Well day 5 is coming to a close and I think I am getting the hang of my cleanse lifestyle. I had a great conversation with my cleanse coach this afternoon and I got a lot of questions answered. I start the new week with clarity and determination. I hadn't thought about logging my nutritional intake until today so I am excited about starting that tomorrow. Keeping a food journal has always helped me balance my nutrition and keep calories in perspective, so I think this will further keep me in check.
We also spoke about the importance of snacking at least every 2.5 hrs to keep blood sugar stabilized and metabolism up. The key here for me has been snacking on a controlled small portion, where my tendency before was a bowl of oatmeal or cliff bar. Recommended snacks on this cleanse are a couple of snack wafers (25cal), an Isadelight chocolate (50), 2-4 raw almonds, or organic carrots/celery. They have been just enough to keep me from feeling hungry and also don't trigger any other cravings.
I have a new evening treat... a big cup of chamomile tea with a scoop of Ionix Supreme. It is so satisfying, I feel like I am drinking a variation of hot apple cider.
So this 30 day cleanse is not as daunting as it sounds. It is just a jump start to get reacquainted with healthy lifestyle habits with a system to ensure maximum nutrition and controlled caloric intake.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Day 3 - 1st Cleanse Day
The 30 day program includes 4 cleanse days. A cleanse day consists of drinking 4oz of the Cleanse for Life supplement 4 times throughout the day, snacks every few hours and then the Ionix drink and supplements as usual. Oh, and of course a lot of water.
So typically Sunday would be my cleanse day because that is my day off from running, but this week I had to move my long run to Sunday so I decided to do it today.
The Cleanse for Life drink is quite medicinal in taste so I have had to take it like a shot and then drink a glass of water afterwards. In addition to all its cleansing agents its packed with B vitamins which has kept my energy levels very stable today. I used the wafer snacks that came with the cleanse as well as the Isadelight chocolates for my snacks as needed. I'm actually quite impressed. I've done different types of fasts before and definitely experience some weakness, hunger and even dizziness. Thinking about it, I didn't experience any of those today. I have felt really strong all day, maybe the best I have felt on the cleanse yet. Maybe all the nutrients are taking effect in my body. I know that the chocolates have helped a lot. It is funny, I have never really liked dark chocolate so when I first tasted these I seriously considered giving them away. But now I love them and they give me the energy and mood boost that I need. Actually I read that Gillian Michels eats 200 calories of dark chocolate every day.
3 days down, 27 to go! I will weigh and take my measurements on Day 8 so stay tuned. :)
So typically Sunday would be my cleanse day because that is my day off from running, but this week I had to move my long run to Sunday so I decided to do it today.
The Cleanse for Life drink is quite medicinal in taste so I have had to take it like a shot and then drink a glass of water afterwards. In addition to all its cleansing agents its packed with B vitamins which has kept my energy levels very stable today. I used the wafer snacks that came with the cleanse as well as the Isadelight chocolates for my snacks as needed. I'm actually quite impressed. I've done different types of fasts before and definitely experience some weakness, hunger and even dizziness. Thinking about it, I didn't experience any of those today. I have felt really strong all day, maybe the best I have felt on the cleanse yet. Maybe all the nutrients are taking effect in my body. I know that the chocolates have helped a lot. It is funny, I have never really liked dark chocolate so when I first tasted these I seriously considered giving them away. But now I love them and they give me the energy and mood boost that I need. Actually I read that Gillian Michels eats 200 calories of dark chocolate every day.
3 days down, 27 to go! I will weigh and take my measurements on Day 8 so stay tuned. :)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A Healthy Thanksgiving
A lot of people thought I was crazy for starting a cleanse the day before Thanksgiving, the one day of the year that we pig out on turkey and pumpkin pie. Well, those of you who are around me a lot would definitely agree with the crazy comments. You see, my idea of fun is a 20 mile trail run... at 6am... and 20 degrees outside. Okay, okay, I digress. Back to Thanksgiving.
This is what I love about the Isagenix program. I can incorporate it into my regular lifestyle even during the holidays. I don't have to feel deprived and will still keep on track with my weight loss goals. So this is what my day looked like:
I woke up and made my shake. I added my Ionix drink mix that I usually drink separately because I was in a hurry and the shake tasted great. I then left for a 1 hour stadium climb workout. At about 11am I had a couple Isadelight chocolates because I was feeling like I needed to snack on something and knew that it was still going to be 2 or 3 hours before lunch. I think I am starting to like dark chocolate.
Fortunately I was preparing our Thanksgiving meal so I got to make some healthy modifications.
1. 99% lean turkey breast baked with olive oil, pepper and herbs
2. steamed sweet potato with cinnamon (about 1/2 a cup)
3. steamed carrots, peas and a little corn
I had another couple chocolates a little later. I guess it is one of those days where I have needed the boost. I have also drunk a lot of water today.
Sandy and I then went for a walk around the lake and for dinner I had a chocolate shake. I will have my Ionix drink a little later. Last night I mixed it with warm water so it was like sipping on pear flavored tea.
So almost done with day 2 and feeling great. Ready for a great day tomorrow!!!
This is what I love about the Isagenix program. I can incorporate it into my regular lifestyle even during the holidays. I don't have to feel deprived and will still keep on track with my weight loss goals. So this is what my day looked like:
I woke up and made my shake. I added my Ionix drink mix that I usually drink separately because I was in a hurry and the shake tasted great. I then left for a 1 hour stadium climb workout. At about 11am I had a couple Isadelight chocolates because I was feeling like I needed to snack on something and knew that it was still going to be 2 or 3 hours before lunch. I think I am starting to like dark chocolate.
Fortunately I was preparing our Thanksgiving meal so I got to make some healthy modifications.
1. 99% lean turkey breast baked with olive oil, pepper and herbs
2. steamed sweet potato with cinnamon (about 1/2 a cup)
3. steamed carrots, peas and a little corn
I had another couple chocolates a little later. I guess it is one of those days where I have needed the boost. I have also drunk a lot of water today.
Sandy and I then went for a walk around the lake and for dinner I had a chocolate shake. I will have my Ionix drink a little later. Last night I mixed it with warm water so it was like sipping on pear flavored tea.
So almost done with day 2 and feeling great. Ready for a great day tomorrow!!!
Always Thankful...
"In all things give thanks"
I am definitely an advocate for the Attitude of Gratitude! Its easy to be thankful for the good things in life, but we are able to live at a whole new level when we are thankful for ALL things in our lives... yes, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Here's the thing: Gaining weight, being overweight, not fitting into jeans, feeling self conscious, etc. just plain SUCKS, doesn't it? Well, I boldly proclaim today "Praise God for my struggles with weight!!!" I struggled with my weight in high school and college, but in overcoming it I became super passionate about fitness, running and nutrition. And because of the positive changes in my life I became passionate about helping other women overcome their health challenges.
I love the affirmation "Your greatest struggle will become your greatest victory." For me it has been more that my greatest struggle has become my greatest passion. Yes, I have experienced many victories in my health and fitness, but I have always had the underlying weight struggle.
So even though I am coming out of a tough few months, I give thanks more than ever. I love how my Father in Heaven allows the struggle to set me up for the greater victory. I honestly feel that all circumstances have brought me to a place emotionally and physically where I am on the home stretch of experiencing lasting victory!
I am so thankful that I found the information on this cleanse because it is exactly what I needed to get me out of the negative cycle that I was in and jump start me into a positive cycle. Thanks also to my wonderful coach who is helping me every step of the way. Her personal story and weight loss have inspired me.
The biggest reason that I am thankful for my struggles is that it gives me a platform to help others with similar challenges. I am able to relate first hand and then set an example for them to follow. My prayer is that this 30 day journey will inspire others to join me and experience their own victories. I believe in my success and I wholeheartedly believe in yours.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
I am definitely an advocate for the Attitude of Gratitude! Its easy to be thankful for the good things in life, but we are able to live at a whole new level when we are thankful for ALL things in our lives... yes, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Here's the thing: Gaining weight, being overweight, not fitting into jeans, feeling self conscious, etc. just plain SUCKS, doesn't it? Well, I boldly proclaim today "Praise God for my struggles with weight!!!" I struggled with my weight in high school and college, but in overcoming it I became super passionate about fitness, running and nutrition. And because of the positive changes in my life I became passionate about helping other women overcome their health challenges.
I love the affirmation "Your greatest struggle will become your greatest victory." For me it has been more that my greatest struggle has become my greatest passion. Yes, I have experienced many victories in my health and fitness, but I have always had the underlying weight struggle.
So even though I am coming out of a tough few months, I give thanks more than ever. I love how my Father in Heaven allows the struggle to set me up for the greater victory. I honestly feel that all circumstances have brought me to a place emotionally and physically where I am on the home stretch of experiencing lasting victory!
I am so thankful that I found the information on this cleanse because it is exactly what I needed to get me out of the negative cycle that I was in and jump start me into a positive cycle. Thanks also to my wonderful coach who is helping me every step of the way. Her personal story and weight loss have inspired me.
The biggest reason that I am thankful for my struggles is that it gives me a platform to help others with similar challenges. I am able to relate first hand and then set an example for them to follow. My prayer is that this 30 day journey will inspire others to join me and experience their own victories. I believe in my success and I wholeheartedly believe in yours.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day 1 - A New Beginning!
I love the opportunity to draw a line in the sand, to start fresh. I am so super excited I can hardly stand it! My first day on the cleanse has gone well. So let me share the basics of my day:
I started the day with the Ionix Supreme drink and a couple of capsules, one to boost metabolism and the other for intestinal cleansing. A little while later I blended a vanilla shake for breakfast and I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious and satisfying it was. I had a great workout at the gym too!!
For lunch I had tilapia, avocado, steamed carrots and peas. Yummy :) And then another shake for dinner with the supplements.
An interesting thought: I realized today that I was 20lbs heavier in the marathon I ran a couple of weeks ago than when I ran the one in February. Wow! Can you imagine running 26.2 miles carrying 2 10lb dumbbells?
I started the day with the Ionix Supreme drink and a couple of capsules, one to boost metabolism and the other for intestinal cleansing. A little while later I blended a vanilla shake for breakfast and I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious and satisfying it was. I had a great workout at the gym too!!
For lunch I had tilapia, avocado, steamed carrots and peas. Yummy :) And then another shake for dinner with the supplements.
An interesting thought: I realized today that I was 20lbs heavier in the marathon I ran a couple of weeks ago than when I ran the one in February. Wow! Can you imagine running 26.2 miles carrying 2 10lb dumbbells?
Confessions
The worst part about starting this cleanse was the daunting task of weighing myself. So I should probably spill the story behind this since most of you know me as the super fit and healthy Brigitte that I should be.
In March of this year I was feeling fabulous. I had run a marathon in February, my running business was amazingly rewarding and was feeling lean, fit and healthy. Then some things started falling apart around me. I'm not exactly sure why, but I had a hard time emotionally processing some things that were going on. I am embarrassed to confess that an emotional eating coping mechanism from my past reared its ugly head. This only further catapulted me into a negative emotional cycle. I immediately went to a therapist as well as a dietitian. Sadly, I think things got worse. My therapist thought this was a result of me being too pure and strict with my eating and encouraged me to relax a bit. Some suggestions were to not weigh myself, enjoy food, not count calories, protein, etc.
So fast forward to now. I have gained 20 lbs since March. My metabolism seems to be shot since even though I log 40 - 50 miles a week, I have not been able to lose this weight.
I remember a couple of weeks ago feeling so frustrated and defeated. I found myself in tears praying out to God for help. That night I walked into my gym and right in front of me was a table displaying some supplement type products. I was waiting for a couple of my runners so I strolled up to the table. I am always interested in finding good quality vitamins and supplements so I thought I would check it out. Well the lady at the table proceeds to tell me about cleansing and that she lost 24lbs in 30 days. A ray of hope shone on me that instant.
So here I am in my journey, starting a new chapter today... day 1 of my cleanse!
In March of this year I was feeling fabulous. I had run a marathon in February, my running business was amazingly rewarding and was feeling lean, fit and healthy. Then some things started falling apart around me. I'm not exactly sure why, but I had a hard time emotionally processing some things that were going on. I am embarrassed to confess that an emotional eating coping mechanism from my past reared its ugly head. This only further catapulted me into a negative emotional cycle. I immediately went to a therapist as well as a dietitian. Sadly, I think things got worse. My therapist thought this was a result of me being too pure and strict with my eating and encouraged me to relax a bit. Some suggestions were to not weigh myself, enjoy food, not count calories, protein, etc.
So fast forward to now. I have gained 20 lbs since March. My metabolism seems to be shot since even though I log 40 - 50 miles a week, I have not been able to lose this weight.
I remember a couple of weeks ago feeling so frustrated and defeated. I found myself in tears praying out to God for help. That night I walked into my gym and right in front of me was a table displaying some supplement type products. I was waiting for a couple of my runners so I strolled up to the table. I am always interested in finding good quality vitamins and supplements so I thought I would check it out. Well the lady at the table proceeds to tell me about cleansing and that she lost 24lbs in 30 days. A ray of hope shone on me that instant.
So here I am in my journey, starting a new chapter today... day 1 of my cleanse!
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