The day has come and the end is here. The last few days I discovered were the hardest (not including the first two days where I had a headache the entire day). Now these days were hard not because of headaches or the food, they were the hardest because you are so close to the finish line that you start feeling that itch that makes you want to cheat just a little. There were nights when the fish, rice, and mushroom dinner was starting to look like something left over from dinners past and the thought of a cheeseburger or even a simple sandwich would be heaven right now. It was even harder when you have a daughter that loves her PB&J's and as I was making them for her the leftover PB on the knife was calling to me like fresh blood on a pricked finger to a hungry Vampire.
Day 16 -20 went by slowly just because it was the end of the detox and I knew that on that last day I would be ready for something new. During this time you will really be tested but I found that by keeping yourself focused on the days to come; i.e. new eating habits for after the detox, a grocery list for the upcoming week, and a new exercise plan. I was walking everyday with having one day off and I was now accustomed to the healthier eating lifestyle. I just kept telling myself that in these last days that you will be tested but be strong because the final weigh-in is right around the corner and the last thing you want is to gain weight right before the finish line arrives.
Day 21 was a great day, almost like the day before your birthday. I sat back a planned what dinner I wanted and the first "treat" that I was going to have; it was a fun thought, activity, and realization all wrapped into one as the hours ticked by. At the end of it all, on the 21st day, I did feel better. It was nice not having to rely on my sweet tea in the morning, and it was wonderful hearing people tell me that I looked as if I lost weight.
One of my co-workers told me that we don't lose weight, we donate it to the universe because if we lose something then there is a possibility that we can find it again. If we donate something then the chances of it returning to us are a lot less likely. I liked that idea and I liked it even better when I did my final measurements and weight. I lose an inch in my waist and my belly and I lost a total of 15 pounds. I do have a little more energy but I think that's because I not lugging around 15 extra pounds and I have noticed that my need or desire to eat has gone away; I don't snack as much. The best thing that I think about now is that I know how to eat better without the extra cravings, I don't need my sweet tea every morning, and I don't need my hunger crutch (my gum). I will be able to save money on my grocery bill and I am on a healthier path to reaching my overall goal weight .
Now for those that may ask if I would ever do this again, to be honest, I am not sure. I loved the benefits of my first detox but I'm not sure if I would be able to go through another 21-day Detox. But on the other hand, one of the benefits of the detox is flush the body of toxins and unwanted sugars (as well as other things) so that would be worth it; a kind-of reset for the body. So to answer that question...I would just have to wait and see how I felt in 6 months when I am able to do another Detox.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Day 11 - 15
Ok, I tried doing a day-to-day blog but obviously this has failed but there is a good reason. Once you get involved with a life-changing process there comes a time when days tend to run into each other. With the detox you will find that with the mid-point to the end of the program your days will start to run into each other. The activities of your day may change such as work habits or at home activities but the eating and the supplement taking never changes so day 11 seems just like day 15. Now just so I am not discouraging someone from trying the detox, there are some things that I have noticed.
Between day 11 and 15 I lost more unwanted weight to bring my total to 12 pounds lost so far, I have gained more energy, and I have also gained a better eating habit. Now what I mean by a better eating habit is that when I have lunch or breakfast I am seeing that I am eating less and by spreading out my snacks I am able to stay full without any discomfort or hunger pains. I don't allow myself to starve but I find that a single helping at dinner is more than enough when before the detox I was taking seconds without any hesitation. I do advise people to exercise while on the detox. The exercise has helped with my energy level and it has allowed me to take advantage of the full potential of weight loss to a new level. Before the detox I hurt my back and I had to stop running. I was running 3-plus miles in under 30 minutes and I was starting to get my body back to my old glory days of college (before parties and sleeping-in were introduced to me). But with my back I was unable to run and when I started the detox I started to walk. Walking helps strengthen your back and it keeps your joints loose. With the detox I found that I was able to increase my speed and my walking time. Combined with the weight loss and the exercise my back is starting to get better.
Now with only a few days left I am looking forward to being able to eat some different items but I am also excited to know that I have better eating options and better meals that will benefit me far after this detox is over with.
Between day 11 and 15 I lost more unwanted weight to bring my total to 12 pounds lost so far, I have gained more energy, and I have also gained a better eating habit. Now what I mean by a better eating habit is that when I have lunch or breakfast I am seeing that I am eating less and by spreading out my snacks I am able to stay full without any discomfort or hunger pains. I don't allow myself to starve but I find that a single helping at dinner is more than enough when before the detox I was taking seconds without any hesitation. I do advise people to exercise while on the detox. The exercise has helped with my energy level and it has allowed me to take advantage of the full potential of weight loss to a new level. Before the detox I hurt my back and I had to stop running. I was running 3-plus miles in under 30 minutes and I was starting to get my body back to my old glory days of college (before parties and sleeping-in were introduced to me). But with my back I was unable to run and when I started the detox I started to walk. Walking helps strengthen your back and it keeps your joints loose. With the detox I found that I was able to increase my speed and my walking time. Combined with the weight loss and the exercise my back is starting to get better.
Now with only a few days left I am looking forward to being able to eat some different items but I am also excited to know that I have better eating options and better meals that will benefit me far after this detox is over with.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Day 9 and 10
Day 9 and 10 were both long days for me. The food was getting boring and the pills were seeming endless but during the middle part of my day on day nine I realized that I was making it worse than it really was. The main thing that I have learned is that during any diet, detox, or change in personal habits you will always hit a peak. That last, yet hardest, curve of the mountain right before the peak is always there and is always present when you feel that like things could not get any worse. Then in the horizon you see that line; that bold divider between the sky and road that indicates one thing...the travel is about to get easier. I saw this on day nine and this thought got me through day 10 knowing that now going into day 11 I can introduce some variety and I am only 10 days from the finish line. The travel is now starting to go downhill and things are better.
I am starting to feel better; the weight is coming off, the exercise is getting easier, and the food is not so boring. My tip for anyone going through this is to be creative and mix things up. There may not seem like to many opinions but if you fill your free time by searching for some different recipes not only will your time go by a little quicker but you will also find something new to look forward to at the next dinner time. My wife came up with a really good "fried" rice recipe combining cooked brown rice, carrots, peas, and our allowed one egg per day for something that was really tasty and different. Now since I am heading into day 11 I can introduce some chicken to the leftover "fried" rice and have a really tasty meal.
For my body over the past two days I have lost more weight and now the total is up to 10 pounds lost. I have not weighted this much since my sophomore year in college. My only complaint is still having to go to the bathroom more than usual due to the amount of water you have to drink but that's not too bad compared to what I could be complaining about.
I am starting to feel better; the weight is coming off, the exercise is getting easier, and the food is not so boring. My tip for anyone going through this is to be creative and mix things up. There may not seem like to many opinions but if you fill your free time by searching for some different recipes not only will your time go by a little quicker but you will also find something new to look forward to at the next dinner time. My wife came up with a really good "fried" rice recipe combining cooked brown rice, carrots, peas, and our allowed one egg per day for something that was really tasty and different. Now since I am heading into day 11 I can introduce some chicken to the leftover "fried" rice and have a really tasty meal.
For my body over the past two days I have lost more weight and now the total is up to 10 pounds lost. I have not weighted this much since my sophomore year in college. My only complaint is still having to go to the bathroom more than usual due to the amount of water you have to drink but that's not too bad compared to what I could be complaining about.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Day 2-8
I know that I have been slack on posting these last few days but to be honest the past 7 days have been pretty much the same. I will be continuing a day-to-day blog starting today though. So without further delay...let us begin.
During day 2 I still had my headache, it was not as intense but it was still there. The only time it was a major issue was when it was combined with a hunger headache. My days become filled with greens, oranges, and browns as I was constantly filling my hunger with carrots, spinach, cucumbers, and brown rice. During day 2 the food was good and my attitude was still positive due to the fact that I was already feeling a change in my system. The only thing that was annoying (besides the headaches) was the constant visits to the restroom from all the water I was drinking.
Day 3 was not much different from day two. My headache was starting to go away and it was not really intense unless I was hungry, which was starting to be more frequent and I was starting to crave more than the normal diet of a rabbit. The supplements were starting to become a habit to take; wake up, take my supplements, drink water, go to the bathroom, repeat at lunch and dinner. They were not too bad to take so I really didn't mind. The big change that I was starting to have during this day was that I was becoming more appreciative of spices to cook with to add a little variety.
Day 4 came with some good feelings and that was because my headache was finally gone. Now if you are reading this keep in mind that I was very reliant on my sweet tea and I did not wean myself off from it like instructed by my wife and Dr. Tori. But now the only time I felt a headache was when I was hungry and the intensity of that hungry was not growing any longer. I started mixing up my veggie and fruit snacks to add some variety to my day and I was eating something small every two hours, which was helping to satisfy my hungry. The other thing that was starting to help me was that my wife and I were walking at least 30-45 minutes every day. This little bit of exercise has made the hungry pains decrease and it gave me a little more energy to make it to the next "eating time".
Day 5 and 6 were pretty much the same. I have been continuing my exercise regiment and I no longer had any headaches. The eating, supplement taking, and exercise schedules have become a happy habit to have. I was not as hungry as my body was starting to adjust to the food that I was eating. The only tips I would have for someone is to really looking into some different recipes. Keeping the menu fresh is key during this time. This way you are not as bored eating the same old thing day after day. I did also find out that by mixing the SP Complete with coconut oil and a packet of stevia with almond milk separate from my mixed fruit for my shakes helped decrease the lumps and dry power taste that the SP Complete can provide. This has made my shakes a little more enjoyable.
As day 7 and 8 started the exercise routine was starting to become an enjoyable activity instead of just a task. I weighted myself for the first time and I have lost 8 pounds. I do feel better and I have been able to keep my hungry under control. The one thing that I have noticed is that the food options, no matter how many different ways I change things up, have started to become boring. I have come to the realization that these next few days (until day 11 when I can introduce chicken, fish, and beef) that you just have to push through the day and enjoy the food as much as you can. The one hint I can provide is to not look at Pintrest or the Food Network during this time. The temptation is higher to "cheat" but in order to get the full benefits of the detox you must resist the urge. I have found that by keeping myself busy with home and work tasks along with increasing the challenge level of my exercise routine, I have been able to keep mind mine off of food and the urge to eat more than needed. I can say that by exercising right before dinner that no matter how boring the meal may be, it is always satisfying because of the exercise.
Now onto Day 9 and one day closer to that Day 11 spot where I can enjoy the taste of meat!
I know that I have been slack on posting these last few days but to be honest the past 7 days have been pretty much the same. I will be continuing a day-to-day blog starting today though. So without further delay...let us begin.
During day 2 I still had my headache, it was not as intense but it was still there. The only time it was a major issue was when it was combined with a hunger headache. My days become filled with greens, oranges, and browns as I was constantly filling my hunger with carrots, spinach, cucumbers, and brown rice. During day 2 the food was good and my attitude was still positive due to the fact that I was already feeling a change in my system. The only thing that was annoying (besides the headaches) was the constant visits to the restroom from all the water I was drinking.
Day 3 was not much different from day two. My headache was starting to go away and it was not really intense unless I was hungry, which was starting to be more frequent and I was starting to crave more than the normal diet of a rabbit. The supplements were starting to become a habit to take; wake up, take my supplements, drink water, go to the bathroom, repeat at lunch and dinner. They were not too bad to take so I really didn't mind. The big change that I was starting to have during this day was that I was becoming more appreciative of spices to cook with to add a little variety.
Day 4 came with some good feelings and that was because my headache was finally gone. Now if you are reading this keep in mind that I was very reliant on my sweet tea and I did not wean myself off from it like instructed by my wife and Dr. Tori. But now the only time I felt a headache was when I was hungry and the intensity of that hungry was not growing any longer. I started mixing up my veggie and fruit snacks to add some variety to my day and I was eating something small every two hours, which was helping to satisfy my hungry. The other thing that was starting to help me was that my wife and I were walking at least 30-45 minutes every day. This little bit of exercise has made the hungry pains decrease and it gave me a little more energy to make it to the next "eating time".
Day 5 and 6 were pretty much the same. I have been continuing my exercise regiment and I no longer had any headaches. The eating, supplement taking, and exercise schedules have become a happy habit to have. I was not as hungry as my body was starting to adjust to the food that I was eating. The only tips I would have for someone is to really looking into some different recipes. Keeping the menu fresh is key during this time. This way you are not as bored eating the same old thing day after day. I did also find out that by mixing the SP Complete with coconut oil and a packet of stevia with almond milk separate from my mixed fruit for my shakes helped decrease the lumps and dry power taste that the SP Complete can provide. This has made my shakes a little more enjoyable.
As day 7 and 8 started the exercise routine was starting to become an enjoyable activity instead of just a task. I weighted myself for the first time and I have lost 8 pounds. I do feel better and I have been able to keep my hungry under control. The one thing that I have noticed is that the food options, no matter how many different ways I change things up, have started to become boring. I have come to the realization that these next few days (until day 11 when I can introduce chicken, fish, and beef) that you just have to push through the day and enjoy the food as much as you can. The one hint I can provide is to not look at Pintrest or the Food Network during this time. The temptation is higher to "cheat" but in order to get the full benefits of the detox you must resist the urge. I have found that by keeping myself busy with home and work tasks along with increasing the challenge level of my exercise routine, I have been able to keep mind mine off of food and the urge to eat more than needed. I can say that by exercising right before dinner that no matter how boring the meal may be, it is always satisfying because of the exercise.
Now onto Day 9 and one day closer to that Day 11 spot where I can enjoy the taste of meat!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Day 1
I knew getting into the detox program that it was not going to be a simple process. I expected that there would be a hunger for my usual foods that I would not be able to satisfy and I knew that I would experience headaches due to my enjoyment of caffeine refreshments. I expected a hard walk through the next 21 days but to be honest with you day 1 was not that bad. I will not lie and say that it was a life-changing experience right off the bat but instead it was a feeling of accomplishment that I did make it through day 1.
For day one I started off with the required supplements and snacked on veggies and fruits every other hour just to satisfy my grumbling stomach. Everything wasn't too bad and that is when the mid-point of my day came along and with it came a small, yet annoying headache. I was expecting this and knew that taking an Aspirin or Advil was out of the question so I kept myself busy with my daily tasks. That evening the headache grew worse and it because almost like a migraine. I did drink more than the required amount of water and I did eat until I was satisfied but my body craved the missing caffeine that I spoiled it with for some many years. That night's sleep was restless and uncomfortable.
My advice to anyone that wants to do this detox is to give yourself 2 weeks prior to the starting date to wean yourself off of caffeine drinks. This will help with any potential headaches or discomfort.
I've been told that day 1 is not so bad but day 2 through 4 are the worse so we shall see.
I knew getting into the detox program that it was not going to be a simple process. I expected that there would be a hunger for my usual foods that I would not be able to satisfy and I knew that I would experience headaches due to my enjoyment of caffeine refreshments. I expected a hard walk through the next 21 days but to be honest with you day 1 was not that bad. I will not lie and say that it was a life-changing experience right off the bat but instead it was a feeling of accomplishment that I did make it through day 1.
For day one I started off with the required supplements and snacked on veggies and fruits every other hour just to satisfy my grumbling stomach. Everything wasn't too bad and that is when the mid-point of my day came along and with it came a small, yet annoying headache. I was expecting this and knew that taking an Aspirin or Advil was out of the question so I kept myself busy with my daily tasks. That evening the headache grew worse and it because almost like a migraine. I did drink more than the required amount of water and I did eat until I was satisfied but my body craved the missing caffeine that I spoiled it with for some many years. That night's sleep was restless and uncomfortable.
My advice to anyone that wants to do this detox is to give yourself 2 weeks prior to the starting date to wean yourself off of caffeine drinks. This will help with any potential headaches or discomfort.
I've been told that day 1 is not so bad but day 2 through 4 are the worse so we shall see.
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