Two weeks on this Cleanse, and I have to say it feels like it's been a lot longer! I'm so glad I am doing it, and I'm going to try and do it twice a year for years to come. My husband George and I are planning to do it together in the fall!
The first week was definitely the hardest. I love eating fruits and vegetables, but having really on other options besides a small amount of brown rice or lentils, and the SP Complete Shakes, it got old kind of fast. So I was very excited by Day 11 when I could add meat back into my diet. I made a simple chicken stir fry with organic chicken, peppers, onions and zucchini, and it was so tasty!
This past week has been so busy with exams at school, a phish concert, Bruins, etc, that it has gotten easier. Plus I finally got a battery for my scale and I've lost about 7 pounds. My clothes are fitting better and I feel much better about wearing a bathing suit. I still have more to go, but after having some results I feel like I can do it. It's amazing how much having the right foods and nutrients can help!
When you do a Cleanse, it helps to clean out and detoxify your organs (the Standard Process Cleanse helps detoxify your Liver, Kidneys, and Intestines). By doing that, the energy of your organs can focus on their jobs, instead of getting rid of toxins, which can lead to improved weight management. Other benefits include less bloating, clearer skin, more energy, and help with past conditions such as PMS or digestive problems.
There are many ways to do a Cleanse, some of them are harsher, more about fasting. What I like about the Standard Process Cleanse, is that it really helps you to think about making some life changes. Before I did this, I never wanted to diet. I thought since I work out a good amount, I should be able to enjoy the foods that I want. But being married, and comfortable, it's very easy to over do it with eating a drinking. I never wanted to make the commitment to go on a diet, because I thought it would be horrible. Although some of the days, I really, REALLY wanted to cheat and it other food, I made it through, and ended up enjoying lots of foods. I realized that when I'm craving something sweet, instead of looking for candy or a cookie, I can eat a delicious piece of fruit. I've been having fun with the shakes, and am going to keep having one a day, 3-6 days a week. I've learned new meals to make and have gotten into the habit (though forced) of having fruits and veggies for snacks, instead of junk food.
My last day is a week from today and I am planning a nice dinner for George and I. But I'm also really excited to figure out a new way to eat that I can stick with. Keeping some things I learned from the Cleanse, while adding in more foods, and seeing what works with my body.
Happy Eating!
wow, congrats on the weight loss! that's awesome (not that you needed it!) I was really hesitant to do the calorie counting thing as part of the challenge for the same reasons, but it has taught me SO much already, and it's more a way of life than something I'll stop after this is done. I feel better, I can see results and if I weighed myself, I'd guess there are results there too ;-)
ReplyDeleteAgree with everything Jo said (duh) and am so proud of you too! What an awesome experience for you - a good challenge, and a learning moment all rolled into one. Go you!
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