Challenge Summary

I finished the challenge on June 24th and wanted to leave with a couple of closing comments. Summary of my challenge...I lost 7 lbs and 5 inches. Most of the inches were in my stomach. I feel like the cleanse phase of the challenge was the most beneficial. I completely stopped dairy and will continue to do so. I feel a ton less bloated and gassy...so that is a huge win. I feel like the challenge showed me quite a few things:
--I need to drink tons more water.
--I need to leave dairy out of my diet and make sure I get calcium in other foods.
--I need to constantly have fruits and salads ready to go. When they are cut up and ready, I eat them. When they aren't, I look for crackers and other stupid carbs.
--I feel better when I eat better. I know this sounds dumb, but it is so true.

I hope this blog will help you out if you are on the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. If I can be of any help, please email me. Thanks for looking in and good luck.

Theresa chimes back in...

Okay...I was a little frustrated on Day 17 because I gained 2 pounds. Everything I read said that the second phase is the weight loss phase. I haven't lost anything since a couple days into phase two. I am not weighting myself until Saturday morning...when it is all said and done. I don't want to be distracted and fall off the wagon if I get on the scale now and find out that I haven't lost those 2 lbs. I am still 7 lbs. down since June 1...so, I need to get that in my head and be happy. Okay....probably too much info about how my brain works. Off for now...

Kendra again...

It's day 22 and the end is definately in sight!  Overall I think it is going well.  I am feeling healthier and energized.  I'm ready to stop taking all the pills and having to keep track of when to take what, but other than that, it really hasn't been a terribly hard program to follow.  I have hopefully developed some habits that I will take with me beyond the 24 days.  Such as snacking on nuts and hardboiled egss instead of empty carbs.  I like the breakfast bars and the chocolate meal replacement shakes too.  I am a bit nervous about reintroducing some foods back into my diet (cereal, bread) even on a more limited basis, for fear of losing the gains I have made on the challenge.  Don't get me wrong, I fully plan on enjoying those things!  The idea of a planned cheat day is also a bit scary, but from everything I have read, is an important piece of keeping my metabolism working.  I believe day 25 is a cheat day --- there will be cereal and french fries!!!

Day 13, 14 & 15

These days have gone by well. I really like the chocolate protein shakes...didnt' think I would. Not feeling hungry at all, which is good for everyone, especially my husband!

Day 12

Lost 2 lbs this morning. It always feels good when you wake up to that! It kinda energizes me for the day too. Had my first restaurant dinner since this began. Ate at Applebees (http://www.applebees.com/menulanding.aspx) with Kendra (who is also on this). I had a steak , side salad with Fat Free Italian on side (just dipped my fork in it every now and then for taste) and some steamed veggies. I was really full and satisfied. That much protein felt great. Oh, I did happen to see the dessert menu off to the side (my weakness!), but tucked it under menu so I would'nt even think about it. Plus, it's easier to ignore it when you have someone else on the program with you. Oh, Kendra had Tilapia with a salsa topping, steamed broccoli and a side salad too. It was easier to order off the menu than I thought it would be.

Kendra Finally Speaks...

Hey this is Kendra.  My husband, Rolf and I are doing the 24 day challenge with Theresa. My main goal for the 24 days are 3 fold.  One, boost my energy.  Two, jump start my metabolism.  Three, tone and build lean muscle. I'm not looking to lose lots of weight, but a couple pounds (4-5) would feel good.

 I am on day 13.  The experience so far has been interesting.  Some things I have noticed -- A) I am suprisingly not hungry, in fact, I sometimes have little appetite at all.  B) Although I sometimes want to grab a handful of cereal or goldfish crackers, I don't really feel like I'm "missing" anything. (Except my diet coke!) C) It's a ton of water to drink!! Be ready to pee a TON!  D) I found the fiber drink to be disqusting, but I can choke down 8 ounces of anything if I know it is going to make me healthier.  Besides there were only 6 of them. E) It is much easier to do this with someone that alone.  Rolf and I are shopping together and planning meals together.  Also helps when temptation strikes.  F) Seeing results is a great motivator! G) Eating out isn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would be, eating fast food is a challenge! H) Day 11-24 has lots of pills to swallow, I don't think I am eating enough calories, so am feeling a bit funny.  Planning to journal a couple of days to make sure I am eating enough.   I) Still waiting for the energy boost, hoping it comes in days 11-24.  Clearly my metabolism is working better as I have already lost my goal weight! 

Overall, very happy with the program and glad I am on this journey (most of the time!)

Day 11 - First Day of Phase 2

Had to take a bunch of pills, but I know they are really good for me. There were amino acids, fiber, metabolism boosters, energy boosters...they were easy to swallow and didn't have any bad "after taste"...so it's all good.

Day 10 - Last Day of Cleanse

It is finally here. It has been a quick 10 days...and a good 10 days. I am ready for a change though. I am kinda sick of the Fiber Drink...even though in a weird way, it felt like I was doing my body good by taking it. Ready for Day 11! Total weight loss for 10 Day Cleanse = 7 lbs!

Day 9

Lost 2 more pounds...yesterday's anguish and focus paid off. Now it makes it worth it not to have given in to my cravings. Yeah me!

Day 8

This was the hardest day for me so far. I just couldn't feel full. I just wanted to eat something sweet...not fruit...more like ice cream! Maintained control, but felt like I had to talk myself through the day...more than any other day so far. Went to bed early!

Day 7

Hung out with Kendra and Rolf Nelson...who are doing the challenge with me. It felt good to be with people who are trying to eat really healthy and drink a ton of water (the only problem was competing for the bathroom!). They are doing great as well...Rolf is missing pop (and beer) the most. He golfed all day with coworkers and just drank water...that was hard for him but he did it. Short term loss for Long term gain!

Day 6

Lost 5 pounds so far. That just charges me up. It was a little hard with company here, but I stuck to it. The hardest for me was at night when we played cards. Everyone else was eating snacks and drinking some Sangria's. I snacked on a rice cake...which made me feel like I was eating popcorn and then cut up an apple just to keep snacking on something. I miss my favorite alcoholic dring...Crown Royal and Diet Vernors. I can have one at Day 11 though!

Day 5

Took a Spark first thing this morning before run. Ran really well (for me anyway!) and felt good. Ran the 5K in 35 minutes. I had to walk a little here and there...a big hill on the 2nd mile took it all out of me. When I got to the top, I could see Notre Dame stadium and was exctied to run in. When I was done, I even went back and walked a 5K with my sister-in-law and girls. Great day.

Day 3 and 4

Nothing to report. Loving how I feel. Peeing all the time from drinking so much water. Sleeping really well and training (which I began before 24 Day Challenge) to run in Sunburst 2010 5K, which is tomorrow.

Day 2

Actually feeling really well. Have tons of energy from the Spark and haven't had any headaches...which I usually get once I try cutting my calories back.

Day 1

Today went better than I thought. I was most worried about the Fiber Drink (Kendra had given me a heads up that it gagged her ;), but I mixed it quickly and swigged it down. It tasted good and didn't cause me any problems. I think she let her sit too long. I have been peeing and pooping...which is good. This might be too much info, but you'll get it all here!

Starting Measurements and Photo (augh!!)

Here it goes...

Starting Weight: 162.2

Right Arm: 12 "

Shoulders: 42"

Chest: 37"

Hips: 40"
Right Thigh: 23.5"
Right Calf: 15"
Total Inches: 206.5