of my reflection in a mirror. Wow, I look good! No make-up, really need to wash my hair, but . . . the circles under my eyes are gone, my face isn't puffy & my color is awesome, my eyes are bright. I look like I spent the day at the spa. Or what I imagine that would look like. Unfortunately I chose to weigh myself this morning. I gained 1.5 pounds, somehow, since Sunday. Consuming less than 1,000 calories daily of fresh produce & vegetable soups. Only I could GAIN weight on a juice fast. Now maybe I should've waited until Monday. And maybe Monday morning this will be resolved and I will have lost 5 pounds or something. But seriously? The only gleam of hope keeping on this detox course at this point, is my fabulous reflection. And that I committed to this with my hubby. And that I actually am feeling pretty good right now. Less stressed, less needing to snack attack after the girls are in bed. My big hope is that I can end my emotional eating & my crazy carb/sugar addiction with this detox. And just not look back. I need to start incorporating exercise. And that is part of the plan. Maybe even tomorrow. But definitely Friday when Husband is off work. I think I want to continue this crazy juice fast. At least through Sunday. But I might take a very gradual path back to eating. We shall see. I need to make some lifestyle changing & drop some major pounds before the next pregnancy. God willing. Because my post-partum body tends to go into hormone chaos. It was bad with baby#1 and then worse with baby#2. I just look at a donut or bagel and I gain weight.
I am curious if my body has gone into a "starvation mode" and that's why I gained. I had a half portion of an almased shake last night. and again tonight. I am hoping it helps with the weight loss. I know it helps me not feel hungry or even think about food or snacking after the girls go to bed. I will be relying on these shakes as I transition & I feel pretty good about them. They dont have a bunch of artificial flavors, colors, sugars. Basically, fermented soy, yogurt & honey & some b vitamins. But magically, they cut cravings all together. It is 90 calories for a 1/2 serving if you make it with water.
So I am staying the course. Because of my reflection.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
days 1 & 2
I had forgotten how much work this requires.
Even with cutting the juicing down to once a day. To juice enough produce to produce (ha) 2 liters of goodness takes time. And that's excluding the prep work of washing & cutting the produce into chunks that will fit into my Champion, because that part was completed the night before. I spent a little more time with it this morning and we have juice for today and morning at least. Unless I drink it all tonight. Supposedly the juice is the best within 20 minutes, but stays fresh up to 48 hours.
My downfalls, same as last time. STRESS eating. And cooking for the kids.
Dear Anna banana had a runny nose Saturday, was whiny and more sensitive and had a runny nose Sunday. Monday it was a full-fledged winter cold, tired, achy, slight temp. She just wants to hide under a blanket. Her little sister also has a runny nose, but Meggy just wants to run around and play with her big sister. Right now that means Anna hiding under the covers in my bed while Meg jumps around her. I remember that addictions are often triggered when you are HALT (hungry angry lonely tired) since my addiction is emotional eating, I am trying to avoid being H-A-L or T. But the oddds are just NOT in my favor. sticking to drinking (juice) on a 2 hour schedule is fine when help is around. but I guess I never realized how much I put off eating or drinking when the kids need something. And they always need something. I just have to remember, if I put off taking care of what I need, I AM going to get hungrier and then angry and then tired. And lonely. Because I have no one to commiserate with. Here is another fact. This is one of the worst Wisconsin winters in a long time. And when the schools are closed, playgroup is cancelled. And this mama stays indoors. Because it is painful for mama to go out. And dangerous to take little fingers and faces out in the -20s. And there is no reason for it. Except sanity. But who needs that. BORING ;)
Yesterday was ok. Until it was 6:00, time to "eat" something and also, quite suddenly time to put the kids to bed. And then it was 7pm. And the french onion soup from lunch was gone. At least I had a couple back up organic pre-made soups , not salt free, or sugar free, in fact, but better than a bag of chips. So happy I cleaned out the pantry. I would have eaten a bag of chips last night. literally. So I learned I need to make double the amount of soup I made yesterday. The tomato soup for today was perfect, hot and yummy and filling and it lasted through my 6pm dinner.
Husband said he is feeling sick too. Im pretty sure it is the detox, but the girls aren't detoxing and they are sick. Who knows. I am feeling it though. Today has really just stunk. And that's putting it nicely. No energy, mental fogginess. Achy-ness. Nauseous. blah. I plan to do a detox bath after the girls are in bed. and the dishes are done. A dry brushing and then nice long detox bath. And then a big glass of clay water. And very comfy pajamas. And my warm fuzzy slippers. And a big pot of my favorite tea. And my favorite episodes of The Office. Or maybe Better Off Ted. Because I CHOSE this detox and now I am going to "Deal with it, Ted" Can't wait for day 3 to get here and be over with already. Looking forward to the last 3 days and feeling better. And here's hoping (raise your glass of kombucha with me) that the girls sleep well even though they are sick. Because this mama wants a solid 8 hours. But I dream. And I have to go stop some dispute now, over block towers, and the proper time to knock down a block tower that is not your own (never).
Even with cutting the juicing down to once a day. To juice enough produce to produce (ha) 2 liters of goodness takes time. And that's excluding the prep work of washing & cutting the produce into chunks that will fit into my Champion, because that part was completed the night before. I spent a little more time with it this morning and we have juice for today and morning at least. Unless I drink it all tonight. Supposedly the juice is the best within 20 minutes, but stays fresh up to 48 hours.
My downfalls, same as last time. STRESS eating. And cooking for the kids.
Dear Anna banana had a runny nose Saturday, was whiny and more sensitive and had a runny nose Sunday. Monday it was a full-fledged winter cold, tired, achy, slight temp. She just wants to hide under a blanket. Her little sister also has a runny nose, but Meggy just wants to run around and play with her big sister. Right now that means Anna hiding under the covers in my bed while Meg jumps around her. I remember that addictions are often triggered when you are HALT (hungry angry lonely tired) since my addiction is emotional eating, I am trying to avoid being H-A-L or T. But the oddds are just NOT in my favor. sticking to drinking (juice) on a 2 hour schedule is fine when help is around. but I guess I never realized how much I put off eating or drinking when the kids need something. And they always need something. I just have to remember, if I put off taking care of what I need, I AM going to get hungrier and then angry and then tired. And lonely. Because I have no one to commiserate with. Here is another fact. This is one of the worst Wisconsin winters in a long time. And when the schools are closed, playgroup is cancelled. And this mama stays indoors. Because it is painful for mama to go out. And dangerous to take little fingers and faces out in the -20s. And there is no reason for it. Except sanity. But who needs that. BORING ;)
Yesterday was ok. Until it was 6:00, time to "eat" something and also, quite suddenly time to put the kids to bed. And then it was 7pm. And the french onion soup from lunch was gone. At least I had a couple back up organic pre-made soups , not salt free, or sugar free, in fact, but better than a bag of chips. So happy I cleaned out the pantry. I would have eaten a bag of chips last night. literally. So I learned I need to make double the amount of soup I made yesterday. The tomato soup for today was perfect, hot and yummy and filling and it lasted through my 6pm dinner.
Husband said he is feeling sick too. Im pretty sure it is the detox, but the girls aren't detoxing and they are sick. Who knows. I am feeling it though. Today has really just stunk. And that's putting it nicely. No energy, mental fogginess. Achy-ness. Nauseous. blah. I plan to do a detox bath after the girls are in bed. and the dishes are done. A dry brushing and then nice long detox bath. And then a big glass of clay water. And very comfy pajamas. And my warm fuzzy slippers. And a big pot of my favorite tea. And my favorite episodes of The Office. Or maybe Better Off Ted. Because I CHOSE this detox and now I am going to "Deal with it, Ted" Can't wait for day 3 to get here and be over with already. Looking forward to the last 3 days and feeling better. And here's hoping (raise your glass of kombucha with me) that the girls sleep well even though they are sick. Because this mama wants a solid 8 hours. But I dream. And I have to go stop some dispute now, over block towers, and the proper time to knock down a block tower that is not your own (never).
Sunday, January 26, 2014
tomorrow tomorrow
And so it begins . . .
I have washed & peeled 10 lbs of carrot & 5 lbs of apples, lettuce & kale, beets. All ready to juice and stored in glass pyrex in the fridge. There isn't much else in the fridge. Or the pantry. And I told the Hubby I'd help him as much as I could. So I boxed up all the sweets and snack foods. And put them in the attic. I also told the husband for every day he did the juice fast, I would work out an hour on the elliptical. I really really don't like to exercise. He feels the same way about fasting and diets. So, since he is doing something I feel is important to his health. I will do something he feels is important to mine.
And God help us.
I did a mini-fast day today, just to start the adjustment period. I had 3 almased 1/2 shakes throughout the day and a very light lunch and dinner. And some V8 juice. I started the "whole body cleanse" supplements last night, continued them today. Also the antioxidant berry juice & green superfoods powder. blech. just plain gross. but I am determined to do this. So wish me luck.
I still have to review the 2 hour schedule from my first detox & get that posted on the fridge.
but the kids are in bed, so that's what I will do right now.
I plan to weigh myself tomorrow morning & not again until the following Monday. I am hoping to continue this through next Sunday. And then hopefully spend the next week slowly coming back to food, maintaining juice/ supplements every 2 hours. Most of the supplements are a 30 day supply. So I will be able to continue with those past the first week. And I have 50 lbs of carrots & 50 pounds of apples & a continuous supply of greens to juice. So really my will power is all that stands in my way. Rather, my lack of willpower.
I have washed & peeled 10 lbs of carrot & 5 lbs of apples, lettuce & kale, beets. All ready to juice and stored in glass pyrex in the fridge. There isn't much else in the fridge. Or the pantry. And I told the Hubby I'd help him as much as I could. So I boxed up all the sweets and snack foods. And put them in the attic. I also told the husband for every day he did the juice fast, I would work out an hour on the elliptical. I really really don't like to exercise. He feels the same way about fasting and diets. So, since he is doing something I feel is important to his health. I will do something he feels is important to mine.
And God help us.
I did a mini-fast day today, just to start the adjustment period. I had 3 almased 1/2 shakes throughout the day and a very light lunch and dinner. And some V8 juice. I started the "whole body cleanse" supplements last night, continued them today. Also the antioxidant berry juice & green superfoods powder. blech. just plain gross. but I am determined to do this. So wish me luck.
I still have to review the 2 hour schedule from my first detox & get that posted on the fridge.
but the kids are in bed, so that's what I will do right now.
I plan to weigh myself tomorrow morning & not again until the following Monday. I am hoping to continue this through next Sunday. And then hopefully spend the next week slowly coming back to food, maintaining juice/ supplements every 2 hours. Most of the supplements are a 30 day supply. So I will be able to continue with those past the first week. And I have 50 lbs of carrots & 50 pounds of apples & a continuous supply of greens to juice. So really my will power is all that stands in my way. Rather, my lack of willpower.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Third Time's A Charm?
So as you might have imagined by the lack of posts, "detox round 2" didn't go so well. Or rather, didn't go at all. I'm the kinda girl who likes companions on the detox journey. you know, the whole "misery loves company" business. One such companion, just completed a week (or 2?) Almased detox/cleanse/diet. Her husband joined her and apparently it worked well. My own patient husband has agreed to a juice fast with me with a few exceptions while he is at work. For him it will be more of a sugar/processed food fast. Which is challenging enough. For me it will be a juice fast. But I also have 5 canisters of Almased for after the first 3 days of juice fasting. I hope they last long enough to kickstart my metabolism.
The "plan" is to begin the juice detox on Monday (or maybe Sunday) and go until Friday or Saturday. I am hoping for 7 days. And I am hoping dear husband can last 4 or 5. I think the Almased will help him stay the course.
My siblings & parents & I are all doing a weight loss competition. Reach and maintain your weight loss goal by May and you get your fifty back, along with anyone else's fifty that did not reach and maintain their goal. My goal for the competition is 20lbs, but privately I am hoping to reach 40lbs in 4 months. I know that is a little extreme. but I also know how great I would feel at 145. Especially if I can lose that amount and keep it off before getting pregnant again. If I follow the previous weight gain for pregnancy, I will gain 35-40lbs. that's gonna be a little easier starting at 145. Right now this is all wishful thinking. But I have lost 5 pounds since the competition started 3 weeks ago.
Of course, it wouldn't really be my kind of juice fast if I refrained from all the healthy supplements I have learned about. So I will be including them all. From cayenne capsules to clay. And chopped raw garlic. ACV and EVCO and EVOO. (Don't you feel important knowing what all those crunchy letters mean?) Water kefir & kombucha tea. Dry brushing and detox baths. And if necessary, the dreaded coffee enema. IF necessary. Although it isn't THAT bad. Really. It isn't.
And I am going to SLOWLY return to healthy eating. My hope is that the fast kills my nasty carb/sugar cravings, which right now, if I indulge even a little the cravings take over my brain ;) I plan on being sugar/ processed flour/ gluten free from the fast to infinity. and beyond. Or at least mostly. I probably still have a candida overgrowth. And a hormone imbalance. And my adrenal glands are overtaxed. blah. I hope this works as well as the first time, weight loss, better sleep, more energy. and I get pregnant again.
And I plan to get to bed by 9:30 (aka 10pm) and be up to get my ellie (elliptical) time in before the girls wake up. Also, the myfitnesspal app is really useful for tracking calories & exercise & weight/measurement loss. So it is alot. Always. I guess I just don't know any other way. It is a problem to have an "all in, all the time or don't even bother" mentality. But that's what Im working with. So here goes everything. Or nothing ;)
The "plan" is to begin the juice detox on Monday (or maybe Sunday) and go until Friday or Saturday. I am hoping for 7 days. And I am hoping dear husband can last 4 or 5. I think the Almased will help him stay the course.
My siblings & parents & I are all doing a weight loss competition. Reach and maintain your weight loss goal by May and you get your fifty back, along with anyone else's fifty that did not reach and maintain their goal. My goal for the competition is 20lbs, but privately I am hoping to reach 40lbs in 4 months. I know that is a little extreme. but I also know how great I would feel at 145. Especially if I can lose that amount and keep it off before getting pregnant again. If I follow the previous weight gain for pregnancy, I will gain 35-40lbs. that's gonna be a little easier starting at 145. Right now this is all wishful thinking. But I have lost 5 pounds since the competition started 3 weeks ago.
Of course, it wouldn't really be my kind of juice fast if I refrained from all the healthy supplements I have learned about. So I will be including them all. From cayenne capsules to clay. And chopped raw garlic. ACV and EVCO and EVOO. (Don't you feel important knowing what all those crunchy letters mean?) Water kefir & kombucha tea. Dry brushing and detox baths. And if necessary, the dreaded coffee enema. IF necessary. Although it isn't THAT bad. Really. It isn't.
And I am going to SLOWLY return to healthy eating. My hope is that the fast kills my nasty carb/sugar cravings, which right now, if I indulge even a little the cravings take over my brain ;) I plan on being sugar/ processed flour/ gluten free from the fast to infinity. and beyond. Or at least mostly. I probably still have a candida overgrowth. And a hormone imbalance. And my adrenal glands are overtaxed. blah. I hope this works as well as the first time, weight loss, better sleep, more energy. and I get pregnant again.
And I plan to get to bed by 9:30 (aka 10pm) and be up to get my ellie (elliptical) time in before the girls wake up. Also, the myfitnesspal app is really useful for tracking calories & exercise & weight/measurement loss. So it is alot. Always. I guess I just don't know any other way. It is a problem to have an "all in, all the time or don't even bother" mentality. But that's what Im working with. So here goes everything. Or nothing ;)
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